My first reaction was; WOW. What gorgeous plans! Full size A4 sheets and SO much detail. Ray truly was a master.
My second reaction was; WOW. I've gotten myself in WAY over my head! I could tell almost immediately that while I would be able to assemble either of these engines with no trouble, fabricating them was just way beyond my capability.
Obviously this was discouraging, but I had suspected that this might be the case, and had already looked up the information for several local machine shops, thinking I could take it to them to have the parts made, then I could just assemble the engine I desired.
After several calls and emails I found only ONE shop in my area that was willing and able to do "one-off" work. I spoke with the owner and arrange to mail the #5 plans to him for an estimate. After a week I received my estimate in the email. Knowing that companies like Pearl Engine make machined kits available for their engines in the $3000 and up range, I expected the price to be slightly lower, due to the local company only supplying machined parts, but not bolts, nuts, bearings, bushings or instructions...
The estimate they came back with was $24,690.00 US for ONE set of engine parts!
As you can imagine, I didn't agree to that. I gave a polite "Thanks, but No Thanks." and requested they return the plans to me, which the owner is doing. I guess it's back to the drawing board for me.
Thought you guys would get a kick out of this one.
