Mike

Thanks you much for the info.  We do have asphalt for a runway.  Your comments about grass is enlightning.
Haven't had a grass field since I left Ohio. Anyway I have mixed emotions about a soft strut. My instincts like the fact they will bend in the event of a hard landing rather than maybe ripping them out of the wing.  I will pick up some "Music" wire and make up a set of struts. I will also use what I have and give it a try on asphalt and see what happens. Sometimes my "hard nose" gets in the way of reality but a couple of flights will tell the story.

Thanks again for your comments. They are appreciated

Jim W