SPA Modeler

GEE BEE
MODEL Z
”City of Springfield”

This is a buddy build with Lyle because why not? I bought the cheapest Williams Brothers kit off eBay. This is a subject I always wanted to try, too. So, when Lyle sent me the instructions earlier today I thought, Why not build it? It’s all about the finish fetish with this project. A glassy automotive paint job with pin stripes on scallops! Sign me up, gents. That’s the kind of beauty gone missing in the world today. That’s the kind of aesthetic we need to channel. Starting with four b/w views of the original which I sharpened a touch:

Good to see you back building Bruce!

Thanks, Clint. Although the kit won’t arrive until next week, I’m going to practice the scalloped sections first. I’m not sure how to tackle these yet. Cheers, mate.

Great project Bruce!

I have always wondered, how on earth that plane ever could stay in the air..
Engine power being the answer of course, but still !

- Kari

Great to see another Gee Bee being built!

speedgraflex wrote:Thanks, Clint. Although the kit won’t arrive until next week, I’m going to practice the scalloped sections first. I’m not sure how to tackle these yet. Cheers, mate.

Bruce if you have the instructions. Make them the actual size of the wing. And make a few copies. Draw the scallops and then transfer to your mask of choice.

We had quite the discussion last night on the painting of these. Bruce is an inspiration. ... and somewhat whacky!

Well that makes two of you then...

This will be fun to watch.

Oh, there were more. I have several personalities!

Thanks so much, Kari. I’m looking forward to receiving the kit. Scheduled delivery is September 10 but that is most likely a guess. As far as the design, yes! The wings are so short, yes. I believe later versions were redesigned and in light of the crash of this one, the fuel cap was located to a different spot on the airframe. It was suspected that the Model Z's crash during a speed run in December 1931 was due to an unexpected failure of the gasoline tank cap, which may have come loose and passed through the windshield. It is theorized that the gas cap struck the pilot and incapacitated him, causing a sudden upset in pitch that led to uncontrolled flutter in the right aileron which imparted undue stress on that wing, causing it to pitch up sharply and fail.

Rest In Peace, Lowell Bayles.

Thanks, Stuart. Your encouragement is appreciated.

Thanks, John, for the tip about cutting the scallops.

Thanks, Lyle and Carlos!