Probably because we frequently had to do 180 degree turns on the runway to get the full length and needed a short distance between nose and main gear to be able to make the turn.
Also on L1011 and DC10, the rear engine meant the C of G was further aft than on aircraft with wing mounted engines. Therefore the wing was further aft and there appeared to be a longer fuselage forward of the wing. The nose wheel had to be well behind the flight deck to bring the main wheel - nose wheel distance shorter.
Last edited by Goldenrivett; 3rd September 2019 at 12:22.
Reason: extra text