Kit Insight: RG 1/144 GN-001 Gundam Exia (Painted Build)

The Gundam Exia holds the distinction of being the first Gunpla model kit I've ever constructed, something close to ten years back. Therefore, this particular model has great significance and sentimental value, for it essentially launched my entire Gundam-modelling career.

So it was something of a pleasant surprise when the RG Gundam Exia was announced, with the prototyping shots whetting my appetite for it with each published image. Having made a preorder at the soonest opportunity, I could only live vicariously through the leaked images and fanbase speculations for the months before finally receiving the model kit in my eager hands.

As with the first Exia, the RG Exia has relaunched the way I tackle model kits.

Gunpla Gallery: HGBF 1/144 XM-X9999-A1 Crossbone Gundam Maoh Aurora (Customised Build)

The Crossbone Gundam has always been one of my favourite mobile suit designs, with its unique aesthetic outlook, plethora of weaponry and the grace it possesses while in combat. Being one of the more creative mobile suits that bears its own individualistic character, it is no wonder that many Gunpla enthusiasts are calling for more Crossbone kits and/or an updated animated series. 

So when Mao's Crossbone Gundam Maoh appeared in the anime series, I suffered what amounted to be a slight seizure. Then the HGBF kit got announced, which gave Crossbone fans everywhere another seizure. HG Crossbone kits are still in the pipeline of the HG All Gundam Project, so we just have to contend with Mao's customised version in the meantime.

[Kit Insight] Bandai Robot Damashii ZGMF-X12D Gundam Astray Outframe D

Action figures from The Robot Spirits line aren't not on my priority list as they are A) generally smaller than my usual 1/144 kits in scale, B) most of their offerings are also available as Gunpla kits and C) the high price tag doesn't really justify the tinier toys, although they usually come with a wealth of accessories.

When I first saw the first images of the Astray Out Frame D, I was a little smitten by it even if I was turned off by its hefty price tag. It had sharp angles, an ornate V-Fin as well as a unique set of equipment that differentiated itself from its other overdone Astray brethren. Nonetheless, the Out Frame does not - and probably will not - exist as a Gunpla kit of any grade. Besides, it is a Premium Bandai Online Webstore exclusive, which mean it is limited edition (one of my Kryptonites), thus an order for my very first The Robot Spirits action figure was placed.

I can't say I'm not happy.

Kit Insight: RG 1/144 RX-178B-T3 Build Gundam Mk-II [Titans Custom Unit 03] (Customised Build)

Show me your fury!

Before we begin, I have to say that I'm not particularly fond of RG kits. Yes, they have a wealth of detail, gimmicks and range of motion that regular HGs don't, RG kits are just troublesome to build, to say the least. Nevertheless, they are great kits for casual hobbyists who do not want to waste too much time and effort in doing up a kit that will look fantastic straight from the box.

This particular project came about upon realising that neither my HGUC RX-178 Gundam Mk-II [AEUG Ver.] nor the RX-178B Build Gundam Mk-II could equip the RG 1/144 Flying Armor and G-Defenser kit from BTF that I acquired online for a great price. The RG Strike Freedom gave me a headache when I was building it, so I wasn't very keen on beginning another RG.

But we all know how that turned out.

Kit Insight: HGBF 1/144 XM-X9999 Crossbone Gundam Maoh (Straight Build)

Shiver me timbers!

The Crossbone Gundam has always been one of my favourite MS designs: the pirate theme, the sleek shapes, organic curves and aesthetically-appealing design have been etched into my memory ever since reading them from the pages of the manga so many years ago. When I bought the HGUC F91 Gundam F91 [Harrison Martin Custom], I spotted the telltale image of a Crossbone Gundam X-1 in the background, having being surprised by the F91's VSBRs, a ten-year-old weapon that could still rip apart its anti-beam cloth with a single shot. 

As part of Bandai's HG All Gundam Project, I waited with bated breath for the release schedule of the Crossbone series to come along (I'm still waiting).

Gunplanerd's impression of F91 Box Art.

Then came the HGBF Crossbone Gundam Maoh.

Kit Insight: HGBF 1/144 PPGN-001 Gundam Exia Dark Matter [Gundam Head] (Painted Build)

I completed this kit while waiting for the paint to fully dry on the MG 1/100 Nu Gundam, thought that I could give one of my two Exia Dark Matter kits a quick spin before embarking on the MG project. When I first opened the box, I was a little turned off by the stock red. To me, it wasn't really red, more maroonish than anything. That was when I decided to completely repaint the kit before construction.

Update: MG 1/100 RX-93-1 Nu Gundam Invoke - Phase One Complete

Blue Magnum.

First off, I apologise for the lack of updates, been really busy recently with work and of course the many Gunpla projects I'm trying to do.

For better or for worse, I can no longer just build a kit right out of the box: I have to give at least one runner a paintjob before proceeding. That being said, I cannot argue with the end result.

Accessory Analysis: HG/RG 1/144 Builders Parts System Weapon 002 (Straight Build)

This little kit just came in the mail (sorta), and I had a little time to unbox it and play around with it. As you would expect of any parts from the System Weapon series, it is nifty, molded in the correct proportions and comes with the parts to create its different variants. 

System Weapon 002 was actually released quite a while back, like in January 2012. A Zeon-oriented weapons pack like its more recent cousin Weapon System 006 (Rakten Bazooka and Spike Shield), 002 consists of the Zeon version of the game-changing beam rifle first seen on the Gelgoog, as well as the Heat Hawk, which is the definitive melee weapon of the Zaku series of mobile suits.

MG 1/100 RX-93 Nu Gundam Ver. Ka [Ver. GFT] - Biggest Gunpla Project Yet

I'm gonna try to push out this one soon, but the part count, double sheets of water decals and laundry list of at least 20 modifications can be a drag.

Nonetheless, I will persevere and finish this kit before this year is over. Perhaps I should at least spray paint some of the runners soon, that'd get this project off the ground.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Gallery: HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Gold Frame Antimatter

Finally, after so long, my very first major modification project is complete.

I present the HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Gold Frame Antimatter.

I will let the photos do the talking this time.

More pictures after the jump.