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Previous Thread - Gunpla/Model Thread 2: Breakin' Plastic, Breakin' Bank. Welcome to the third iteration of the Gunpla/Plamo/Robot Toy thread. You dig giant robot toys? We dig giant robot toys. Long-time hobbyists, fresh newcomers, and all the rest of you with crippling addictions to plastic robot figurines and models are welcome here. A BRIEF HISTORY OF GUNPLA  "I'm sorry, I'm not very knowledgeable about the plastic model industry, so I can't answer that question. Unfortunately, I can't really make a statement on the plastic scale modeling kits, probably because I'd be eradicated from the industry if I made my true feelings known." - Yoshiyuki Tomino, creator of Gundam. Like most giant robot series of the late 70's, Mobile Suit Gundam was essentially a merchandising vehicle sponsored by a toy company, in this particular case Clover. Unlike its predecessors, however, Gundam's more complex and mature content turned off many younger viewers, and sales of its brightly colored toy-line suffered. Despite many efforts to boost the marketability of the show, including monster-of-the-week subplots and the introduction of the infamous G-Fighter, Clover would eventually pull the plug on Gundam early, reducing its original run from 52 episodes to 43. In the meantime, another toy company - Bandai - had acquired the rights to produce scale model kits based on the series. Gundam would eventually find its audience among older children and teenagers through reruns, and whereas the original toys lingered unsold, the model kits flew off the shelves. Three decades and millions of kits later, Bandai continues to produce high-quality models based on the Gundam metaseries, and has since expanded to other popular mecha franchises and series as well. THE GRADES While most modern Gundam kits feature easy-to-build, snap-assembly construction, Bandai currently divides their model kits into several categories or "grades" based on number of parts, colors, complexity, and experience required. Note that the following refer to more modern kits (later than 2000). Older kits vary greatly in terms of quality and construction, despite using similar designations. 1/144 No Grade/First Grade These are inexpensive, easy-to-build, low-detail kits molded in only a handful of colors. Most smaller non-HG kits fall into this category. ($5-$20)  AGE 1/144 Advanced Grade Despite its name, the Advanced Grade kits are extremely simple, low-detail kits, much like their no-grade counterparts. Parts a fitted onto a simple standardized frame, and these kits include small chips which are used in conjunction with a Japan-only arcade game. (~$10)  1/144 HGUC/AW/FC/SEED/OO/AGE Higher quality 1/144 scale kits, HG kits are molded in more colors with greater detail and include many more parts than their no-grade/First Grade counterparts. With low-to-moderate price-points and relatively simple construction, they make great entry-level kits. ($10-$60)  1/144 Real Grade One of Bandai's newest lines, these kits feature extensive detailing, high parts count, high color count, extreme articulation, and a revolutionary near-pre-assembled inner frame design. They are practically Master Grade kits at a smaller scale. Recommended for more experienced modelers, particularly those who are less prone to losing tiny parts. Moderate price-point. ($30-$40)  1/100 No-Grade/High Grade Larger kits at a relatively reasonable price point, 1/100 kits are not as intricately detailed as their Master Grade counterparts; however, they are relatively well-detailed and come molded in several colors. These kits were released with the HG moniker up until SEED, when it was dropped, presumably to avoid confusion with the HG 1/144 kits. ($20-$40)  1/100 Master Grade Bandai's longest-running line of intricately detailed, highly-articulated model kits, this line is meant for more experienced modelers. These kits feature complex construction, and many include detailed inner-frames and removable armor. With high parts counts, molded in numerous colors, and including various marking sheets, stickers, and dry-transfer and water-slide decals, most of the newer releases look great even without additional painting and detailing. Moderate-to-high price points. ($20-$100+)  1/60 No-Grade Beefed-up 1/100 Kits, meant to have an imposing presence on your shelf, but are no more complex. Relatively high price point. (~$60)  1/60 Perfect Grade and HY2M Glorious Series Large, extremely well-detailed, molded in numerous colors with thousands of parts, these are top-tier Gundam kits. Including everything from intricately detailed inner frames with removable armor to working LED lights, Perfect Grade kits are for experienced modelers only. Expensive price-point. Fair warning, most of these kits