Many thanks for your kind words regarding my 444 project. It's truly an honor to be considered part of engine building history, and a surprise to see it appear so quickly on this site.

To answer the (original) reed cage question: The 444 uses bronze Merc cages as crank bearings only. The reed openings have been blocked off completely.

As indicated, casting kits are available, and I'll be happy to assist others with the build process. What you see is the serial #1 prototype. Serial #2 is in construction, and as a result of Mark Suters show, serial #3 castings will become an engine this winter also.

Here's to the "unlimited gas modified" concept! Good building to all.

Tim