RE: Dwindling kit suppliers
Yep. I've come to the conclusion that my next planes will probably be built from plans and the wood from BUSA and Lone Star. There just are too few kits of interest anymore.
Unfortunately, I don't know how stable RCM plans are (the website claims they are still up and available but the magazine is on the rocks. AMA Plans tells you the wingspan but doesn't show an image or give a description of the model! What earthly good is that? When I'm looking for a biplane I'd like to make sure it has two wings. You have to search the archives to find the article that (if your're lucky) is mentioned in the plans database.