One of the major concerns I have with my particular 1/2 VW is the limited power of 32 HP turning a short 52″ or 54″ prop. The actual amount of thrust (likely 125-135 lbs) doesn’t even compare to a 28 hp Rotax 277 w/ 2.58 reduction turning a 60×28 prop and get 160 lbs of thrust. Or a 32 hp Kawasaki 340 w/ a 2.9:1 reduction turning a 72″ prop and get 210 lbs of thrust. This is where two strokes dominate.
Here is a video showing a guy with a 1/2 VW powered minimax. As you know the minimax is almost identical to the Ragwing except for a midwing configuration rather than parasol. The video shows a very under powered airplane stalling in a shallow climb and mushing into the ground.