Some Tipos had less anhedral (even flat) and lower stabs. Skids on the stab and/or wing tips are a good idea anyway. If the engine is mounted inverted or 45 down/pipe to belly it uses the space/longer nose moment in the chin area. Having a nose gear can cost around a quarter pound in the AUW as well as added complexity. Unless a builder wants to make an exact (side mt. engine, excess anhedral, trike gear, 8+#) copy, there is no reason not to build it as he desires. After all. It is 'his' airplane.

Terry in LP