are older and suffer from some issues including loose joints and poor balance. ($150-$300)  1/48 Mega Size Model Extremely large, simple kits meant for younger and less experienced modelers. Featuring easy to remove parts and simple construction, these models despite their price tag make great entry-level kits. Expensive price-point (due to sheer size). AGE Mega Size kits include light-up LED elements. ($80-$100)  Super-Deformed Cheap, simple, low-detail, giant-headed model kits. YAY! (~$10)  EX Model Unlike most Gundam lines, the EX Model focuses on the support vehicles and ships of the Gundam universe. Also unlike modern Gunpla kits, they require extensive painting and detailing as well as glue/cement and other work in their construction. Support vehicles in this line are typically built at 1/144 scale (including a 1/144 Gunperry!), while larger vehicles such as the White Base and Argama are molded at 1/1700 scale. Recommended for more seasoned and traditional modelers. Relatively expensive for their size. ($20-$80)  UC Hard Graph Another more traditional line which also requires extra work, cementing, and painting, UC Hard Graph aims to create a series of large-scale support vehicles and human figures reminiscent of other companies' lines of 1/35 scale real-life military models. Same-scale mobile suit parts are also often included, encouraging diorama building. Price point moderate to expensive ($20-$100+)  WHAT ABOUT NON-GUNDAM MODEL KITS?! Bandai has released numerous highly detailed kits based on various other series including VOTOMS, L-Gaim, Layzner, Xabungle, Macross Frontier, Evangelion, Patlabor and Dunbine. Many of these kits are graded in much the same manner as their Gundam counterparts, and although newer kits such as the 1/20 VOTOMS and the Real Robot Revolution lines are not graded, they too feature similar construction and detail as their Master Grade counterparts. (Price Varies based on Line)   SCREW BANDAI! SCREW YOU! But there are other companies out there, particularly... Kotobukiya Much like Bandai's kits, Kotobukiya features relatively simple snap-together construction. Unlike Bandai, however, many of their kits come partially pre-painted or pre-detailed. Quality varies from line to line and even from kit to kit within a line. Moderate-high price points, various scales. Lines include... SUPER ROBOT WARS ORIGINAL GENERATION  ARMORED CORE  ZOIDS  D-STYLE  (Thanks to Dalong.net for the images above). Other companies of note include WAVE and Hasegawa, but unlike modern Kotobukiya and Bandai models, these kits will require extensive painting and glue/cement in their construction as well as a higher level of modeling experience. I have no talent and/or am lazy. Got any robots for me? DO I EVER! Robot Damashii, The Robot Spirits This is Bandai/Tamashii Nation's line of high-quality, highly detailed, solidly constructed, and extremely poseable robot action figures. Standing in at just shy of six inches and coming with loads of accessories, these figures put Bandai's earlier efforts such as In Action! and HCM Pro to shame. Series include Gundam, Eureka Seven, Evangelion, Full Metal Panic!, StarDriver, Code Geass, Gun x Sword, and others. Moderate-high price points. ($20-$70)  Super Robot Chogokin Another new line under the Tamashii Nations umbrella, Bandai aims to create smaller, high-quality, extremely articulated robots under its already popular Chogokin banner. These figures include an impressive amount of die-cast construction for their size and are extremely well-crafted figures. Series so far include Mazinger, SRW:OG, Hades Project Zeorymer, GaoGaiGar, and Super Sentai. ($30-$70)  SOUL OF CHOGOKIN Major league robot toy collecting right here. Highly expensive, but extremely well built, well-detailed die-cast super robot toys are the name of the game, loaded with more accessories than you'll ever know what to do with. A Soul of Chogokin figure will make an excellent centerpiece to any collection. ($50-$300+)  Soul of Chogokin Spec is a SOC subline that includes several diecast real robots from series such as L-Gaim, SPT Layzner, and Dragonar. Currently, the only figures being released through this moniker are Tamashii Web Exclusive Dragonar variants. ($80-$100+)  SOUL OF CHOGOKIN DX is the newest Chogokin Subline by Bandai, with its first offering being the mighty Mazinger Z. Twelve inches of diecast, removable armor, light and sound gimmicks, and its own full-sized hangar to store it in, this monster of a toy will set you back nearly $500 once shipping is included. But drat if it is not beautiful. ($400+)  DX Chogokin is another currently-running Chogokin subline that's mainly concerned with diecast robots from Macross Frontier. ($150-$250)  YAMATO/ARCADIA Perfect Trance While we're on the subject of Macross, Yamato has