Deadeye,

You are an inspiration.............!!! I have this same model....the TF C182 that I bought in 1995.
I have the fuse almost done and the tail feathers (horizontal stab and elevators) complete.
I saw your idea about the hatch for the switches and fill stuff and decided to do the same.....it is
just too cool. Also, you made a good point about the nosegear strut from Robart so you cost me additional bucks but I agree with you about the looks and not cheating yourself on the looks and utility of the nosegear. I plan to glass the plane and paint it........this will be my first glass job and paintjob. I have been building RC planes since 1980 but this is one of my first ventures into scale.
On the subject of this thread.........I would not think of flying this plane without struts! Why build a scale airplane and then attempt to fly it as it is not intended. I am a full scale pilot as well and would not dream of flying a 172 or 182 without struts. The little extra effort to install the struts would be well worth it and make the plane look and perform like it should.

Cheers,
Andy