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Followed this thread with much interest and I'll strongly second the replies/opinions on ownership costs (and on the airplane itself) and just add my two-bits. Like most, the airplanes are (still) reliable if properly maintained and, while not outlandish, it isn't cheap to do that - particularly as parts and Skymaster experienced mechs become harder to find. And rehabbing a poorly maintained airplane can run into huge money, even for a buyer willing to get his hands greasy.
When I acquired my 337D for my survey operation, I was in for about $125K counting the airplane, one overhauled engine, various other repairs, and a few mission-unique mods. Early on, I budgeted $90/hour for airplane maintenance (not including engine reserve). Over time and the learning curve I've raised that to $120/hour even though the plane has had most of the bugs worked out and I've had no major problems (as the man said, knock wood!). That budget has worked out pretty closely for an annual and a 100-hour inspection each year, plus fixing the little nit-noid things that inevitably crop up. Probably worth mentioning that the plane is hangared, pre-heated for winter ops, and flies pretty regularly; take away any or all of those factors and you may be asking for more problems.
Re the landing gear, have had no problems other than a couple of broken wires, but I have a super A&P who's anal about the gear (and everything else!). Each inspection (twice a year) the plane is jacked and the gear swung numerous times while he watches each component of it. But I'm familiar with other 337s we used prior to mine and others in the area that have had numerous gear issues. Again, spending some money on continuing maintenance is essential to minimizing bigger problems and expenditures down the road. And power pack overhauls are pretty big $$$.
Joe
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