been producing high-quality, highly-detailed, and insanely expensive transformable Macross toys over the last decade. As its name implies, the figures of Perfect Trance line perform "perfect" transformations, that is no parts have to be removed or replaced at any point during the toy's transformation. Considering that the Valkyries in the original series practically transformed via magic, this is an impressive feat. Figures include the classic VF-1 from SDF Macross and DYRL? as well as fighters from Macross Plus, Macross 7, Macross Dynamite 7, and Macross Zero. Yamato also has recently announced the online exclusive release of the VF-4 Lightning III from Flashback 2012. You know, the music video one. (Well, technically it's based on its appearance from the VF-X video game, but still...). ($80-$300+) Yamato has since gone out of business, but seems to have resurrected itself under the name Arcadia, which continues to produce the same high-quality Valkyrie figures as its predecessor.  REVOLTECH Kaiyodo's long-running line of small, extremely poseable action figures. These highly detailed figures come with included stands and numerous accessories. The secret to their ability to strike and hold any pose comes from the use of the Revoltech ratcheting joint. Very reasonable price-point. ($20-$40)  ANY MORE GODDAMNED TOYS YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT? Just want to give a shout-out to some other Tamashii Nations lines such as SH Figuarts, SH Monsterarts, and Ultra-Act. While not strictly giant robot toys, they do share much of the same quality engineering as the previous Bandai lines above, and I have no problems with discussing them in this thread. That goes for the MG Figurerise line of Bandai Action Figure Model Kits as well.  USEFUL LINKS Reviews CollectionDX Dalong.net Gundam.tk NEWS Gundam Guy Mecha Guy - Like Gundam Guy, but for not-Gundams. GG Figure News - Like Gundam and Mecha Guys, but for Everything Else HOW-TO and TUTORIALS Layman's Gunpla Guide Fichtenfoo.net Advanced Tutorials and Guides Danny Choo's Modeling Tutorial for Busy People. Gamera Baenre - Tutorials on general and more advanced modeling techniques. Fine Scale Modeler Forums - Registration required to view some content, covers a wide range of modeling topics. The Complete Future - Everything you ever wanted to know about Future Floor Polish and its uses in model making. WHERE TO BUY Japanese Hobby Link Japan - Watch for sales and shipping specials. AmiAmi - Best prices around, great for pre-ordering though they can sell out quickly. HobbySearch Yokatta Web Exclusive Preorder Page North American Gundam Store and More Hobby Wave - $12 Flat Shipping Amazon.com - Prime Shipping on many kits, reasonable North American prices. GG Infinite - Often carries exclusive and limited items SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL HOBBY STORE Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a Band-Aid for this X-acto knife wound. Thanks to Silentman0 and Songy who worked on the previous thread, which I shamelessly stole from to write this new OP. Mecha Gojira fucked around with this message at 05:11 on Aug 24, 2014 |
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Mar 16, 2012 21:57
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Silentman0 posted:Some fun tips to make your models look more dynamic! GOON RECOMMENDATIONS Captain Invictus posted:I posted a lot of reviews of Kotobukiya SRW sets in the prior threads, I'll dredge some of those up(and shrink them down a little) for you if you'd like some recommendation content. COMPLETED GOON PROJECTS! Faltion posted:I too have just gotten back into gunpla after a 10 year break and I too have just finished my first suit since as of today! TaurusOxford posted:
Arquinsiel posted:So... um... yeah. I made a thing but painted it different because... stuff. The high-res images I found on the con's website make me regret entering the painting competition with it. It doesn't help that they posed it all Faltion posted:I'm sure some of you modelling a while have had that one kit that refused to come into fruition. I started building this Zaku Mariner with the plan of having it done in 2 weeks so I could move on to other things. 6 months later I finally got it finished yesterday. TaurusOxford posted:I present my completed PG Gundam GP01 "Half Burner": PoptartsNinja posted:Found it! Mecha Gojira fucked around with this message at 06:56 on Aug 21, 2014 |
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Mar 16, 2012 21:58
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). For my first time painting and modding, i'm pleased with what I have made. Any criticisms and advice are greatly appreciated in case I get crazy enough to start painting and/or modding more kits.
when taking pictures either.
