Sanding and snipping......

I have finished the first sub-build for the kit, the torso and jet pack. I have a few ideas as to how I want the kit to look, but nothing concrete yet as my inspirations change as the kit nears completion. I did want to write about modifications and overall kit improvements for the beginners out there.

The first thing any beginner should know about building an HG or MG Gunpla kit from Bandai is that the kits are snap together. The kits are designed as children's toys to be played with, it is the intent of these models to be played with. With that being said, if you purchase a kit and snap it together the model will look something like the Gundam you envisioned, but there will be no "polish and pop". Seams in the middle of the guns and arms, irregular pour defects on all large plastic expanses and the colors will not jump off the model. This is where the modeler can take the kit to the next level. First, filling seams......

I tend to build the model completely first so I can make a decision on which seams truly need to be filled and which ones can be left because of where they occur. Any seam that is going to be covered by a later part or armor seems like a waste of time to me. So build the kit and then take inventory. Also before filling the seam take note as to how the subsequent pieces fit together and how they will be painted. Sometimes a piece must be painted, taped and then 2 pieces joined over the first piece and then that seam will be filled. Filling it first would have made painting the underpiece difficult and the paint job would have turned out worse than expected. I usually fill seams by applying Tamiya Thin Plastic Model Cement to the sides of the 2 pieces and squeezing the pieces together until a liquified combo of cement and plastic oozes up through the seam. I like this technique for pieces that stand alone and have not been joined over an inner piece. For pieces joining over a subassembly, I typically use Tamiya putty or Mr. Surfacer 500 painted over the seam. For both techniques, I will let the seam dry for 24 hours before sanding so I do not shear the seam apart. Also take note of any intricate details surrounding the seam, as these may be sanded away if you are not careful.

Once the seams are filled, it's time to start modifying. Some mods are easy like replacing the barrel on a gun or detailing the kit eyes with origami paper, but some must be thought out in advance to ease painting and piece fit. Joint modification and rivet/hose mods are some of the most popular and easiest to do for the less experienced kit builder. I have found great rivet mods in AC Moore in the jewelery making aisles and hose detail can be achieved with electrical hose found in any hardware store. I will do both with this kit and will update with pics and tutorials as they happen. Remember to keep your eyes open when you go to an arts and xraft store, inspiration may be lurking around the next corner........