Can't say for the 747, but I remember on the 727, the gear went up and then off after clean and climbing to check the uplocks. I do remember putting the gear back to up when at high speed the gear doors would rumble. I flew the 8 also, but I can't remember an off position with the gear handle. I think that was a Boeing thing. Mind you, it's been a long time for both aircraft, so I could be wrong.