James, thanks for the vote of confidence and the words of encouragement.I am just starting on assembling the rear section of my fuselage as well.  I have most of the rear bottom drilled and clecoed.  Almost ready to rivet that and then start on the sides of the rear fuselage.  With your HDS, are you putting in the leading edge wing tanks, or are you staying with the header tank?

James, I have been out of the building business for 3 weeks after unsuccessfully trying to amputate my thumb while working on my plane.  Now that my Thumb is getting better, I am able to get back on the project.  I have modified the plans to put main and auxilliary fuel tanks in the leading edge of the wing. I did not like the idea of the header tank.  I want to keep fuel out of the passenger compartment as much as possible to reduce risk.  I also wanted to have a 1000 mile range.  The 48 gallons of fuel that I am provisioning for should get me to the 1000 mile range.  I am finishing up my wings, except for the fuel tanks.  I still have to get them welded.  I have cut out 3 of the 4 tanks so far and will have to get them welded in the next couple of months.

I am doing the tail-dragger mod to reduce drag, the forward opening canopy (like you).  I thought about the dual sticks, but decided to stay with the "Y" control stick.  I plan to put in wall mounted throttle quadrants.  I reduced my main wheels to 5X500 to reduce drag as well.  I also reduced the tail wheel from 10" to 6" diameter.  I have also been considering the BRS.  I may mount it behind the cockpit.  Haven't decided yet.  I am building a William Wynn Corvair conversion as the powerplant as well.  I am looking at the Dynon glass instruments as what I would like to put in, including the autopilot option.  Still thinking that over.....