Brent,
Thanks. Good info on the front axle. I am trying to learn all I can so I can evaluate what set of compromises I am prepared to make starting off. Everything is a compromise compared to a full on custom framed, custom or super rare everything else race bike. If I can put together something that could handle/brake well/safely regardless of overall speed in the early style/ early parts, I'd be thrilled. FWIW, I have no problem custom making a very stiff fork brace for the early forks. The reduced fork/slider overlap will still be a disadvantage in itself, I get that. Early dual brakes will be less than ideal, even with custom brake pads with a race compound.
There is no way I will be competitive with the wide open USCRA heavyweight supervintage class without going ballistic on a build. I feel that this would not likely be the bike to learn to road race on anyway. So if I need to run in this class and not be competitive with the big dogs, running slower with a really vintage style racer tgat appeals to me aesthetically would give me some extra enjoyment. Not set on this path yet mind you, but I'd like to explore what I prefer to do and work my way back to reality if necessary with an open mind.
I am stubborn, but a realist.
George