Hi,
I'm just planking the fuse right now. Working on it on and off. I bought the semi kit from Kerry around 3 years ago. Comes with the formers, ribs, f/g intakes and canopy.
I talked to Daryl from Sierra Precision at Warbirds over Delaware about the gear. They also have the wheel and brake assy. I'm not sure, but I think it's the only gear available for the VAMPIRE.They're running a batch right now, I think he said around 6 sets. They usually wait until they get some advance orders, then do a run. They don't stock the gear as it's not in very high demand.
A f/g fuse has been kicked around for quite a while, but nothing ever came of it. Daryl said there's someone in Australia that is/has made the molds. It would save a lot of time, but not sure of the cost. Anyway, I'll just plank the fuse and save the money for the retracts.
Kerry also has plans for a 1/4 scale version, 120" wingspan as I remember. I saw it f/g but not painted. Not sure if he's flown it yet.
The last bit of info I'm trying to find is the color of the cockpit and whether the speed brakes could be opened at an intermediate position. All of the contemporary cockpits are painted black but I found some shots of an unrestored cockpit that's painted a light pale green. Also, the pictures in the pilots manual show a color other than black. Unfortunately, the pics are in black and white, but it's definitely not black. I think the speed brake was a two position affair, either closed or open. The speed brake control has no neutral, like the flap control, and therefore could not be locked in an intermediate position. Anyone trying for scale flap deflection-80 degrees!
Here's a couple of shots from my collection.
BRG,
Jon