aaron, I am interested in the cap discharge circuit but I have a few questions.

Firstly you mentioned that your third winding that goes via FWBR to cap is wound in reverse. I saw this on one of Johns notes but it didnt sink in until I looked at it again the other day. Do you have any theories as to why this third winding is in opposition? Have you tried a regular trifilar to see if there is much difference? And is the winding wound with the other two or ontop? Trying to visualise the winding method and if it is with the other two Im thinking I will have to get the missus to help wind one

And secondly, I am trying to get my head around the scr. My understanding is that it is similar to a transistor? Do I trigger the scr to close the circuit much the same way in which I trigger the transistor to fire? Since I am still learining electronics and 555's are a little out of my league at the moment I would have to do this with a timing wheel I assume.