I'm not sure how many Builders have built an H shaped building support for the tail kit, however, I did and I think it was worthwhile.  It seems that many/most Builders use a workbench for constructing the tail kit.  Although I'm sure this would be fine, I have found that the "narrowness" provided by the H shaped building support makes it easier to work close to the assembly.  If you are interested in building an H support, send me an email and I'll pass along how I designed the supports (picture right), I am very pleased with the way they turned out.

 

LEARNING: It's easier to keep a 9' long assembly stationary, and for the Builder to move around it, vs moving the assembly to accomodate the space that is accessible to the Builder!

I have read where several builders have commented that the VS was easier to build than the HS and that new builders should start with the VS instead of the HS as presented in the Vans instructions.  Here are my thoughts (that is if you care what I think).  I would suggest starting with the HS for the following 2 reasons.  One, the instructions provided for building the HS are much more detailed than those of the VS.  I am guessing that Van's does this purposely to help new builders gain confidence.  The amount of detail on the VS instructions is considerably less.  Therefore, if you were to start with the VS instead of the HS you may not have as much comfort with what you are doing.  This is not a big deal, but it could make a difference for some new builders.  Second, new builders are eager to get started and have more motivation.  Therefore, start with a more time consuming component when you are highly motivated and each new step is a new learning process and more interesting.  After I finished the HS, I felt like the VS was a piece of cake!

 

LEARNING: Admittedly, these observation are not at all earth shattering.  Just my 2 cents worth on the topic.