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Captain Invictus posted:I posted a lot of reviews of Kotobukiya SRW sets in the prior threads, I'll dredge some of those up(and shrink them down a little) for you if you'd like some recommendation content. That'd be fantastic, but only if you want to. Recommendations weren't really kept up with in either of the previous threads, but if you guys would still like them I'll try to stay on top of them.
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Mar 17, 2012 01:00
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Bimmi posted:Might as well remove the Speed Grade listing as that never really became a thing. Probably, but I think I'll keep it around at least for a while. They're still floating around, after all, even if the line is long discontinued. I mean, First-Grade/No-Grade 1/144 and No-Grade 1/100 seem to have been all but discontinued in the last few years as well, after all. But then again, Speed Grade never really took off, so it is a fair point. Plus, if HLJ's current Gunpla Clearance Sale is any indication, I might get to phase out the AG AGE line eventually as well!
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Mar 17, 2012 03:57
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Bimmi posted:There were only ever four Speed Grade kits released, though, and the line's been dead for over three years. No point in keeping it, especially when larger/more relevant lines like HY2MM, EX Model and UC Hard Graph aren't even mentioned. Not the end of the world, though. You've convinced me, though mostly because I do want to say a few things about the EX and Hard Graph lines because they're cool as well. Especially since UC Hard Graph is still kicking with its latest Core Fighter release. I'll get them and your store link up later, probably this afternoon. Also, yes, I want to see pictures of $900 worth of Gunpla and 30+ people building them. Sounds like a good time all around. Edit: Updated the OP. Mecha Gojira fucked around with this message at 18:57 on Mar 17, 2012 |
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Mar 17, 2012 16:11
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Phy posted:Wait, they WHAT??! I always liked both modes myself (Gunjap link). Though looks like I'm wrong. This particular version will be based on its appearance in the VF-X game.
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Mar 18, 2012 01:44
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Fauxtool posted:use the stickers I paint the eyes. It's not too difficult, especially on larger kits like Master Grades where they're a separate piece. Basically what I do is paint the whole thing the color I want the eyes (usually silver with a clear color candy coat), and then once that's dry I go back with a small paint brush or tooth pick and color black in around the eyes. Some people would suggest using a pen or tiny marker for this, though. There's all kind of ways to do it.
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Mar 21, 2012 15:45
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Lumi posted:The stickers on the eyes do look fake (even though it's probably the better stickers already), which is why I wanted to paint them. Although I wanted to achieve them in a way that's not insane. When I said silver, I meant as an undercoat to a clear color. So you paint it silver, and then you paint say clear red or clear green over the silver parts to achieve that shiny reflective effect.
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Mar 21, 2012 23:09
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Lumi posted:Ah okay, thanks. Nope, would probably look better. Due to the molding process, the plastic ends up with swirls and other imperfections, so painting even in its original colors would probably make it look better than just leaving it unpainted. I'd definitely say go for it if that's what you want to do. Edit: And yeah, Takanago, you guys look like y'all will be having fun. Also, I see that One Piece and that Patlabor kit hiding in there (way to be awesome).
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Mar 22, 2012 00:37
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Robot Damashii is my current favorite Tamashii Nations line, and that Zaku I Sniper looks great. I might have to watch Tokyo-Hunter and try to snag one myself. Besides, I don't think I could say I'm done with Robot Damashii. I mean, the Nu Gundam comes out next month, and they've got a freakin' Billbine coming out in the near future. Speaking of exclusives, though, I somehow managed to get my hands on an SH Monsterarts Garuda. It'll be my first Tamashii Nations exclusive item; it better not disappoint. Hopefully in a few days I'll be able to combine it with my Mecha Godzilla and form SUPER MECHA GODZILLA.
