Hi Naval Flight Officer,
Glad to see someone else in the area is building a Hostetler Gee Bee. It is a tough build. Looks like your making progress though.
I am out here in Port Angeles and built a one-third scale a few years back. Would actually sell it to you if your interested. One flight, rebalanced, 3w 157, covered in 21st century fabric. Was going to fly it again but am still building up the courage.
Please keep us posted on your progress.