Inspiration:
Every November, @GunplaClub starts the hashtag #Gundamber - a gunpla building challenge to work on a model kit every day and hopefully finish the project at the end of the month. It is very much like #NaNoWriMo, or "National Novel Writing Month", and #Inktober. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, GunplaClub took a more hands off approach, but I still participated as my way to stay connected to the community at large.
I usually choose to leave my Gundam kits "factory fresh" with little wear and tear, but I decided this kit would get a different treatment. One of the more memorable scenes in the anime is how the suit is destroyed - this kit will pay an homage to that scene. Its destruction and what he inspired gives this kit its namesake.
I won this kit through my local IPMS's local raffle still wrapped in plastic. There were English instructions included, the Gundam Wing pamphlet contained information the American model kit releases.
You can follow my progress on my Twitter @chetario starting on November 20th, 2020.
Process:
Assembly & Modifications:
In terms of Gunpla kits, this is a basic and older model with little color separation and articulation. Seam lines are not well hidden nor do they correspond with existing panel lines. The runners are all for the Tallgeese 1 + the mohawk. This, unfortunately, includes the coloring - the boosters are all black where they should be white, etc.
Assembling and planning out my approach to take care of the seam lines. A kit his old required modifications further than I have done recently - all but two of them were simple enough, but the boosters presented a challenge.
Modified the polycaps in the knees so I could slide/pop in the lower legs without disassembly
Modified the boosters by opening up the peg hole which will allow me to slip in the pieces.
Shortened a peg in the cover which should allow me to pop it in the boosters
Used Liquitex Professional Modeling Paste to fill in the Eagle emblem in the shield and sanded it smooth.
Painting:
Colors:
- Mission Models White Primer
- craftsmart Acrylic Paint White
- craftsmart Acrylic Paint Dark Grey
- Gunmetal - craftsmart Acrylic Paint Silver (50%) + Black (50%)
- craftsmart Acrylic Paint Bright Blue
- Pink - craftsmart Acrylic Paint Red (10%) + White (90%)
- Navy - craftsmart Acrylic Paint Bright Blue (80%) + Black (20%)
- craftsmart Acrylic Paint Bright Yellow
- craftsmart Acrylic Paint Silver
- Vallejo Matte Varnish
Ran out it my spray can primer, so I airbrushed Mission Models White Primer on all the pieces.
Craftsmart Acrylic White sprayed.
Due to the urgency of the project, I am keeping the colors simple. I sprayed Craftsmart Dark Grey on the frame pieces and under side of the skirts.
Mixed Craftsmart Silver and Black to make Gunmetal for the Dober Gun and thruster bells.
Craftsmart Acrylic Bright Blue sprayed
Craftsmart Bright Yellow on the head fin and mixed a pink for the bean saber using their Bright Red & White
Mixed a Navy with Bright Blue & Black
Details hand painted on parts like the head and calves. I found the head the most frustrating to paint, especially the face.
I dry brushed and chipped some edges with Craftsmart Acrylic Black and Silver to better represent that this mobile suit is in the middle of a battle.
Used craftsmart acrylic Silver, Bright Yellow, Bright Red to highlight the killing blow.
Spraying Vallejo Matte Varnish on all the pieces and assembled.
I really pushed against the clock, but I finished it before the month was out.
Stay tuned for the post with all the finished photos.
The pictures above were taken with a Samsung Galaxy S9+.
Thank you for reading this post and the support. Constructive criticism is always welcome and I will likely respond to each comment. Advice on how I can improve is also appreciated.
Here's to a great #Gundamber in 2021.
Keep Building, My Friends!
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