1. The stock VQ strut is a little large for a scale application, but it can be modified to work very well. You must completely disassemble the strut to make all of the cuts. First, cut the spring so that it’s 3 ½” long. Next cut the lower strut so that the top portion that fit’s into the top half is 1 ¾” long. Finally cut the top section so that it’s 2” long. You do have a slight amount of leeway in the wheel bay tub, but it’s not much, maybe 1/8” forward and back. Keep in mind that these are the mods needed for the scale Shindin nose retract unit, if you are installing another nose gear you will have to adjust the cuts accordingly.

2. Install the strut to the gear and test the fit. Notice how close the strut is to the cockpit floor, I hope you measured carefully!

3. I used some Model Masters Enamel Interior Green to make the wheel well look nice.

4. Now permanently install your nose gear will some sheet metal screws and install the strut, now that’s looking good!

5. Here it is retracted, now we are ready to move on to the cockpit!