Starting another Hudson Valley Fowler (my last effort is for sale on this site) Have a barrel from Ed Rayl, 12 bore, 50 inches long, 1.375 diameter at the breech. I ordered this barrel round, and will make tapering flats, fading out at about fourteen inches.
I have not been happy with any of the offerings of thimbles, none are really right for this style gun. Am making my own balustered thimbles, with both the front one and the rear tapering a bit, per the originals.
In other words, I am engaged in endless filing!
Have a great year, all!