|
I spent today building this monstrosity.  What hath God wrought? That backpack is actually surprisingly stable — more likely to lose the connection to 00 than for any piece of it to fall off.
|
#
?
Aug 26, 2017 23:15
|
|
|
|
| # ? Jun 8, 2024 14:37 |
|
|
1/60 Char's Zaku II: This is a nice kit from 1980. This specific kit is probably a later reissue, as (along with other 1/60 reissues) the incandescent light bulb/wiring for the monoeye is missing. I've actually had this kit finished for a while, as it was a final "hurrah" kit to build before I went back to work as a teacher. I'd been too busy getting my classroom set up to post them until now. Here's a build report! Everything was painted by hand, as per the usual for me.  Here's a partial parts spread. Many halves need to be glued together-- including two halves for the conductive piping. Seams have a huge height gap that need to be heavily sanded to even them out. I went through tons of sandpaper to make that happen.  Putting the head together. It's not finished yet in this picture; I still had to sand down the seam and paint it (more on paint later). I used a pre-wired 3mm LED from Amazon in place of the missing incandescent bulb; outside of having to slightly enlarge the hole in the monoeye to make it fit, it worked perfectly. The monoeye sticker is a transparent pink, but it doesn't stick well-- I might need to create a new one at some point.  This is where the battery pack goes-- the panel itself has pegs that fit into holes molded into the inside of the torso. You can also see how the head is connected to the body: It's just a slot in the torso that a circular piece locks into, to rotate left and right. No up-down movement to speak of.  Two things to note here-- first, the way the shoulder moves is via a peg/hinge moving up and down. There is forward-back movement as well, facilitated by the circular piece at the end of the peg. That circular piece will be glued onto the torso, keeping it stationary while allowing the peg/hinge to move forward and backward. Second, you can tell that the finishes are different. The leg piece is the bare plastic, while the shoulder is painted. I wanted a more subdued/near-matte finish, so I mixed a matte insignia red paint with lots of semi-gloss white (both Testors colors) to create this more subtle salmon color for the body.   Here's a better idea of how the circular piece is glued onto the torso.  Ready for some assembly. You can see the color differences better here with the head, antenna, lower legs and lower arms being bare plastic, and everything else painted. ... And I forgot to take pictures of the final assembly, so here are some finished pics!   There are a few minor painting imperfections, but they're not noticeable from 6" away.  Articulation, as with any kit from this era, is not very good. The elbows move well enough, but not at 90 degrees for sure. The thighs are basically stationary because of the fixed front skirt, while the lower legs can move backwards a bit. Feet are comically off-kilter. The only impressive articulation lies in the shoulders and upper arms, which can rotate a full 360. The main thing is that, while this kit uses polycaps, the way the kit is molded keeps them from being used to their full potential.  Simple and clean-- no extra panel lines here, and all cartoony-style proportions.The backpack was painted Italian red because the directions called for a bright red to be used here; all lineart I've seen confirms a brighter color here as well.    Some final shots. The machine gun will never be able to be held straight by the hand due to the design of both it and the gun. Overall, I really enjoyed this kit. It has some weird building quirks, but so do all kits from this era. Hand-brushing this was pretty relaxing, even with the large surface areas. I won't knock this kit too much for articulation, but it's still a bit sad that Bandai in the 80s couldn't make their 1/60 kits at least a bit more flexible-- especially with polycaps. I'll probably do another old Gunpla build in the future, but for now, I have a 1/48 Char's Zaku that I'll start on soon. I'll be sure to take comparison photos!  (Bonus: Here's another kit I finished this summer: MG Kampfer!)  
|
|
#
?
Aug 27, 2017 17:36
|
|
|
Midjack posted:Can you hear it? I'm sure you can hear it. That far-off roar! Exactly my thought as well. For anyone who doesn't get it.
|
|
#
?
Aug 27, 2017 18:13
|
|
|
Shinde posted:stuff You're handpainting is something to behold. How do you managed to get it to an airbrush like finish, or is that just your matte topcoat hiding brush strokes.
|
|
#
?
Aug 28, 2017 02:37
|
|
|
Got a few things I ordered a month ago.
|
|
#
?
Aug 28, 2017 20:48
|
|
|
Puddin posted:You're handpainting is something to behold. How do you managed to get it to an airbrush like finish, or is that just your matte topcoat hiding brush strokes. Thanks! My skill isn't perfect, but it's a lot better than how I used to handbrush. I don't really have a strategy outside of taking my time and mixing/stirring the paint well; I really have to give Testors credit for their acrylic paints. I've only had problems with a few of their shades of grey being too thinned to use properly, but their other colors stick well to the plastic and coat well. Unfortunately, I still do have occasional issues with brush strokes, but they're a lot less frequent nowadays. Outside of that, my painting style is a bit unorthodox. It works for me, but I know it's not everyone's style: - I usually don't prime unless it's an extreme color change (e.g. white paint on black plastic). The Testors paint sticks/coats well enough. - I didn't topcoat the Zaku II, actually-- I don't usually topcoat kits that I paint because I'm not really handling them as often. The only exception was the 1/144 GM Cannon I built a while back, and that was to see how well a handbrushed Future gloss coat would turn out. - I usually use a semi-gloss clear coat (again, Testors) on kits that either require minimal painting, or are flat-out straight build kits, as you can see on the Kampfer. So yeah, my style would probably rub some people the wrong way. It does work for the kits, though!
|
|
#
?
