Yes it can be difficult to determine the proper amount of weight to prevent tail sitting.On the larger aircraft I have had to replace the plastic nose gear with brass tubing due to the amount if weight required.The 1/48 Revell B-25 really needed a good amount to keep it sitting right.
Yep, the kit came with markings for two ANG units, Utah and Wisconsin. They were very nice decals too. In fact, everything was great on the kit except for the wing casting in the nacelle areas.
You have to admit it is a great looking aircraft. 
Yes, indeed. Sleeker than the Douglas competition, but it couldn’t quite compete.
By the way, a recently restored C-97 landed at Reading airport last week where it will be permanently based as part of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum joining their C-54, both in Berlin Airlift markings.
Yes I have heard that they were expensive to operate.