Hi Gordon;

I saw your comment on the "Model" page. It would be better to post your question on the "Forum" - "601/650" page where people can respond to you directly. 

I have a 601 but the gear is in the normal position so I can't speak directly to the reversed gear scenario. However, I can tell you that a lot of builders deal with the heavy nose/hard nose landing scenario, myself included.

In my case I have a heavier engine that yours (O-235). I finished my plane last year and have 200 hours on it now. All of my initial landings had the nose gear slamming the ground on landing - and I still do it occasionally.

The technique I have learned is the instant the mains touch to pull back on the yoke. And I do mean "the instant". If I have the slightest, split second delay, then - bam!, down slams the nose. 

I don't know if the rear facing gear exacerbates the issue or not, Hopefully someone else with your set up will chime in.

Welcome to the board!! And do post your questions on the Forum page - you will get some good answers there.

Hi Gordan,

I have turned my main gear forward as I have a fairly heavy engine, O-200.  For me one at a time getting in but really helps with holding the tail up landing.  When first built i had it like yours and the nose really slams down on landing.