Anyone into gunpla - Japanophiles unite to share tips on painting our toys (GUNPLA IS FREEDOM)

[MS-09 DOM]

Been slow on my builds, as work has picked up. I finished the MG GM sniper (blue) and was finding some issues with the legs mounting the hips. Disappointed but my first mg issue.

Anyways, brought the ball to work

 

[Seething Bazelgeuse]

Been slow on my builds, as work has picked up. I finished the MG GM sniper (blue) and was finding some issues with the legs mounting the hips. Disappointed but my first mg issue.

Anyways, brought the ball to work

View attachment 8069201

Using a ball as a pen/market/etc holder is a great idea. Think I'll buy one and stick it on my desk at work for that.

 

[ChaosReignsOnSomeSaturday]

I'd like to get more into gunpla maybe have a set up like I see in YT vids from JP with the green cut board and all.
But there's so much I have no clue about when it comes to the upper levels of autism about it. Like I read somewhere about a sand blasting style desk box for parts and I just had no idea how to respond.
Plus it's hard for me to actually find Gunpla I like. I only ever really watched G Gundam so I've bought mostly those.

 

[MS-09 DOM]

Snip

It doesn't need to be to extravagant. I personally use an old card mat from magic the gathering for my assembly etc. I make most of my models on my coffee table, using an old box to cut apart runners and nubs.

A decent pair of side cutters is a good start, even going to a craft / art supply store to source these. Things like Godhand nippers and the Razer sander are quite the investment when you are starting, I just used basic cut up sanding pads when I began. Most of the imperfections you see when cutting will only be seen by you anyways.

If you're worried for the mess and debris, wet the sander so you don't breath in the particulates. I tend to keep a wet rag nearby as to wipe down after each clean up on the plastic.

As for finding gunpla you like, there's various online stores you could check out. I personally don't watch the anime/movies and just like giant robots. My first was HG Kimaris Vidar, since I liked the lance. As a starter, I would go for High grade (HG) as it's not too intricate.

 

[00R-Gundam]

I'd like to get more into gunpla maybe have a set up like I see in YT vids from JP with the green cut board and all.
But there's so much I have no clue about when it comes to the upper levels of autism about it. Like I read somewhere about a sand blasting style desk box for parts and I just had no idea how to respond.
Plus it's hard for me to actually find Gunpla I like. I only ever really watched G Gundam so I've bought mostly those.

Dont limit yourself to just Gunpla, theres a world of model kits for you to explore. I personally use the green cut board but i also use my dinner table at times. At the end of the day you decide the working place so theres no set way to have a building space. Always remember to thoroughly clean after finishing.

 

[King Dead]

I'd like to get more into gunpla maybe have a set up like I see in YT vids from JP with the green cut board and all.
But there's so much I have no clue about when it comes to the upper levels of autism about it. Like I read somewhere about a sand blasting style desk box for parts and I just had no idea how to respond.
Plus it's hard for me to actually find Gunpla I like. I only ever really watched G Gundam so I've bought mostly those.

Really, you don't need a lot of fancy tools or a cool setup for gunpla building. If you've got a decent pair of nippers and a method of nub removal (hobby knife, sandpaper/sanding sticks, glass file), you're good to go. Hell, I build at my very unorganized desk with my markers and brushes in a mug and my tools in a small box, and it works for me. Not saying I wouldn't mind having a better space for it, but that's how it goes sometimes.

I'll link /toy/'s gunpla guide, they keep it fairly up to date and cover all the essentials, as well as a separate deep dive linked at the end for more advanced topics.

As for finding something you like, that's trickier. The best advice I can offer in that regard is just start looking. Dalong has built and reviewed nearly every gunpla kit ever produced, from the originals back in 1980 all the way up to the present. Scroll through his lists, and if a thumbnail catches your eye, click through and see if it looks like something you want to build. It's not like you're lacking in options, the struggle is just figuring out what suits you.

 

[Kamen Rider Faiz]

another one to the collection
My idea was waiting until december but eh, here it is
I've also encountered a Gundam EX gunpla but I think I'll wait a little bit more before buying it
Also, remember that dude's police zaku a few posts back?

these are some results from testing with Gemini a few months ago, I think it looks nice, I just didn't want to spam with AI edits back then without something new at least

 

[hog cranking frog]

Too nervous about doxing my builds but really enjoying simple HG UC kits combined with g rework decals to give them a bunch more detail with little work. I keep them on my desk and constantly repose and stare at them during zoom shit.

