I just finished up a P 51 with mechanical retracts. Upon balancing the plane I noticed that with the gear down, it balances slightly nose heavy, but with the gear up, it levels out. Is this acceptable or normal? I balanced it on the Great Planes Balancer upside down according to the instructions at 125mm from leading edge where the wing meets the fuselage. Looks kinda neat hanging there rocking back and forth. Gear down, nose down. Gear up nose level. Do I have a problem or is this normal? First retractable gear.

Howdy!

It sounds like it is built in that way at any rate. A tad nose heavy for takeoffs and landing will add some stability anyway, especially when the tank gets close to empty.

Fly and enjoy!

Ernie

Thanks Ernie, thought I had something strange going on. I could understand the movement if the gear retracted forward or back but not sideways. Anyway thanks again, I'll give her a try.

The coolest thing in the world is to hang your plane from a TINY eyebolt that is screwed in right on the CG..... if possible. It looks like the plane is flying, and also checks the lateral balance at the same time!

Ernie