RE: Retracts
MJ,
I assume that you got the nose gear retract holes drilled - if you're going to use one - of course you are...
It can be a little tricky to get a drill in there once your FW is glued in place. Worse case scenario you might have to make a larger rectangular opening for the gear and access the FW through that slot. Alternatively, you could plan on a tank plate mounted gear. I'd recommend you "build this" before you glue the tank plate in place.
Cheers, David.