Bandai did a few crafty things with this kit that they haven’t done before. The first is really hard to see in most pictures of the kit. All of the green circles have letters and lines molded on the inside which match the stickers underneath. It’s a nice little detail that is best appreciated up close. This is also the first, and probably last kit, to have rubber strips coated in a rainbow reflective surface. To my knowledge this is the only suit from Gundam 00 to have this design feature, hence why we won’t be seeing it again. Over all it’s a nice feature, but under most lighting conditions you don’t see any of the reflective goodness.
Author: Falldog
Gouf Custom – Soviet Reprise Examined
Where to start… I originally built this MG Gouf Custom way back in the day, pre 2002, and pre me learning to clip the pieces from the runners and sand down the nubs. It was a shame to let such a beautiful model collect dust in such a sad state.
MG Exia, Finished!
Layman’s Gunpla Guide – Miscellaneous Equipment
Another revamp in progress! New stuff at top, old at the bottom.
The further into the hobby you get the more and more odd tools and bits of equipment get picked up. This is a partial list of some of the miscellaneous equipment I’ve used here and there for the years. It’s not a comprehensive list by any means but may help stir some brain cells. Note that these are items you will not need for a basic build, paint, or detail only project.
Large Cutters
Have a pair of large cutters laying around? They’re no good for removing pieces from runners but are great for taking apart runners. If you strip down a length of runner it will make a good paint stir or even a support when you paint a piece. Some kits feature extra or unused pieces. One option for storing them is to trim down the runner and only save where pieces remain. Sure, you can do that with your regular nippers, but larger cutters make the task easier.
Ace Combat Zero: Opening
Soviet Inspired Gouf Custom, Finished!
I finally finished my Gouf Custom, Soviet Edition.
Okay, so I can’t come up with a name I like. Go screw.
Hopefully within the next few days I’ll get a proper review up. Complete with lessons learned for all two modelers who visit on a regular basis.
8 Reasons why the new Sirius XM iPhone app is rip
Some of you may have noticed that today Sirius XM, with some exuberance, released a streaming radio application for the iPhone. Apparently it’s such a huge event that both Sirius’ and XM’s web sites are plastered with the news. While I don’t have an iPhone I don’t need one to know how awful this application is.
1. You already have all of the music, and more
Layman’s Gunpla Guide – My Projects
This page is now obsolete!
=========================================
Completed Projects and Reviews
These are the models I’ve completed and bothered to actually review and reflect upon.
There are a ton of kits I’ve built but haven’t reviewed. If you’re interested just check out my flickr gallery.
From newest to oldest *completion date* …
| MG The O Review The O is one of the most expensive kits in the MG line. Will it hold up to scrutiny? |
|
| MG Red Frame Master Grade Red Frame, complete with sparkly red paint and over sized decals. |
|
| Weathered Ez-8 Check out my heavily weathered Ez-8 Gundam |
|
| 1/48 Gundam RX-78-2 A review of the very awesome 1/48 Scale ‘Mega Size Model’ Gundam RX-78-2 |
|
| Finished MG GN-X A look at my finished MG GN-X |
|
| MG GN-X Review A review of the MG GN-X from Gundam 00 |
|
| MG Nu Gundam A look at my MG Nu Gundam with Clear Parts. You can read my review of the clear parts here. |
|
| MG Victory Gundam Ver. Ka A review of the kit including a review of the my build (and some new paints). |
|
| MG Astray Blue Frame 2nd Revise Not a full blown review, but pictures from my kit. I recommend the kit for anyone who likes the design. |
|
| Night of the Living Nemo Zombies + Gunpla = Awesome |
|
| MG Exia Ignition Mode A simple review of MG Exia Ignition Mode. Ignition Mode being all the bells and whistles. |
|
| Gouf Custom – Soviet Reprise Examined A refurbished Gouf Custom, painted white and given Soviet markings. I give a short review with my findings from painting the kit white and using a pencil to do the line details. |
|
| MG Sinanju Build Review I gave my Sinanju some metallic paint, glossy and dull top coats, and gave it my best at painting the gold trim. All of this with various results. I made sure to review all the ups and downs should you decide to build your own Sinanju. |
|
| MG Ball, Ver Ka. | |
| MG Rick Dias |
Current Projects
These are the projects I’m currently working on. While I don’t have a page for them yet you can check out my flickr gallery for updates.
Layman’s Gunpla Guide – Recommended Sites
News
There are a lot of great news sites for Gunpla, Gundam, and other Japanese plamo… but they tend to be in Japanese if you want the hot scoops. My go to sites are
Your best source for English language updates, outside of your local community, is Gundam Kits Collection.
Reviews
- Dalong is my go to for kit reviews. This Korean site has detailed photos and reviews of nearly every Gundam model kit out there, complete with manual scans and part breakdowns. It’s probably the most vaulable resource for collectors and builders out there.
- Schizophonic9
- Gaijin Gunpla
There’s also a hundred different YouTube reviewers these days. You should check out the r/Gunpla wiki for a list of some of the more popular channels.
Guides
- Danny Choo’s Gundam Modeling Tutorial – A fantastic one page tutorial that covers everything you need to know to put together a great looking kit. Beginner to intermediate.
- FitchenFoo’s How to Build Master Grade Gundams – One of the best modelers out there, FitchenFoo runs through how to build a kit from start to finish. Beginner to intermediate.
- Gamera Baenre – An epic collection of tutorials, most with videos. Intermediate to advanced.
- The Ghost of Zeon: How-To – Ghost of Zeon offers a unique collection of tutorials you won’t see anywhere else. Intermediate to advanced.
- DC23 Mech Art’s Tutorials – There is no better resource for those looking to build their own diorama. Intermediate to advanced.
- Good Guy Dan’s Tutorials – Great tutorials that cover a number of common problems folks face
The most comprehensive list of tutorials out there is over on the r/Gunpla wiki. If there’s something you’re looking for specifically start there.