Question concerning CG balance. When the landing gear is in the up position it is well forward of the CG. When the gear is lowered it is still forward of the CG. In what position should the gear be located, up or down? Think about your answer, because on most warbirds, when the gear is lowered it is aft of the CG. In this configuration you balance the airframe with the gear retracted.

Look at the manual that came with the plane and I think you will find that you check the c/g with the wheels up and the plane inverted and fuel tank empty. At least that's what the 18 or 20 that I have assembled over the last couple of years have stated.
Fred

That's the acknowledge method with a standard wing configuration. The AT-6 does not fit this mold. The wing is composed of a center section and two outboard wing panels. Computing the CG is not straightforward. Retacting and extending the landing gear moves the CG either forward or backward.

Gear up. Worked for me.
Please, check and reinforce the firewall.

When in doubt always err on the side of caution. Balance it with the gear down and then adjust to suit after test flying. It will not be any problem if the CG moves forward slightly when the gear goes up.

Not sure what difference this makes. You still need to have somewhere in the neighborhood of 25-30% of the total area in front of the CG just as you would any other airplane of similar configuration.