I built a DB a couple of years ago that was set up as a tail dragger, although it flew great, it was a bear to keep from nosing over on take offs and landings. I went through a lot of props and had to patch the nose quite often.

I would recommend going with trike retracts. Or fixed gear well ahead of the leading edge. Mine had the gear about 1.5" in front of the leading edge with the gear extended. It’s doable, but I would be money that you will get frustrated and move on to other birds, I know I did. However I am planning to build a new one this winter with trike retracts. Of the three I have had (2 trike one TD) the trike geared models were much more enjoyable on the ground. I still have the TD DB it makes great decoration hanging in the basement. LOL. I decided to go with the TD to save a little weight, but trust me it’s not worth the frustration!!!! Just my 2 cents. I wish you better luck than I had if you decide to proceed with the TD set up.