One other tip you might want to consider is using nylon 1/4" screws for the landing gear. I have been a victim and have seen just toooooo many minor landing incidents that rip the whole thing apart.

This was probably a placebo for me because since I switched to nylon's, I have only made perfect 3 point landings. Prior to that, I managed to break the hard-wood block a couple of times (mostly because I use a grass runway which is full of mole holes).

BTW, I've had over 70 flights in my US 40 and the engine mount has been cracked for as long as I remember.