Estes Vesta Intruder #7312 Build, Part 15, Nose Cone Paint & Engine Mount

I outlined the black edges with masking tape strips, slightly over the blackened edge.

Because of the different shape of the nose cone and canopies, I ended up covering all the remaining gray areas with brown masking tape.

On the right, the entire nose cone was hit with gloss black paint.

Here's the final look after the tape was lifted.

I did have to do some scraping, pushing back paint lines and touching up with a brush.

Results were good, not great. 

This was not an easy mask.

Before applying any glue in the tube - 

Do a dry fit. Notice how the vanes overhang the end of the tube edge.

Know where the engine hook will align with the fin next to the launch lug location. (See picture below)

A line of glue was set inside the rear of the tube.

Look close - there is a second ring of glue just inside the end edge of the tube.

On a larger diameter tube like this, you can set the engine mount in at an angle barely contacting a rear ring of glue

Slide in the mount and turn into the correct position so the engine hook is in line with that fin.