I've got one of the Model Merchants El Gringo kits that was supplied by Don Downing in the late 70's and early 80's. I flew a scratch built one in the early 70's with a Kraft radio and the retracts were Never Fail Landing Gear built in Houston. The only way to get the nose gear locked down was to do a square inside loop before landing. Great flying airplane but Ted could always fly it better.

Dwayne Brown