Building a Curare 60 and thinking about converting to a tail dragger
Should I move the mains further ahead or leave in the same position
as the tri gear would use .

Thanks

SACRILEGIOUS!!!!

I say that because I have one and wished I had never done it. She looks so much better on 3 wheels.

I did move the mains forward so the leading edge of the retract was on the CG.


Buzz.

Why would you want to change it. It was designed for a nose wheel for a reason.

As far as position goes the important part is the relationship of the wheel to the center of gravity is the important part. The axle of the wheel should be just in front of the center of gravity. Too far forward leads to poor handling. Too for back leads to nose overs. Lots of planes mount the gear blocks to the front of the wing spar. You can also rake the gear forward if you have trouble with nose overs. A tiny bit of toe in, one or two degrees, can help with ground handling. You may also need a little more weight in the nose to off set removing the weight of the nose gear and preserve the balance.

Thanks guys. Sorry didn't mean to break the code! Lol
I need to hunt up a nose wheel retract if I decide to go with the tri gear
i have a set of spring air mains that will work . I fly off a thick grass
field so there are pros and cons to each setup for sure .

Back in the day we were judged on take off and landing, what type do you think is easier to land and take off smoothly. The only trike geared pattern plane I have built in decades as a trike is a Daddy Rabbit and only because a building partner talked me into building it as stock looking as I could. Only plane I have built with the engine sticking up vertically so it can blow snot all over the plane too.
Spring air is also a good way to go, I used it in my Kaos and plan on using it on my next Dirty Birdi. I just really don't care for trike gear. The plans for the Birdi show the location for trike, fixed and retract is you want the measurements I will post them for you.

SPA and CPA both judge take off and landings, so if you are going to compete, make it easier on yourself and use the nose gear. Also, by mounting the engine up right or to starboard, is mainly for the ease of starting.

You can usually find some good bargains in Ebay for retracts.

Frank

I had a Curare 20 as a tail dragger because of weight. I used Robart 600 retracts. I put the gear rails in the D tube ribs in front of the spar. It flew locked in and ground handled well. It sold well too. I wasn't even tired of it when I got an offer. The tires were a tad in front of the leading edge. Like half way if I remember. It was a long time ago.