Kit Insight: HGUC 1/144 RGM-89D Jegan Type-D [Bandai Premium Webstore Exclusive] (Customised Build)

The Jegan has always been my favourite grunt from the Universal Century. Being a mass produced cannon fodder unit in the Gundam series, the Jegan is nevertheless well-designed, adequately armed for a variety of combat situations and are versatile enough to be used for the better part of three decades.There is also something about that blue compound sensor, that Gundam-esque head unit and overall shape of the Jegan that endears to me it.

So it was something of a rude shock when Bandai announced that it would be releasing the Jegan D Type - seen in the episodes of the Unicorn Gundam OVA - as a webstore exclusive. Now, why would you do that! It's only a grunt unit, not a protagonist unit or game-changing mobile suit. Heck, even the Neo Zeong is having a regular release! 

Despite all that is said and done, I could not resist the urge to get a Jegan D Type myself. Although its pricey, it's a pretty decent kit with a unique colour scheme that cannot be easily replicated, at least for the lazy hobbyist that is me.

Gallery: RG 1/144 MBF-02 Strike Rouge [Expo Limited] (Painted Build)

The RG Strike Rouge is essentially a recolour of the RG Aile Strike Gundam, whose Kit Insight can be found here. It is available only as an Expo Limited, but the P-Bandai Webstore retails a premium version of the RG Strike Rouge with a recoloured IWSP strike platform. 

The RG Strike Rouge builds the same way as its Earth Alliance Twin, possessing the same key parts, the same decal set and weaponry but also has one additional runner of parts with an extra decal sheet containing Cagalli's own personal markings. 

Gundam Model Kit Contest 2014 - Singapore

All I can say is, it is truly an honour and privilege to be standing in the midst of giants and titans. 

But it is also immensely humbling as well, seeing the amount of effort, sweat and time that undoubtedly poured into the fruits of their labour.

Do head down to Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Basement Two to view the works of Singapore's Gunpla modelers. The exhibition is on from 11 June 2014 to 29 June 2014, with the results of the final judging being announced then.

A toy fair with decent discounts is also onsite (20% off retail).

More pictures: http://gundamguy.blogspot.sg/2014/06/gundam-model-kit-contest-2014-singapore.html

Kit Insight: RG 1/144 GAT-X105 Aile Strike Gundam (Painted Build)

As a preference, I don't usually do RG kits, although I won't deny their superior quality and the lower effort required to make them look great on a shelf. Nonetheless, I embrace kits from all grades in order to give a more holistic take on this hobby.

The Aile Strike Gundam has always been a favourite from the Gundam SEED Series, with its striking design, traditional Gundam colours and the ability to use interchangeable Striker Packs. It is also a protagonist unit, making it the hero of sorts and boosting its popularity further. 

Much Gratitude

As of 2 June 2014, this blog's pageview count has exceeded 3000.

Although the number is still minuscule, it gives the blog creator - which is me - immense motivation to continue populating the blog with new content. It is easy for me to simply build my kits and store them away, but I'd rather spend the time to snap shots of the final product and think up words to go along with those shots.

Such is the mandate of a Gunplanerd.

I've been really busy with Life and a severe bout of flu the past week, hence the lack of updates on this blog. Nonetheless, I've bounced back and will do my best to build, shoot and post.

Thank you all for your support, I will endeavour to keep the posts coming.

Domo arigato, Mr Roboto.

Gunpla Gallery: HGUC 1/144 RX-0[N] Full Armor Unicorn Gundam Unit 02 Banshee Norn [Destroy Mode] (Customised Straight Build)

Well, I didn't need two Full Armor Unicorn Gundams, so I gave a Full Armor Pack to the Banshee Norn, and look at the result.

Kit Insight: HGUC 1/144 RX-0[N] Unicorn Gundam Unit 02 Banshee Norn [Destroy Mode] (Straight Build)

Out of the three Unicorn Gundam units that exist, the Banshee appeals the most to me. Perhaps it is the dark colour scheme, the gold-orange "psychoflame" or its ornate V-Fin, or maybe its just how badass it seemed in the OVA. The first Banshee onboard the General Revil during the events of One of Seventy Two was a little ho-hum: it didn't have much gold on its frame that made it stand out as well as a rather skeletal armament arrangement. The second iteration of the Banshee was better, sporting more golden parts, upgraded weaponry in the form of two Armed Armors as well as a pilot that can draw out its full potential, however forced it may be.

So the Banshee Norn is the ultimate culmination of this particular Unicorn Gundam, and it does live up to that perceived repute.

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.