Some of the people doing the massive mods are doing so because they want to make it more scale yes. Also, since as yet, there is no oleo strut equipped retract set available for this plane that fits without major rework, this is another reason why a few have torn open the wing and are installing something that IS available...hence relocating the gear rails and such.

BUT I have been working with a manufacturer to get some retracts made specifically for this plane that will be close to scale as possible while still using the existing mounts without cutting anything and they will include the 3-5 degree forward rake that the CMP rail/strut channel has.
In fact, I sent half of my wing as well as the black spinner to this company so they could build the retracts to suit the plane exactly and come up with a metal spinnner(3 blade).
So, stay tuned for the retract setup. They should be a drop in fit. For the spinner, please let me know who might be interested. A total number of ppl who would order one would be helpful to the company so they know how much the demand may or may not be.
I should have the retracts in hand by next week.
The spinner....i dont have a time frame on yet.