To paint Gee Bee is to questions ones own sanity! I’ve built a few models, but the model Z was a task to paint. I first painted the model overall yellow. The instructions from Williams give several options for the builder to choose. I selected to mask the entire model, then once completed, I pencil traced the scallop pattern onto the mask. I then carefully cut away the unwanted mask with an Exacto knife. At this stage, I airbrushed a thin coat of clear flat onto the edges of the mask to prevent any paint from bleeding through the edges of the mask. This is very important to successful completion. Once dried, I airbrushed the black coat onto the model. After drying, the masking was removed with the fine scallop lines remaining.

Ah, but what to do about the fine red color separation lines? No decals exist for these lines, however the kit decals have red color separation lines outlining the calligraphy. I really wanted to see these lines on the little plane. My choice was to apply them using red India ink and a draftsman technical fountain pen. Be advised, this is not for the faint at heart. Before all the critics start hacking this apart, just remember that we’re all slightly off in one way or another, and some of us are much better at it than all the rest! I spent more time on these lines than building the model. My only complaint with this method is that the line came out slightly thick. Apart from line thickness, they turned out nice. The lines were almost as straight as a decal, and covered well.