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Mar 28, 2012 04:27
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Fauxtool posted:MG unicorn banshee arrived today. I'm suprised its not ver ka, but its still very nice. It does not seem to share too many parts with the unicorn. The head arms and feet are pretty different That's because the Ver. Ka has a different glow than the animation version. They only sold the Ver. Ka as an online exclusive. Here's a link to what it looks like in comparison with the regular kit. Mecha Gojira fucked around with this message at 21:47 on Mar 30, 2012 |
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Mar 30, 2012 21:42
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DJ Turbo Punch posted:Does anyone know if it's possible to order single replacement parts for Super Robot Chogokin figures (and if so from where)? I love my Mazinger Z, but I lost the drat pilder in my last move and it's just heartbreaking to see him without it. You can always try contacting Bluefin, the North American Distributor for Tamashii Nations.
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Apr 12, 2012 15:39
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TaurusOxford posted:
Honestly, I like it. Can't say I could do any better myself, and I really appreciate the creativity involved. Looks great, not even mentioning the fact that it's a first try. One note, though: you're not going to load its beam sabers?
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Apr 18, 2012 02:38
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Honest Ray posted:Wow, that thing is just glorious. I like the Sazabi too, but I already have in in HGUC form so I don't see myself buying it again unless it's way better. Well, I HAVE to buy the Sazabi now. I don't have a choice. It probably is WAY better than the HGUC, though, if your thing is highly poseable great-looking action figures as opposed to well-detailed unpainted things you build yourself.  By the way, the figure itself is amazing. Great attention to detail, down to the beam saber popping out of the left forearm. My only complaints have to deal with the Fin Funnels. The peg and slot mechanism they use to stick together was clever, but unfortunately it worked better in theory than in practice. The pegs on some of the funnels are too small, and some of the slots are too big, so they don't actually stick together very well. You kind of have to experiment to see which funnel sticks best to which, and even then you're probably left with a couple that have weak grips either way. So if you plan on posing it, it's best to remove the funnels first, repose, and reattach.  My other complaints come from with this setup. The ball-and-socket joints that are used in this configuration are REALLY tight, but the sticks themselves feel kind of fragile. I'm less afraid of breaking them than I am of stressing and permanently bending them while trying to pose the funnels. At the same time, though, I think once they are posed, they'd probably stay that way forever. That's the trade-off, I suppose. Also, the beam effects don't fit very well into the funnels because they're thin plastic cutouts. My solution to all of these problems is to spend too much money on a Tamashii Nations Exclusive Add-on set with additional funnels and effects parts.
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Apr 27, 2012 04:00
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Faltion posted:I too have just gotten back into gunpla after a 10 year break and I too have just finished my first suit since as of today! Okay, this is so good I'm going to go ahead and start a Completed Goon Projects post after the OP. Great job, and I love seeing this kind of thing in the thread.
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May 3, 2012 16:31
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Well Manicured Man posted:Isn't there at least going to be the Byarlant Custom from Unicron? I thought there'd been a limited edition run that was sold out not too long ago. That was a Tamashii Nations exclusive Robot Damashii, not an HGUC kit unfortunately. I'd love to have one, though, but I couldn't justify the price.
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May 18, 2012 15:03
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Just a heads up on some sales and specials: Hobby Search is having a Half-Off Shipping Promotion. Use their PayPal Pre-Approved Payment option and get half-off shipping. Hobby Link Japan is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this month. Keep an eye out for sales items and specials. First up is a Kaiyodo Sale, mostly Revoltech.
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Jun 5, 2012 16:18
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No Jet Scrander, no sale.  Seriously, though, holy gently caress that thing is beautiful and I'd love to have one. But not $500 love. Still, that fucker is going in the OP because drat. Edit: You know drat well that sold separately doesn't count! I could accept it when it was like $10 extra for the Super Robot Chogokin, but ugh... Mecha Gojira fucked around with this message at 05:42 on Jun 14, 2012 |
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Jun 14, 2012 05:32
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In other news, a model kit I thought Bandai was never going to produce. Seriously, though, it's been YEARS since the other three 0080 GM variants, which is why I never figured we'd see a GM Sniper II model kit, but here it is, and I'm glad they waited. They probably couldn't have given the suit the treatment it needed back then, but now they can. Hell, it might get me back into painting. Love to have one in a forest green. 
