WB Gee Bee Z

Started by Jim Harley · 44 · 4 years ago · Gee Bee, gee bee z, Williams Brothers
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    Jim Harley said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    Thanks guys! the decals are beautiful. This has been such a fun and therapeutic build. You are right Josh, I'm cutting each number and letter right up to the edge of the color per your suggestion. This kit has really opened the door for the R-1 and R-2. To continue the racing theme, I ordered and received the LSM P-51 Beguine conversion. I'm in deep now.

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    Jim Harley said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    Got the top wings done...the N number really came apart in several places. This slowed down progress but, other than a couple spots it came out ok. The bottom wings will be tomorrow hopefully.

    4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Erik Gjørup said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    Beautiful plane! Looking forward to more golden racers here 🙂

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    Jim Harley said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    Got the underside completed. I found that letting the decals really soak...like 5-6 minutes, they don't tear. These went on much smoother than the top of the wings. slow but sure!

    1 attached image. Click to enlarge.

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    Jim Harley said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    Quick update...90% of the decals are in place, and the big pieces are attached. Tomorrow I'll clean all the dust off and spray it with varnish. The flying wires and engine will be next. I wish I would have done a better job of fitting the gear but its really not too bad. Getting closer!

    5 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Josh Patterson said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    The pin striping turned out very crisp Jim! I may have to build another one of these using your technique! The decals in this kit lay down so well because they are so very thin. They are also difficult to work with because...They are so very thin! Still, I'll take that over thick clunky decals any day! Looking forward to the final display!

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    Louis Gardner said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    This is looking fantastic ! You have forced me to take another look at my Williams Brothers Gee Bee R-1 / R-2 kit... which just happens to be my wife's favorite airplane.

    Like Josh, I'll be looking forward to seeing another update !

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    Jim Harley said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    Glad you guys are liking it...the 1/64th pin striping tape worked perfectly. This really opens the door to the other WB kits. I started adding flying wires...still a long way to go but she's getting there. There is a pretty big swap meet advertised for Sharon PA tomorrow, going shopping for some Tamiya polishing compound. The Vallejo clear went on really nice but it could use some rubbing. Once I get the flying wires done I'll add the exhaust and oil streaks.

    2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Tom Bebout said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    Looking good Jim, have fun in PA, assuming the snow storm doesn't hit. See you in Columbus in February?

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    Jim Harley said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    @tom-bebout PA was kind of a bust...only 5 vendors and mostly cars...but that's ok, the weather isn't that great. I'll be in Columbus for sure, see you there?!

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    Jim Harley said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    Not much show this time but the engine hurdle is completed. The ignition harness is done and18 push rod tubes cut from piano wire...what was I thinking 🙂 I used acrylic paint to oil stain the case and bring out the detail of the cylinder cooling fins.

    3 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Jim Harley said 5 years, 10 months ago:

    The finish line is in site...mounted the tail brace strut and few more flying wires. The cowling is fit in place, after shaving down the rocker arm covers. The cowl will be cleaned and varnished tomorrow and it is done. The seat and cockpit rear former are painted...not much left. More soon.

    5 attached images. Click to enlarge.

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    Louis Gardner said 5 years, 9 months ago:

    This looks as if you shrunk down the plane in Kermit's hangar !

    Well done... Looking forward to seeing the next episode. You almost have this one wrapped up. 🙂

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    Kenyon Patterson said 4 years, 9 months ago:

    What happened?

    DYING to see this finished...