Hello Randy,
I have been avidly following your Hanriot build - but I did not think of using the JBweld to keep the bolts from crushing the AL, thanks for pointing it out - it's something I may have to consider. I suspect that the bolt-thru method to attach the struts into the v-bracket is not appropriate - and the bolts that I have used are way out of proportion!- I think there would be the same consideration (tendency to crush the strut when tightening bolts through the strut) when designing the full-size . I used this [link=http://www.wwi-models.org/Photos/Fre/Nie11/Bourget//LaKr/lk_n11_2.jpg]N11 v-bracket[/link] as a reference, feeling that it was very simliar in construction except that my axle slot must be out front. Looking at this photo, I really can't tell if the bracket is forged as one piece, or if it is two pieces, one inside and one outside, which are welded or mechanicly fastened together. Indeed, I ddon't think there are bolts through from one side to the other as I have done - maybe the v-bracket is supposed to work more by the bolts that clamp it together around the edges which is what I might try when I build the next one!