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Jun 14, 2012 15:51
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wfwon posted:I wonder if it will include the coolant tanks and all those accessories like they show in the anime. You're thinking of the GM Ground Type Sniper from 08th MS Team. This is the one that shows up for a couple seconds in 0080 before getting blown out of the sky by the Kaempher.
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Jun 15, 2012 03:10
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Nasgate posted:So do you guys know if you can buy replacement parts for Soul of Chogokin sets? After a few moves, I've realized that my Getter Robo set is missing a couple pieces. (G1s right fist and a weird piece that is basically a small version of Bear that attaches to leg units) Depends on how old the set is. I suppose you can try to contact Bluefin, though, but I think they only replace parts for figure that have their sticker on the box. Could be wrong though, but it can't hurt to try. Here's their website.
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Jul 2, 2012 02:23
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Honestly, paint it however you want. There's all kinds of ways to go about it. Do you want an official paint-scheme, but one that isn't the regular old Red, White and Blue (with yellow)? There's always the Roll-Out Colors, the "Real-Type" colors, or the G3 colors. Have a favorite ace pilot? Paint it in their scheme (Ramba Ral blue, Char red, Black Tri-Stars purple, etc.). Maybe paint it in a scheme that belongs to a completely different Gundam, like Titans Gundam Mk. II dark blue and black or Victory 2 Gundam blue and gold. I've seen RX-78's in every color you can imagine, from black to camouflage green to metallics like silver and gold. Sky's the limit, really. I can't say there's one source I draw inspiration from. Once I painted an F91 gold because I like the Hyaku Shiki's paint-scheme. Another time I attempted a candy coat clear-red on bronze metallic for a GM because I liked the results I saw on a hobby site. I even once painted a HGUC Dom kit blue to match the "Ramba Ral" color scheme. Just paint it whatever colors feel right to you.
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Jul 5, 2012 05:40
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You know, after snapping together my RG Titans Mk. II, I have to say I'm actually pretty excited about the prospect of a RG Zeta Gundam. The construction on the Mk. II was phenomenal, and every bit, every piece of armor moves as you expect it to over its movable frame. Of course, I had some minor nitpicks with the Mk. II, since it's so small but with so many pieces molded in such dark plastic, there are nub marks all over it, but I don't think I want to paint it for the same reason (so many tiny parts). Oh, and I hated that I had to cut the cloth hosing and wire myself. Still, minor nitpicks on a really well engineered kit. I can't wait to see what the Zeta looks like, and then of course see how its built.
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Jul 23, 2012 14:43
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You know, you say that, but I have had no problems with my Real Grade Char's Zaku II, and that was, what, the second release period? The latest Mk. II kit itself is a marvel of engineering as well. I honestly think that with the preassembled inner frame design, you're looking at a potentially stronger, more durable and posable transforming model kit. Not to say Bandai can't or won't completely drop the ball (they have many times before), but my experiences with the Real Grade line so far have been pretty positive.
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Aug 9, 2012 14:20
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Monaghan posted:I must be one of the few who prefer partformers over transformable suits, transformable suits are paint scratching nightmares. I guess my thing is I don't really consider the Real Grade line a painting line for me personally. The parts are all too small and easily lost for me to really even think about wanting to go that route, and then there's the issue with inner frames already being pre-assembled but with sliding or moving parts. Plus the Real Grade line is pretty insane about the fact that not only is every piece already molded in its proper color, but it goes out of its way to divide the panels up into multiple shades of the same color.
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Aug 9, 2012 21:36
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Ver. Ka usually means it's a completely new mold based on Katoki's modified lineart. I've said my piece about my feelings towards Katoki redesigns a thousand times, so I'm going to spare this thread. Suffice to say I'm not a fan, but even so, I'm actually mildly interested in seeing how it turns out. HGUC Byralant Custom, though, may be a must-buy, even if it too is basically a Ver. Ka redesign.