Mastering pre shading, got my own technique down, probably wasteful but I lay down surfacer (can only find odd colors) then I pre shade and pre highlight with a black or dark version of the primary color and white respectively. Then a thinned down version of the primary color on top. Getting a feel for this and the results even on 1/144 is really nice. Trying to keep it subtle and fighting the urge the shadow the hell out of these.

Mr.Hobbys Gundam colors line rules. The mint green, the off white, aueg blue, all great colors.

Having the hardest time just keeping organized and clean, pouring and mixing paints and thinners, etc.

Anyone ever do those p bandai surprise boxes? I just snagged one of the $100 ones, guess I like the idea of being forced to do kits I might not otherwise buy.

Anyone mask their paint jobs for multiple colors? Also finding this tricky and or not very rewarding but might force some masking in my next build. Tried out some enamel hand painting on details in my last build, easy compared to 40k painting.

 

[Jerkedupasshole]

Anyone ever do those p bandai surprise boxes? I just snagged one of the $100 ones, guess I like the idea of being forced to do kits I might not otherwise buy.

The surprise boxes are dead stock they didn't sell so you might get a mg and a couple hgs if you're lucky. I don't remember them being very good from when they did this last time.

 

[Poultry Enthusiast]

I'll link /toy/'s gunpla guide, they keep it fairly up to date and cover all the essentials, as well as a separate deep dive linked at the end for more advanced topics.

I think this guide has good tips, but it was written by SEAmonkeys years ago and recommends Citadel and Model Masters paints over the much better Mr. Hobby and Gaianotes colors you can get in first world countries. Model Masters were discontinued years ago so they aren't even an option anymore. Mr. Hobby's actual Gundam colors are great, but I like Gaia's NAZCA paints+surfacers even more.

 

[King Dead]

New gunpla announcements from a preview show that aired today, with the bulk of the announcements being for kits for the new Hathaway movie:

• The big one is HG Alyzeus, which is a fully transformable kit similar to the Penelope, and a massive one at that. It's built around an RX-94 Nu Gundam Mass Production Type, making it the first time that mobile suit has been available in gunpla form. It's not sold separately, but I wouldn't be surprised if they split it out as a P-Bandai release or something. Releasing in April.
• Second is a slight HG Xi Gundam variant based on its appearance in the second movie, with the major changes being an optional faceplate with the traditional Gundam style, a new beam rifle, and a damaged shield. If you have the first one, this one doesn't really seem to have much to offer unless you want to recreate a scene from the second movie. Also releasing in April.
• The last new Hathaway kit is the HG Messer Type-M01 (Gawman's), a Messer variant that looks a lot closer to the novel's lineart. Differences include a much spikier right shoulder, a clear sensor part in the middle of the chest, and various redesigned proportions throughout. Releasing in May.
• To go along with all these, a second batch of Gundam Decals for the new Hathaway kits will also be releasing in April.
• We continue getting redesigns of old Seed HGs with an updated HG of the Gouf Ignited Custom (Heine Westenfluss). If you want an orange Gouf, here you go. Releasing in July.
• Gundam X fans, rejoice! Bandai has finally confirmed a new kit for the series with HG Leopard Gundam, completing the original trio of protagonist Gundams. The cannon is fully articulated and can attach to the arm like it does in the show, and all the various gun and missile hatches can open too. Releasing in August.
• The last announcement is for the latest addition to the MGSD line, with the Kshatriya being added to the lineup. Certainly unexpected, both because they seemed to be focusing solely on Gundams for the line and because I would have figured a Unicorn would have happened first so they could have had another design to milk. I guess Bandai really will do anything to avoid making an actual MG Kshatriya. Releasing in September.

