Danny, it seems that the large radio is a Bendix TA-12 4 channel MF/HF transmitter:
TA-12
the trailing aerial that you spotted is its associated Bendix MT-5E Antenna Reel:
http://aussiemodeller.com.au/Images/...-LH-Rear_V.jpg
the fixed wire aerials from wingtips to fin can just about be made out here:
http://aussiemodeller.com.au/Images/....-EZ-999_V.jpg
but are of much finer gauge than the mast to fin aerial
The mystery is where is the associated MF/HR Receiver? Perhaps it was much sought after by Hams etc, as was the RAF's 1155. As this aircraft appears to be in a much modded state, with temporary switch panels etc, we have to take what it has or hasn't got with a pinch of salt, but it seems to have been equipped to a rather higher spec, and hence expense, than your own Mk1's. I mean, it has a clock for heaven's sake! I would guess that the IAF ones, in the YouTube video, shared a lot in common with this one, especially the enhanced comms. Nonetheless, there is a lot here of the basic VV for us to study, and for you to recall, no doubt.
Your point about the seeming preference for rearward stowage of main landing gear in US singles of the period is a good one. Why did they go for such a heavy and draggy design? I've no idea, but I would guess that they all came from one company and basically to one design. The Brits for instance persevered with big single wheel main U/Cs for their heavies to well after the war, despite the introduction in it of twin wheels for US aircraft. I suppose if a design worked and you were tooled up for it you kept supplying it until the customer said stop!
Edited to add that the seemingly missing MF/HF Rx was probably the Bendix RA-10:
RA-10D Aircraft Radio Receiving Equipment Year 1941 BENDIX
This was essentially a remotely stowed "black box" and only its associated controls and indicators would be in the cockpit. As can be seen it was a combined comms/nav set with provision for a loop aerial and radio compass indicator as well. It would seem that the latter was not fitted even to the "gold plated" VVs as there is no sign of a loop Ae on either the IAF ones or the Aussie museum one. Here are, not one, but two remote receiver controllers, screwed to the cockpit floor!
http://aussiemodeller.com.au/Images/...ockpit-2_V.jpg
Higgledy Piggledy indeed Danny! Yet more proof that this was indeed a later mod, perhaps for aircraft having need of extended range comms compared to the original factory fit.