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Aug 22, 2012 21:26
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Bimmi posted:The MG Nu was sorely in need of an update, but why did it have to be this loving thing? Way to take a clean, elegant design and turn it into an overly-kibbled visual trainwreck, guys, wonderful goddamn job. Holding judgment until at least the prototype, but two words: Ver. Ka. Expect images of the final product to be cluttered with warning decals and extraneous stripes. Now if they'd release a Version Izubuchi line I'd buy every every single figure and kit.
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Aug 23, 2012 16:24
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Whirblewind posted:It looks fantastic, and it doesn't have Katoki's ridiculously long legs. That was them trying to please the idiots always crying about Katoki's proportions. Well, you got an inch; don't ask for a mile. Actually, if there's any mobile suit design that should have long legs, it's the Nu Gundam. My personal problem with Katoki's redesigns aren't really as much about the proportions themselves but what those proportions do to the designs overall: they homogenize them. I like to think many of the original designs and linearts have a lot of character to them, but when Katoki redesigns them, he does so in a way that takes away from some of the uniqueness and individuality that the originals have in order to make them fit some kind of standard model. It basically makes them feel more generic, at least in my opinion. Now, in some cases this is fine. I'm actually okay with it in the Gundam Unicorn OVA for example because it allows for dozens of different designs from several different artists to coexist in a single animated feature and actually seem like they belong together on screen. But going back to my earlier point, I don't really have the inclination to go out and buy Ver. Ka kits or figures because I feel like the original designs have more heart and soul in them than their Ver. Ka counterparts. Plus he likes to clutter up otherwise clean designs with tons of unnecessary panel lines, warning stickers, and decals. Mecha Gojira fucked around with this message at 03:45 on Aug 24, 2012 |
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Aug 24, 2012 03:42
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Is that an actual render of the kit itself or is that a render of the Nu Gundam that is projected against the wall behind the Gundam statue? Not that there's any difference; that's probably the main reason they're making this kit (the Nu Gundam makes its appearance around 4:20 in). I'd expect the kit to be slightly less detailed than the render itself, but it does give you a better idea of what it'll look like in 3-D. Wonder if they're going to keep the differently colored RG-style panels, though. They're not in the lineart that was released, but again, I'm assuming they're releasing this kit to go along with its appearance at the Diver City Tokyo Gundam pavilion, so it wouldn't shock me either. Not like you couldn't paint them either way.
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Aug 24, 2012 23:15
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Bimmi posted:This is so very much unlike Katoki's usual style (I have been following his career for 25 years so don't loving talk to me) that I can only imagine some suit-wearing git was all "very nice but we need more Michael Bay up in this poo poo" and also the muti-hued crap which was very nice on the 1/1 Gundam but is already a cliche and they need to stop already WHERE WAS I oh yeah this design sucks and I really hope they will do a smooth-skinned anime variant based on whatever frame this monstrosity permits. I saw an image the other day that featured the different linearts for the Nu Gundam over the years, and one thing I noticed in particular is that the Gundam Fix Figuration version is markedly different from the "Ver. Ka." If you know anything about GFF, you know that it's a line specifically devoted to Katoki redesigns of classic designs.  So, yeah, there you go. That's what the more "Traditional" Ver. Ka looks like. Way different from the design featured at Gundam Front Tokyo and with this new model kit.
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Aug 25, 2012 06:51
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I'm glad I have a relatively small and manageable backlog.  The problem is working up the motivation and energy to actually assemble and paint them. The last few kits I bought I ended up just assembling them out of the box and sticking them on a shelf, not even bothering with top coat or panel lining. These kits I actually want to work on and paint.
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Aug 27, 2012 21:40
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Hey, guys, do you like GUNPLA?! How about video games?! Well, I've got the video game for you! Check out Gundam Breaker, where you favorite Gunpla from different scales duke it out in diorama-inspired environments! Bandai, you're not even trying any more are you? After Gunpla Builder and AGE you just gave up an pretenses about your motivations, right?