Finally, an announcement from earlier that I was waiting to post until I had something else to talk about, but Bandai previously posted a teaser for an RG Ingram from Patlabor. This is notable beyond being of interest to fans of the series, in that it was one of the kits teased in that leak that's been going around for a while, where we first heard of things like the PGU Nu Gundam. This lends more credibility to the rest of the leak...now if Bandai would just go ahead and announce a RG Gundam X, that'd be great. Still, beggars can't be choosers, and I'm glad that the Leopard is finally getting a modern gunpla treatment (along with the inevitable P-Bandai of the Leopard Destroy).

 

[Broken Talisman]

The last announcement is for the latest addition to the MGSD line, with the Kshatriya being added to the lineup.

Great MG replacement rears its ugly head yet again.

 

[Assistant Manajerk]

WIP.

An HGGTO RX-78-02 in Optimus Prime's colors. Still needs a bit more paint here and there, but it's close enough to where I felt comfortable sharing.

 

[Phoenix Connexion]

I am a simple troon man, I see "Anyone into gunpla" thread, I....

 

[Blasphemian]

View attachment 8233451
another one to the collection
My idea was waiting until december but eh, here it is
I've also encountered a Gundam EX gunpla but I think I'll wait a little bit more before buying it
Also, remember that dude's police zaku a few posts back?
View attachment 8233692View attachment 8233694
these are some results from testing with Gemini a few months ago, I think it looks nice, I just didn't want to spam with AI edits back then without something new at least

That's sick man. It looks right at home.


I haven't uploaded anything in a while. Feels like the model vs. price point formula in my brain has been shit lately. There is this HG whatever-the-fuck that looks nice and was cheap. Did a lil painting, details, and matte spraying for this one.

I do have an MG Barbatos Lupus Rex on the way and a third party Chinese MG Quinhui(?). It looks like an alternate Rick Dom which is sweet.

 

[Crant]

I've been building a lot of Chinese kits recently. Built Tristan the Greatsword by SNAA. Fairly decent build. Limbs are way too tight for my liking, and not in a "you have to drill holes" kind of way, because the fit was fine for everything. No, the joints are just extremely stiff. I've also been building a lot of girl kits. Big fan of the 30 Minutes Sisters series. Most recent girl kit was Jiulian by Hemoxian which was a pretty good build. Chinese manufacturers have really caught up with Bandai's designs and engineering, and I've heard in some cases, they're starting to surpass them.

 

[Blasphemian]

Hello all,
I have been on a journey of self discovery. On this journey I have realized I am in too deep. So to combat my addiction I have purchased and built even more gunpla and Chinese kits! Behold!

Needs no introduction. Painting, matte spray, water slides. I love it!

Chinese MG Rick Dom. Very cool.

And lastly this thing-that-I-forgot-the-name-of-but-is-fucking-sick! MG


I've got a couple more kits in the pipeline following this. Likely going to slow well the hell down after I finish these next two.

 

[hog cranking frog]

Finished a kit, ripped out the background of my room. Got this in a p bandai surprise bundle. I like doing kits I wouldn't buy otherwise, I find Im more creative and less in my head about making it perfect. Still have some decals to apply but about to call this one done. Moving into a MG Jesta kit next.

Lesson learned this kit, make sure my airbrush is a lot cleaner, keep me painting area dust free (challenge as I paint in a garage)

 

[Blasphemian]

Finished a kit, ripped out the background of my room. Got this in a p bandai surprise bundle. I like doing kits I wouldn't buy otherwise, I find Im more creative and less in my head about making it perfect. Still have some decals to apply but about to call this one done. Moving into a MG Jesta kit next.

Lesson learned this kit, make sure my airbrush is a lot cleaner, keep me painting area dust free (challenge as I paint in a garage)

View attachment 8893141

I gotta get in on the airbrushing man. This shit looks way too good.

 

[hog cranking frog]

I gotta get in on the airbrushing man. This shit looks way too good.

Absolutely it adds so much depth to the hobby. Each piece on that Zaku is a primer, pre shading darks, pre shading highlights, color coat, gloss coat, then panel lining and decals, then back to the air brush for a final top coat. Metallic looking pieces have a different technique. There's also reverse washing where you layer different types of paint and then remove layers with thinner. Haven't even started to learn weathering techniques yet.
By the time you do the final assembly it's incredibly satisfying to see each piece you spent a decent amount of time on come together. I even will lay all the pieces out in a grid for the final assembly, scratches a really specific itch.