Pieces of Me

Because my brief introduction to Gunpla was longer than I expected, here are some of the model kits I'm currently stuck on:

1/144 HGBD Impulse Gundam Lancier

This is one of several "High Grade" kits I've got inspired by the last Gundam show to air, Gundam Build Divers; also one of several models I haven't finished building for one reason or another.  Ironically, I bought this one in hopes of breaking that habit.

As you can see here and in the following pics, most of the parts are molded in the right colors.

A retooling of an earlier model, it includes tons of surplus parts that may or may not be used toward the final product.

My goal was a straight build.  I'd do some minor gluing, sanding and very minor painting before spraying a clear top coat on everything.

Once complete, the Impulse Lancier should stand about 5 inches tall.  Points go to whoever spots the head.

SD Build Burning Gundam

This comes from a separate line of "super-deformed" Gunpla; stubby, big-headed caricatures of multiple robots.

Roughly shorter than an HG kit, this one has larger parts molded in fewer colors for a cheaper product that's built in less time.

Here's the completed Build Burning out of the box.

Here's where I'm at with the painting.

1/144 Zoloat and Javelin

Released in the early 90's, this line of Gunpla was definitely a product of its time.  When Japan's economic bubble burst, animation company Sunrise and toy company Bandai had to allocate funds between new Gundam shows and Gundam models respectively, resulting in a significant dip in quality for both.  This is how the earliest kits from anime like Gundam Wing and G Gundam are basically the same in their construction.  But enough with the history lessons.

This is the unbuilt Javelin kit.  A notable gimmick is you snap the runner on the upper left in half and then press both halves together.  This way, you build several parts at once and stick in the soft plastic joints afterward.  Not a bad way to market a budget model.

With such simple products at my disposal, this was the first of several attempts at gluing, sawing, drilling and painting Gunpla to perfection.  Eventually, I've boxed it up with everything else.

1/144 HG Man Rodi

From Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans, I originally bought this to partake in my first YouTube-based Gunpla competition.

The gameplan was simple:  I would take some optional leg parts from a series-exclusive set to convert the space-use Man Rodi . . .

. . . To a earth-bound Landman Rodi.  The head was left out cuz I intended to make a new one from scratch--something I've never actually tried.  Between gathering supplies and juggling work and chores, the Landman Rodi missed its window to compete.

Looking back on this I realize that I can't touch the rest of my collection until these Gunpla are finished.  But when?  WHEN?  Find out as I plan another route to the TOP OF THE HEAP.  See you next time!

I picked up the Impulse Gundam Lancier at GameStop.  Both the SD Build Burning Gundam and Man Rodi come from the Image Anime store in New York.  The option set is available at Amazon.