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Sep 19, 2012 17:57
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TaurusOxford posted:You're clearly confused. You might be thinking of the RG Zeta Gundam. The last thing they did with ZZ with the HGUC kit. Well, Bandai is releasing a Robot Damashii [SIDE MS] ZZ Gundam in January, but obviously that's not a model kit. Of course, I think I may be the only one who really cares about Robot Damashii.
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Sep 24, 2012 00:38
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MG42 posted:Not sure if non-plamo is allowed, but some stuff came in. Oh, no, feel free. This is a robot toy thread. Glad I'm not the only one who collects that kind of stuff, because I've got a shelf that looks like this: Linked because of potential Simulwatch Spoilers. By the way, how is the Super Robot Chogokin Armored Core V figure? The game itself wasn't all that hot, but I liked the design.
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Sep 24, 2012 18:04
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Zebulon posted:Oh hey I see you got your Sazabi too. Its a beefy bastard, isn't it? I'm just disappointed it didn't get its own custom stand for how big it is. It's weird too, because other Tamashii Nations lines like SH Figuarts and SH Monsterarts are starting to come with their own custom stands, but Super Robot Chogokin and Robot Damashii seem to be left behind in that regard. I find that the the modular Stage Acts seem kind of fragile and unstable. I have three, plus another one that came with the Turn A option parts, and all of them are cracking where the long plastic tubes meet the joint pieces. Then of course sometimes if you don't get the balance just right, the whole stand just slumps over. If that's an issue with regular sized RD figures, I can't imagine the nightmare it'd be to place the Sazabi or some of the heavier Super Robot Chogokins on one. Now the ones that come with the Figuarts/Monsterarts are great because they aren't made up of separate joint and tube pieces, but instead the joint and the tube are a single piece. It takes away some of the flexibility of the modular Stage Acts, but at the same time makes it less fragile and gives it better stability. I mean, after all, my Barnaby Brooks Jr. Figuarts has been in a flying kick pose with its Good Luck Mode optional leg for the past few months without any issues. The RD Tauburn has a stand like this as well, but I think the only reason a stand was included with the Tauburn was because it's, umm, interestingly proportioned, which may be a problem for it considering it wears high heels. And that's a shame to hear that the ball joints aren't strong on the Armored Core. I've noticed on some of the RD's that the hands will pop out even if you don't apply a lot of force, especially on the Sazabi and the Zaku II, but I think that's more of an issue of the way the wrists are designed on those particular figures. Still, I might look into it eventually.
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Sep 24, 2012 21:11
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Super Robot Chogokin Gunbuster you say, Bandai? Sure, take ALL of my money.
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Sep 25, 2012 19:34
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 I think I just heard half the thread's wallets explode (Robot Damashii).
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Oct 25, 2012 18:45
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Yeah, the RX-78 and Zaku II Robot Damashii's are high on my list of favorites, especially with that awesome modular hardpoint system for the weapons and accessories. Also, added Faltion's projects to the OP, because they're REALLY cool.
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Dec 6, 2012 02:26
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Top Hat Cat posted:If I had another chance to be a rookie again today, I'd probably get the RG MK-II myself. Not too expensive and since its basically a smaller MG plenty of detail and fun to go around without the need to worry about painting for color accuracy. I couldn't recommend a Real Grade to a newcomer just due to the fact that the pieces are microscopic. I'd rather them work on a Master Grade first before a Real Grade.
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Dec 19, 2012 05:44
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Bimmi posted:I somehow missed the brouhaha over the MG Turn A, but the amount of rage being generated by the HG Rozen-Zulu's less-than-accurate color molding has been nothing short of phenomenal. I have seen the word "debacle" used, along with that old favorite "slap in the face," and the hills are alive with the sounds of crying, crying, and more crying from legions of spoiled infants who are apparently too delicate to buy and use a can of loving spray paint. I think it's because the ones of us who want color-accuracy but can't be assed to paint things ourselves just buy the toys. Seriously, I know Bandai molds these in particular colors and gives you sticker sheets for detialing, but it's still a model kit.
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Dec 31, 2012 19:28
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