Sliced Bread

 

Until recently, I've tried finishing up some Gundam kits I've started before my accident, even leaving them on top of my TV as a reminder.  Then a new package arrived, one I've been waiting for since February, and I dropped everything.  Compared to my other projects, this was supposed to be easy.  Then it was like, here we go again.

1/144 Entry Grade Nu Gundam

Due in part to watching Mobile Gundam: Char's Counterattack several dozen times, I've grown fond of this particular mech.  In which case I could've bought an older, more 'complete' iteration of this plastic model.  But I bought it to make a specific point, which will be explained later.

Runners for the 1/144 EG Nu Gundam

Remaining runners, instructions and stickers

First, the test build.  Like the other Entry Grade kits released before, you can rip the parts off the runners without nippers.  After some parts fell off on their own (above), I was concerned about the overall durability of the model itself.

Once complete, Nu Gundam includes its beam rifle and shield, while the instruction manual recommends buying the 1/144 High Grade Nu Gundam for its fin funnels and hyper bazooka (defeating the purpose of having this version in the first place).  But I thought about that ahead of time and added something extra to my pre-order.

1/144 High Grade Fake Nu Weapons

Runners and instructions.

Completed product.

A set of optional components for HG kits, the Fake Nu Weapons include their own fin funnels, which then attach to other kits with a backpack.

I also threw in a set of waterslide decals for the Real Grade Nu Gundam with my order.  The completed Gundam is pretty big for the 1/144-scale category and would look plain without the decals.

Once those were added, it was time to seal it all with clear topcoat.  Skewering the parts on the same paint station as my unfinished HG Death Army, I sprayed on some Tamiya Flat Clear.  I added a second coat the next day after my can ran out.  And here stands the completed Nu Gundam Custom, Category F . . .

Since the mech is already color-accurate, the areas that really needed painting were the funnels.  I've colored the panel lines on the darker plastic by mixing silver enamel paint with enough lighter fluid to make it runny.  Without really having to, I've also painted the underside of the shield and skirt armor before cutting the front skirt in 2 for posability.

Did I mention you don't get effect parts for the beam saber?

At the last minute, I've decided against replacing the Gundam's backpack to attach the funnels.  Instead I modified the original backpack by chopping up a bread clip and gluing the pieces.

Because posing Nu Gundam without its funnels deployed wouldn't do it justice, I dug up a display base from storage and viola . . . !

With Nu Gundam done, my other half-assed Gunpla remain, so look out for those.  Gonna go do some chores, some gaming and some reading in the meantime.  Till next time, my kitchen sink's piling up.

All the featured products were purchased from the USA Gundam Store website.