Aug 28, 2017 23:42
|
|
|
   Now I just need to do both 80 part guns and all the decals 
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 02:58
|
|
|
Is it as fragile and frustrating as everyone says?
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 03:08
|
|
|
Not from my experience, but I treat my kits with kid gloves for the most part. That stand is way more fragile, seeing as I had to prop the kit up to keep the weak, totally stripped screw from making the kit topple over.  If anything, some parts have too tight of a fit (basically every poycap) and needed to be shaved down to not wreck stuff. But I also habitually glue everything, even bandai kits nowadays so.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 03:15
|
|
|
Double post apologies, but goddamn. I never thought I could actually get this thing to stand on its own feet, and never tried. It's actually surprisingly stable, even if it requires a really wide stance.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 07:40
|
|
|
From YT reviews they actually hedged their bets and went with too-tight over too-loose. To such an extent that some people have broken theirs trying to force pegs.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 11:57
|
|
|
REISSUED FULL METAL PANIC KITS GLORY TO OUR BENEVOLENT AOSHIMA MASTERS (okay but please can we get some Rk-92 kits up in this as well tia) http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10486821 http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10486811 http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10486812
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 14:13
|
|
|
I know this is 2 years old so everyone likely already knows, but apparently the Hyaku Shiki 2.0's finish is applied on top of clear plastic. I was just curious if anyone knows if there's any other kits that do this, since I really like clear parts. (Also: why would they do that? Presumably they'd still have to apply a black base for a good metallic effect, wouldn't clear plastic make the whole thing extra fragile?)
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 16:54
|
|
|
Neurolimal posted:I know this is 2 years old so everyone likely already knows, but apparently the Hyaku Shiki 2.0's finish is applied on top of clear plastic. Vaccuum metalizers don't need black basing since the metallic layer is thick enough to be completely reflective. Presumably they made it out of clear plastic to save money on dye.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 17:16
|
|
|
Neurolimal posted:From YT reviews they actually hedged their bets and went with too-tight over too-loose. To such an extent that some people have broken theirs trying to force pegs. Yeah, I can see that. Personally, I'm used to shaving down pegs or widening holes for the sake of a looser fit that I know will come apart easily, and then just gluing it all together for the final fit, so I didn't have much trouble, but if you're coming from Bandai's perfect snap fits and tolerances, it probably seems like a nightmare.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 17:28
|
|
|
Neurolimal posted:I know this is 2 years old so everyone likely already knows, but apparently the Hyaku Shiki 2.0's finish is applied on top of clear plastic. I believe that's just pure undyed polystyrene. Since it doesn't have any additives it's just cheaper. Natural PLA is similar.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 19:07
|
|
|
It's not really clear, it's more translucent white.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 19:07
|
|
|
MJP posted:REISSUED FULL METAL PANIC KITS Ver 1.5? May not be just a reissue. I wonder what's different.
|
|
#
?
Aug 29, 2017 19:56
|
|
|
I thought P Bandai was supposed to be all waterslides now? Just got the 00 XN and it's got normal stickers and rub ons.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 01:49
|
|
|
It depends on the kit.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 03:04
|
|
|
Someone needs to teach Bandai about consistency.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 04:07
|
|
|
You're supposed to have a small set of waterslides for the XN itself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU8pN5pcKc4&t=348s
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 04:27
|
|
|
Ugh. Is there a buyable waterslide sheet for the raiser? I don't know why they thought half waterslide half regular stickers was a great idea.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 12:13
|
|
|
Midjack posted:Ver 1.5? May not be just a reissue. I wonder what's different. I'm torn between a wait-and-see attitude to find that out, but the reason I bought the older Arbalest from you a year or two back is because I didn't think I'd ever build proper Gunpla/plamo. HLJ says there are movable hatches, and the Lambda Driver movement can be replicated. But anyway, it's HLJ, so I might as well put down preorder stakes and hope I don't spend the hundo it'd require once they drop in November. Meanwhile, the Mechanicore Perfect Zeong has a box.  Move 'Ziegler." For great box justice. (Good luck to you who venture down the course of this hellbeast)
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 13:50
|
|
|
goddamnit Bandai is doing reruns of five different P-Bandai Jegans at the same time. Would it really be that hard to let outlanders order directly from the P-bandai store?
