t-max, DGrant gave you all good advice. You can never make the landing gear mount area "too strong"! A little extra well placed wood in that area is smart, and the small amount of additional weight is not a factor as it's very near the C/G. You're doing a nice job, keep it up. What are you going to use for covering? I would steer you away from Monokote and suggest using Ultracote. Have you seen "K.C.'s" fax T-28 that I recovered for him? That's Ultracote! I'am pleased to see you doing so well in both your flying and taking on a kit build. Good job! Regards, 52larry52