Ditch the retracts?... Makes no sense at all. If you're going to do that you may as well just save the headaches and get a modern fixed gear pattern design.
There's something about the pattern designs of that era. Unfortunately there's probably people weighing in on this that have never witnessed an aircraft like that fly the pattern with the gear up. I've flown the newer electric pattern stuff....really great flying planes......Guess it's just my personal opinion but I much prefer the appearance with the gear up.