Late reply....
I know the nosewheel rotates backwards in flight because I flew in a 2-ship formation down the length of the St Lawrence from Montreal to the eventual destination of Oshkosh. I've got pics somewhere. Sweated my B*****ks off in the summer heat of Wisconsin. Took bottles of water under the seat cushion but they soon approached boiling point.
Great plane to fly, but like most British designs, it was a great idea with some slightly duff planning. If only the fuse was a bit longer and you could stuff a bigger motor in (or a luggage locker for a fishing rod down the tailcone), Cleveland brakes instead of Brembo Moped ones, the wings come off with quick-fits instead of bolts, the canopy had bigger vents etc etc
I'd be very happy to own one if it had a nice motor. Revmaster 3100?
