ORIGINAL: DougC1
The DB nose wheel retract did require that plywood stand-offs had to be attached to the rear of the firewall. A front bracket on the nose wheel extends past the mounting plane, preventing a flush fit to the firewall. I suspect that the bracket is just not bent at a sharp enough angle, as a replacement backet that was sent to me exhibited the same issue.
Another fall back to the Flying Models plans was the use of angled dowels for the front of the wing. Since the nosewheel cutout removed the center section of the bulkhead, two dowels seem to be required. With the mid-wing design, I suspect that straight dowels will eventually go oblong with the wing being removed with a downward motion before they can be pulled rearward.
I'm glad that you pointed out the DB retract protrusion problem (into the back of the firewall). I have a new set of DB retracts and a used set of Rhoms that I have accumulated. The belly mount nose gear of the Rom-Air gear will be tons easier to mount, just at a cursory glance. I can't say that the Rom-Airs will work any better or be more reliable than the DB Products retracts, which will surely be a lighter set up. That carries some weight too.
Nice job. Keep up the good work.
Ed Cregger