[ralster]

Thanks for the comments above. Yes, I have realized there is a tremendous amount of engineering involved. As for the costs involved, I will soon be doing a "feasibility" discussion with a few of the aeronautical engineers here in Wichita, KS. My idea really is the full size shape, metal construction--but not necessarily rivet-for-rivet...so all those small parts and fittings may be different or simpler, and again, this may require engineering input/ingenuity...(once you start changing the original structure). Obviously, when he sees what all I am trying to do, an engineer may be able to ballpark me some sort of $ figure once he sees what a particular design will entail. My "1/4 cost" is a thought on the airframe only (minus engine), or should I say a hope. I have thought about this for several years, but if the engineering feasibility study shows it will cost >$300-400k for just an airframe, then I might as well forget it and go help someone restore a real original. Keep in mind that factory prototypes often had more machined parts, while the production runs used more castings (where applicable) to facilitate mass production. Im not aiming to do 'mass production', so my tooling requirements would reflect only my goal. No, it wont be built in a 'shed', but in a dedicated aviation hangar, like many other projects, restorations, etc. Hope to show you all some pictures one day.
Regards,
ralster