Well, following the prototype single frame nucs, I've made 25 of these single frame nucs with side feeder from scrap wood lying about the local dump. Must say I'm very happy with them and intend to make another 25 or probably more this winter. I use a jig to assemble the main parts, 5 min per nuc, the time is in cutting the timber, takes just over a meter of 1/2 inch to make the box, filling with bees is simple, just a cupful and takes the same amount of fondant as an apidea. The house is easy enough made but the entrance holes must align or bees wont be able to get out.
One big advantage is the ease in transporting (once the houses are set up), 6 EWK's take a lot less space than 6 apideas, i'd say the ratio is 6 ewk = 2 apideas. Being able to monitor food reserves through perspex and see if queen is present or laying takes next to zero time as you do not need to open the bees . Catching the queen is easy as she will stay on the single frame and she can be watched as you withdraw it from the unit. Overall highly recommended, the main cost is in the perspex sides and the 50mm entrance disc and of course time to make them.
Resistance to wasps was much the same as apideas, the wasps will win in the end. They are intended soley to mate queens not to act as minature colonies that might be overwintered, once a queen is mated the excluder option is put on the entrance. When she lays up the frame she should be removed otherwise there will be no space and it will encourage swarming. A new queen cell can be added for the next cycle. Being wood they will last much longer than apideas as mice will find it harder to chew a way into.
Also, I designed the frame so that 3 will fit snuggly into a standard brood frame so at the start of the season its easy to get frames drawn out for a head start and at the years end its easy to combine all into a hive for overwintering
). He uses Apideas but I like the sound of what you are talking about. Can you find time to post a couple of pictures please.
