"WC" wrote

Hummel's engines are running (according to their website) 37 and 45 hp
at 85 and 84 lbs (is this with exhaust?

According to some, a _full_ VW, with stock heads, putting out a constant 45
HP will melt it's valves in somewhat over 5 minutes.

Can a VW be hand cranked?

Yes.

How much does electric start add to weight?

Too much for a Texas Parasol.

Best advice out there? Look for a plan that has many copies flying, that
you can walk up to, and look at, and fly. Talk to the people who have built
them.

My guess is that the Texas Parasol plans that you have downloaded will lose
on at least one of these requirements.
--
Jim in NC