Regarding the open source dream-----It would be really nice but it is not going to happen on anything other than some simple part. For a whole DR including the monobloc, receiver, top lever, trigger guard, floor or trigger plate, forearm shoe, and forearm plate is an incredible amount of work and significant expense. I simply cannot imagine someone doing all that to create an open source. However, that does not mean that it is totally out of reach on a more limited basis. The requirements would be:
1. A good experienced project manager
2. A group of forum members to commit to fund the project and own the intellectual property i.e. the validated and verified computer code
3. An agreement on the action. Note: This would be hard amoung this group; perhaps the hardest part!!
4. Someone to loan the complete DR so it can be disassembled. Note: It would be returned at the end of the project after validation and verification but this may be two years. This item may facilitate the decision on 3. above.
5. A commitment for the duration of the project i.e. about two years. This could be shorter if availability of crafts are optimal.
6. A memo of commitment from all participants on the terms and conditions of the project and ownership of the itellectual property. We should note here that each of the participants must protect the intellectual property on behalf of the other members UNLESS the body of participants is large enough i.e. individual costs small, and an agreement is made beforehand to make the computer code available to all forum members. That can be done but must be unanimous amoung those funding the project.
7. Ensure that no patents or trademarks are violated.

Having said all the above, it is a doable project and one that can be exciting to document for the forum members. I will offer an intriging opportunity to fellow forum members.

A group of members commit to the project under the terms and conditions above but donate the intellectual property i.e. computer code to the NitroExpress forum. Any member could then "buy-in" i.e. pay what would amout to a field of use for the code and the money would go to the forum for administration and enhancement. The orginal members would already have the code for their unlimited use. This would give the forum a revenue stream and make an already great site even better. This would be a very valuable piece of intellectual property if done on a popular action.

Food for thought--------------Bill