Hey GMorrison, think about it. While in the seat and using full power to take off, Americans have to push forward to make it go faster, while inertia is pounding your body backward. I think the French have it right, because it's much easier to have your hand going in the same direction as the rest of your body.
I love that model subject. Like many Euro designs, it was used in very interesting situations that most people have never heard of. Nice work and I'm looking forward to the markings.
Jack