Hi cjordan.
I think that you have a good idea with the clear-you have to cut the covering over the wheel wells, so the left overs give you some good test pieces of covering with which to test for spray compatibility.
Interesting that you ask about the tail wheel! I couldn't figure out how to make the required 90deg bend, so I prevailed on one of my buddies to use his mill and make me a scale version of the fork from some scrap 2024 aluminum! I did not check to see if a retract version was available.
I fly now with a Graupner 14X7 three-blade on my OS 120, could go to a 15X6
You'll love the model flying, just lousy covering! ps-the nose length is a mere 4.8% longer that actual.
Jim