Dave-

Knowing that your ultimate goal is to get your matching pair of Coverite Black Baron Specials in the air, why don't you go with a cheaper trainer, like the Tower Hobbies Tower Trainer 40 MK II ARF. It's about half the price of the LT-40?

To convert any trainer with wire landing gear to taildragger, you will want to purchase a sturdier set of main gear like [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNM65&P=0]this[/link] and a tailwheel setup like [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFV46&P=0]this.[/link] You will mount the main gear so the axles are right around the leading edge of the wing. You will need to add plywood reinforcement to the fuselage at the area where the new gear is located. Hooking up steering for the tailwheel may be a bit of a trick, but I'msure someone can advise on that.

Regards,
Scott