longeron and firewall tubes last week but just got around to assembling them yesterday. These tubes have a different arrangement for the joint between the longerons and the firewall tubes. The new joint arrangement provides the same type of interface with the landing gear and flying wire fittings as called for on the plans. The original joint design from VR3 was not wrong, just different. 
The new joint design provides the same "perch" for the fittings, but eliminates the need for plugging the end of the longeron tube by mitering it to the vertical firewall tube. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, just take a look at the latest posting in the VR3 photo album. Others may take issue, but I am satisfied that the new joint is structurally equivalent to Pete's design while being easier and more accurate to build.
I am very happy with the VR3 kit. I have had a couple of experienced tube fuse builders look at it and they said that it would not be possible for them to duplicate the accuracy and fit quality using the traditional manual profiling methods.
The VR3 kit is about the same cost as Pete Bartoe's rib kit. In my opinion, the VR3 is at least, if not more of a time saver, than the rib kit. I think I could eventually hammer out the ribs if I had to. I'm not sure that I would ever get the fuse hand fitted to a point that would make me happy.
In my book, there are only two valid reasons not to go with the VR3 kit:
(1) You WANT to fit the tubes yourself.
(2) You can't justify the $$.
If you are not burdened by either of the above "problems" then VR3 is the way to go.
In conclusion, I have no connection with VR3, financial or otherwise.
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