Portfolio

Master Grade GF13-017NJ Shining Gundam:

The MG Shining Gundam was the very first Master Grade model kit that I put together. I finished the straight build during the spring of 2013. I returned to it summer 2014 to paint the panel lines in and give the model a matte coat.

Simply put, this model kit feels very solid when holding it. Much of this stems not only from its bulkier appearance, but also from the inner frame of this model kit. Rather than the poly-caps that are widespread among High Grade Gunpla, the joints of this kit are secured with crosshead (Phillip’s) screws. These screws tightly secure the joints, unlike the rubber-like poly-caps that might have limbs popping out every once in a while.

 

High Grade TBG-011B Try Burning Gundam (Shining Gundam Colors):

Since the entire motif of this mobile suit surrounds hand-to-hand combat, I thought it would be appropriate to choose a color scheme to pay an homage to the Shining Gundam.

The torso was recolored from red to Tamiya Light Blue to resemble the Shining Gundam’s color distribution. I chose Tamiya Mica Red to repaint the abdomen and shoulder pieces as well. Both of these colors together give off a bright, eye-catching color combination. All of the clear blue pieces were recolored with Tamiya Metallic Green to mimic the Shining Gundam’s chest gem. In hindsight, I should have actually painted these clear pieces with Tamiya Clear Yellow so they would come out as a clear green. However, I still enjoy the particle-like effect that the Metallic Green gives off. The open-palmed hands were also recolored metallic green so that this model can recreate the iconic Shining Finger!

Overall, I really enjoyed building this kit. Although it was quick and simple, the finished model features some of the greatest articulation I’ve seen in a High Grade Gunpla. I can easily say that I’ve sat for a few hours posing him into Bruce Lee-esque jump kicks and other crazy poses.

Kitbash: Kamiki God Gundam

Since I recolored the Try Burning Gundam to take on the Shining Gundam’s color scheme, I thought it’d be appropriate to pay homage to the Shining Gundam’s successor, the GF13-017NJII God Gundam. The Kamiki Burning Gundam fit perfectly since it’s the successor to the Try Burning Gundam! I took a different approach to this build as this is my first “kitbash”, where you take pieces from multiple model kits and combine them into one model!

This kit features the same amount of articulation as the Try Burning Gundam since the torso, legs, and arms are all built with an identical structure. The ring of fire that this kit comes with is such

Model kits used:

  • High Grade KMK-B01 Kamiki Burning Gundam: Head, torso, shoulders, front skirt, and feet. I still wanted the Kamiki Burning Gundam to be identifiable in this kitbash, so I retained the head and torso.
  • High Grade GAT-X105B/FP Build Strike Gundam Full Package: Side skirts and legs. I used these parts since I thought that they resembled the God Gundam’s closest, especially since the side skirts each held a single beam saber. The legs are the same general shape as the God Gundam’s, but I like the metallic grey breaks between the white of the shins.
  • High Grade BG-011B Build Burning Gundam: Arms and back skirt. The original HG Kamiki Burning Gundam featured very round limbs that I am not fond of at all. They seem out of place among the majority of mobile suit designs that are angular and boxy. I replaced them with the Build Burning’s arms to give the model more bulk since the shoulders are so wide.

Real Grade GN-001 Gundam Exia:

This model kit was the first Real Grade kit that I completed. This was completed the summer after my senior year of high school. I had a fairly difficult time putting this model together since it’s basically a scaled down Master Grade. However, the amount of detail crammed into such a small model kit is ridiculous. With only sticker placement, basic panel lining, and a matte coat finish, this model kit came out beautifully.

Real Grade MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Frame:

I completed this model around spring of 2016. Although I’ve never read the Gundam SEED Astray manga, I was always fond of this mobile suit’s design. The different shades of red contrast amazingly  against the subtler shades of white and grey. Obviously, this mobile suit takes on a samurai-like motif as it wields a massive katana and this adds much more personality to the kit.