Hi Pete,

I'm using Hobbico 10 size mains. They are light, inexpensive and seem right for this size model. For the nose gear I'll use a Robart 1/2A gear. I could have used Robart 1/2A all around but I recently used the mains on another model and getting the linkage installed was rather complex. Also, your rails need to be notched to pass the gear which weakens the support. In short, the Hobbico mains are easier to install and I believe better designed. They also fit the ply mounting plates per plans to a T.

The only thing about this size retract is that they come with 3/32" struts. 1/8" would be preferable as the wheels I like for these size models (Dave Brown Lectra Lites) come predrilled for 1/8". However, I plan to use 1/8" GP axles as bending struts is not something I enjoy and they also solve the wheel problem. I suppose a short piece of brass tubing over the strut inside the axle holder will take care of the misfit.

http://www.robart.com/retracts/12A.aspx

For the 20 size Tipo I chose Robart's 2 lb trike gear which are quite a bit beefier. A pneumatic version of these is also supposed to be available at some point. Maybe a nice pneumatic alternative (for a 20 size model) would be Spring Air's 602 micro's.

David.

P.S. You cores are going out first thing tomorrow morning. I'll send you a tracking #.