Hi, Sorry for the late reply, but the holidays have taken its toll on my internet time. This plane is a commission project Roger has taken on. The plans were assembled by him years ago from original sources and can be purchaced on the Repli-craft web site. (
http://www.replicraft.us.fm/pricelist.html)
Roger is doing all the work himself in his workshop, and so I am not sure what you mean by "sub-assemblies." It's amazing to see the progress of this plane on my weekly visits. One advantage he has is a lazer sheet metal cutter so he can create accurately diminsioned fittings (which he sells to intersted parties). As for the engine, I've seen a hand full of Hissos stached around the shop all in various states of disrepair. I did notice that two are being machined and rebuilt to mint condition - one of these will go in this plane - the other one we are hoping will go in a SE-5 that is partly done.
The machine guns are real. I'm guessing he got them from some shady international arms dealer. The only items I see that have been out sourced are: the radiator (to a firm in Los Angeles) and some brass pumps for oil pressure, etc. Everything else was built in the shop. I did notice a huge gas tank propped against the wall. He said it is an original.
The plane isnt scheduled to be finished for a year, but at the rate he is going I bet it will be much sooner. It's amazing how fast things can get built when you have a decent budget. Out Tri-plane project is entering it's 3 year - made by volunteers and materials we find available when push comes to shove.
cheers,
c