Ed, The reason I was attracted to the KR-1 and later the KR-2 was The Retracting Gear. My KR-1 Plans are one of Kens first ones (SN 69). When I get a chance to start on one It'll be a retract version. Bill Higdon Ed Janssen wrote "Russ,
Yes, there have been many different "improved" versions of positive lock systems devised for the up and down positions for the retracts. Most I've seen over the years worked pretty good, although some were a bit complicated to operate. Quite a few designs are discussed in the archives - you may want to check them out. Being one of the KR "old timers", I personally prefer the looks of the KR with the wheels retracted (especially Don Betchan's KR-2's highly modified retracts that completely hide out within the wings and really give the plane a sleek appearance), although the tires stick out of the bottom of the wing a couple inches or so in the original design. Conventional (fixed) gear allows a bit longer prop to be used if needed, depending on the engine configuration. The shorter retracts haven't proved to be the best choice for rough fields either, as the plane will ride just inches from the grass. Most KRs you'll see these days will have the fixed gear option, which has proven to be probably the best overall configuration with regard to safety and simplicity. Dan Diehl converted his tailwheel KR-2 to fixed gear in "one long weekend", he's stated, but most guys will no doubt take much longer to do the job. Ed Janssen"