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 20:57
|
|
|
I think I should pick up the GM/GM Build Fighters kit. I thought it was just a remold of the Revive RX-78-2 at first, but it looks like it has some pretty neat stuff going on with a split torso and folding wrists.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 22:25
|
|
|
Forget the GM/GM (although it looks badass), when the heck are we getting the GM Z'Gock? I lust for vestigial-armed abominations.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 22:45
|
|
|
Arcsquad12 posted:I think I should pick up the GM/GM Build Fighters kit. I thought it was just a remold of the Revive RX-78-2 at first, but it looks like it has some pretty neat stuff going on with a split torso and folding wrists. Surprisingly, the GM/GM is based off the Leopard da Vinci.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 23:18
|
|
|
Neurolimal posted:From YT reviews they actually hedged their bets and went with too-tight over too-loose. To such an extent that some people have broken theirs trying to force pegs. I can say that this is the case. I've had to take knife blades to holes on more than one occasion to get the them to go in, and sand down ends of pegs. I've never seen anything quite like it, but SO FAR it's been nice that i'm not having to do as much gluing as I expected.
|
|
#
?
Aug 30, 2017 23:29
|
|
|
Slow going on my Sniper 2. I wanted to get it finished before Destiny 2 came out, but got a bit way laid.  Need to topcoat the outer armour I've already painted, and then start on everything else.
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 11:02
|
|
|
Looking good so far, that gun's gorgeous.
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 12:32
|
|
|
Another surprisingly late IBO S1 HG release.
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 14:03
|
|
|
gently caress YOU P-Bandai: http://p-bandai.jp/item/item-1000117195/ We FINALLY get a King J-Der and I have to immediately be mad at its existence...
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 14:15
|
|
|
I'm really not sure I understand the point of P-Bandai (besides the obvious japanese business model of "this has a limited fanbase, instead of expanding it let's milk the poo poo out of it") anymore. I thought it was supposed to be for basic changes and accessories ala decals/stickers/RG guns/colors/set packs, but it gets so many unique sculpts that have to have been easily marketable (if the IBO option set packs can close in on 10 releases and see success literally selling guns and feet there's no way a crazy Z'Gok hands were unsellable). The Graze pack seems more in line than the z'gok, j-der, waterproof gundam etc.; it's two shiny grazes with the ground feet pack and the sword pack. The cynic in me says that they're going to milk P-Bandai for a while, then quietly release a bunch of the sculpted stuff later. Neurolimal fucked around with this message at 15:41 on Aug 31, 2017 |
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 15:38
|
|
|
Remember that P-Bandai is only a pain for people outside Japan. If you're in Japan, something being P-Bandai really isn't a big deal. Selling directly from their own webstore has two big benefits. First off, they keep all the money. There's no retail middlemen taking a cut. Secondly, it prevents a situation like Gundam Age where there's a ton of merchandise sitting at retail that won't sell, which causes all sorts of problems. I think you're asking the wrong question. They probably aren't asking "how would this do at retail" they're probably asking "How many people who are interested in this product wouldn't buy it if it was only available at P-Bandai?"
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 15:50
|
|
|
Doesn't p-bandai still have a markup for their stuff? Maybe the Premium part of the title is throwing me off. You are right that I'm likely overinflating how big a deal this is locally. Amazon and AliExpress has spoiled me on worldwide goods.
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 15:54
|
|
|
TaurusOxford posted:gently caress YOU P-Bandai: http://p-bandai.jp/item/item-1000117195/ gently caress I will probably splurge and buy this thing since it's the goddamn King J-Der.
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 16:22
|
|
|
Guy Goodbody posted:Remember that P-Bandai is only a pain for people outside Japan. If you're in Japan, something being P-Bandai really isn't a big deal. Selling directly from their own webstore has two big benefits. First off, they keep all the money. There's no retail middlemen taking a cut. Secondly, it prevents a situation like Gundam Age where there's a ton of merchandise sitting at retail that won't sell, which causes all sorts of problems. And yet both of the best kits from GM Counterattack are P-Bandai  .
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 16:35
|
|
|
Considering they put the effort into getting almost the entire Island Wars line out as general release, GM's Counterattack's releases just makes me think that Island Wars sold horribly enough it wasn't worth betting on. I know that nobody likes paying more for stuff, but the sheer vitriol people express for P-Bandai gets so overdone it's ridiculous. The fact of the matter is that most of the time, if it wasn't going to be P-Bandai it wasn't going to exist at all. You have to think of Bandai less as a magical wish granting lamp and more as a business. Because that is, in fact, what they are.
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 17:04
|
|
|
|
| # ? Jun 8, 2024 14:37 |
|
|
BlitzBlast posted:Considering they put the effort into getting almost the entire Island Wars line out as general release, GM's Counterattack's releases just makes me think that Island Wars sold horribly enough it wasn't worth betting on. Sure, except the Fenice Libertalia's just a little more complex than the average recoloured variant with slightly altered shoulders. Effort-wise, that's a pretty intensive kit to develop given the big thigh thrusters and motorcycle transformation for only a P-Bandai release.
|
|
#
?
Aug 31, 2017 17:13
|
|