Ok, Simple question. ( I think) When balancing my GP Corsair 40 Kiton whichI've installed mechanical retracts, balance the model with gear up or gear down? Thanks!

Up.

Ken

How about if it is trike gear?
When that nose gear comes down it sure makes the plane nose heavy on landings.
Takeoff isn't so bad because you are retracting them asap.
It takes all the up elevator I can muster to get the plane back on to the ground.
Any suggestions?

It really shouldn't make THAT much difference. A trike with the nose gear down on landing should be less nose-heavy than that same plane with the gear up and a full tank of fuel.

Maybe you're a little nose-heavy to begin with? Try changing the CG a little at a time.

What kind of wheels? If they are heavy, try Sullivan Skylites.

Up it is. (at least for my corsair) Thanks guys!

Not so. When the wheel is lowered the weight of the tire, post, and strut are moved from the rear to the front. The front is then made heavier.
The plane is balanced right on with the gear up. Down, the nose is heavy.

When you are balancing a plane that has the gear moving towards the rear of the plane, you always balance the plane with the gear in the up position. It is true that when the gear comes down it will cause the plane to become a tad bit nose heavy, however it goes back to the old adage, a tail heavy plane fly's once, a nose heavy plane fly,s many times. Good Luck, Dave

OK, we are on the same page...I'll try a lighter tire.
Thanks for discussing it with me...I feel better now.
Ron