Hagle347,
My "search" for a Thorpe is more a search of my own self. As the only way I can really undertake this financially is if I build one. So the real searching is going on in the six inches between my two ears!
I have to determine whether or not it is realistic that I can undertake such an project and actually complete it.
Financially building it by partial kits (S-18) and a set of plans is the only way fiscally I can do it. Possibly buying a partial completed project. So that question is answered.
I'm still struggling if I can really complete the project given my life and the time I have available etc. Obviously the only person that can answer that is me.
I'm starting to lean towards buying the S-18 plans and maybe buying some basic tools. Like riveter, rivet squeezer, and I need a bunch more clecos and some bucking bars etc and then ordering a small kit for the ailerons or flaps or tail and give it a try and see where it goes from there. At that point I won't have very much invested into if it doesn't seem to work out for me. And I probably could sell whatever I have built to give someone else a start. So it would be a way of tip toeing my way into the building process. Maybe if I ever complet the project I can call it "Crap Shoot". Because when I started the building process it is a crap shoot if I wouild ever complete it!
The real unknown is that my wife has NO IDEA what I'm thinking about. So this may be a surprise to her!
Igor Sikorski I believe once said: "Aviation is a very pleasurable mental illness". And I'm definatly mental!