Since the Laird is just about done I cracked open the Z. I assembled the cockpit pieces and after test fitting the fuselage halves I realized nothing would be visible when the canopy is mounted. I didn't spend any time detailing or painting this area. I will put seat belts in and paint the headrest but I just couldn't see any point in going crazy here. The engine and pin stripes will be the most challenging part of this build. The kit is typical Williams Brothers in that it has some slight molding issues around the thicker areas like fillets and wheel spats. These are easily filled, other than that, it goes together quite well. This is a good warm up for the Bulldog. More soon...and I'll say this now and probably regret it but the Laird will be done tomorrow 🙂

Jim

5 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Who made that kit, Jim? @jimh

The easy part is done 🙂 now to get the stripes taped off.

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Thanks Gary, I was in the same boat but I figured whats the worst that could happen 🙂 Hopefully I'll give you something to bookmark. They are fun builds if you are in to nostalgia. I have 2 Gee Bees, and a Bulldog to go...and probably another Laird in Thompson colors.

Jim

You can sign me up for bookmarking thisbuild too. I have one in the stash. Believe it or not this is my wife's favorite plane ! I have one hanging from the ceiling fan in our living room. When we visited the Fantasy of Flight museum about 7 years ago, my wife had to have her picture taken standing next to Kermit Weeks Gee Bee. I even picked up a set of RC plans for an electric powered Gee Bee. Someday ...

Anyhow this is really looking fantastic and I will be looking forward to seeing your next installment.

These golden era planes draw me in, like a moth to a flame.

Thanks for following! I'm just as anxious to see how this will turn out as well. So far so good...pre painting the red and masking the 1/64" pin striping is tedious, BUT it works. I'll get them masked off, and give it a dusting of clear then add color. fingers crossed!

Jim

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

eBay! it was a $1.54...years ago when I was doing a lot of R/C airplane painting this tape was invaluable. I was happy to find it again. There is nothing I've found that does compound curves and seals as well. I'm really going to take some time to tape it so it will be couple days before I post results. Fingers crossed!

Jim

All taped up and the first dusting of yellow applied. so far so good.

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.