I'm going with three nylon wing bolts tap'd directly through the tri-ply I've installed. Should be more than enough support with the triple layers.
Believe me guys,,,, VectorFlight is watching and listening. They are not just getting us to be payed beta testers. But standing behind their product 100%. And most importantly they are using our ideas and repair innovations to improve the planes.
John wrote me with several more ideas on this deadstick topic. Larger , softer wheels were mentioned during the engine break-in process to ease the landing a bit more. These guys really get involved with your questions and problems. I've had several other companies that seemed almost mad at me for even calling or asking a question.
I have done the repair for the most part now. The 30-minute epoxy will sit and cure over the next few days. It's a done deal.
I used the surrounding area of the original plate and installed my first 1/4" ply sheet from inside the fuel tank area. After the epoxy started to kick I added my center strip of 1/8" ply directly where the gear will attach and the holes will be drilled.
I then used a high-quality acetone based wood filler to fill any gaps or edges between the bottom and top sheets.
Then I used a generous amount of 30-min epoxy to install the last "top" 1/4" ply sheet. After it all cures I'll sand the top and give it a coat of BalsaRite fuel proofing and cover it with the extra stick-on covering VF sends with each model.
Some modelers may GASP and say,,, "That's way too much ply ,,, adding too much extra weight! " But I disagree. Plus with the 4 inch CG balance it will need the extra weight as I mentioned earlier. And I don't know about you,,,, but I'd rather add something to my plane that is of some useful nature than lead weights that do nothing but sit there.
By the way,,, John from VF read my post and wrote me to say he'd already added the new belly pan to my order. What a guy.