Rusty,
Having researched aluminium housing manufacture and then attempting to make patterns for a composite ( al. with steel wear face) end housing, I can assure you it isn't as easy as it first appears. That's why I give credit to Richard Sohn for his work. I can well understand why they might be having problems with the all al. housings.
I suggested to Bill Jepson that we should start a co-operative to manufacture housings and other components. He's researching surface treatments. However even with a combined skills/ funding approach, it is a massive undertaking, so don't hold your breath !!
I believe the rear ( our front) housing is the hardest, that's the one I attempted first - like I said it ain't easy!
The front housing does however have the threads for the engine bolts, which I believe could be the biggest problem, I would be inclined to use threaded (chrome molly) rod with nuts both ends - especially for the single.
George ( down under)
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 1:29 AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: new "project" fo Rusty
RB-alu side housings, make it a P-port and you are way ahead of the weight-game...!!
The first problem with that plan is that the RB housings essentially don't exist. They've never finished the front housing, and have only sporadically offered rear and intermediate housings. I just called them again a couple weeks ago, and they told me the same thing they've said for at least 3 years- "we're working on them, and they should be ready soon".
Rusty