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                        1/60 GUNDAM: MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam build without instructions!

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                        25 replies
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                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        1/60 GUNDAM: MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam build without instructions!
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, August 4, 2006 1:47 AM
                        Well guys, it has been sitting here for weeks just crying to me to build it. One problem... No instructions...

                        No bother.... I am building it anyway.. I have done a dry fit, and well, I am working out where the parts go, but still would love to have the instructions to look at anyway!

                        I have put the Space Shuttle up on the bench, as I am trying to decide to mount it normally, or taking off.. So until I work that out, I have decided to start on this bad boy...



                        Pics later!

                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, August 4, 2006 7:15 AM
                        Ok, Here are a few pics.. Not much to look at, but a start..

                        It took me all afternoon just to do one foot!.. This bad boy is being given the royal treatment.. You can see in the pics the style in which I am detailing and painting him..



                        I have basically just built one leg for now, and I have it being stuck together by tape drying.. This is an actual model kit, and not one of your usual gundam kits, so seems are having to be dealt with and will then be painted.. It is molded in white, red, blue and black...



                        The Zeta Gundam must have been a pretty big suit.. Here is a pic of it next to the leg of my my 1/60 Force Impulse Gundam from "Seed Destiny".. And the Zeta leg is massive compared to it.. Also, my daughter is sitting in the back.. As my technical and engineering advisor, she loves helping dad sanding and getting parts ready, and you can see the size of this kit compared to her.. No instructions, but I only paid about US$10 for the kit... Pretty happy with that...



                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Dubau
                        • Member since
                          March 2006
                        • From: Boyertown, PA, USA
                        Posted by Dubau on Friday, August 4, 2006 9:34 AM

                        Looking good so for, keep it up and your daughter looks like your wife...... LOL  heheh she's cute.

                        Bud

                        " You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "
                        Report Abuse
                        PatlaborUnit1
                        • Member since
                          January 2006
                        • From: Baton Rouge, Snake Central
                        Posted by PatlaborUnit1 on Saturday, August 5, 2006 6:55 PM
                        Hi Chris

                        thanks for sharing.

                        I have a 1/60 scale Zaku II molded in garish purple and black with a grain of wheat bulb for the sensor mono eye, this kit is old and not the usual for a Bandai kit. Well, its about as bad as the FZ-91 Crapgundam that Im finishing tonight. Really big parts, almost no detail. Im just wondering if these are contemporaries?




                        Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think! TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, August 5, 2006 11:56 PM
                        I agree, not a great kit.. And so thats why the no instructions really isnt giving me any problems.. The reason I wanted to challenge myself with this one, was because I wanted to make an ordinary kit, look like the real deal..

                        So thats why I am really putting alot of detail into it.. I have been at it since mid week, and I am yet to even complete the 2/3rds of the lower right leg.. I am getting the painjob worn and chipped, and realistic.. I had rugby training today, so havnt had a chance to get into it, so will take some pics tonight my time of my progress..

                        I am sticking to main colours and theme of the Zeta. But I am not painting the orange section on the suit orange. I will be sticking to just the main white'ish and blue suit, with yellow markings.. I have also been going through all my spare aircraft decals, and I will be covering this bad boy in instruction decals to give it a more realistic look..

                        Chris


                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, August 6, 2006 5:35 AM
                        UPDATE:

                        Ok, well I have the bottom of one leg done, and this bad boy is gonna be one battle damaged Mobile Suit..

                        In these pics I have the completed parts joined to the still black upper part of the leg, and the dry fitted torso.. It is amazing the size of this thing.. This guy now has battle damage, chips, wear tear, and also blistering paint!





                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Dubau
                        • Member since
                          March 2006
                        • From: Boyertown, PA, USA
                        Posted by Dubau on Sunday, August 6, 2006 8:08 AM

                        Chris I don't know how you do it but DAM MAN, this don't look like a model it looks like you just pulled it out of a box looking like this,

                        WILL DONE on the Painting my friend

                        Bud

                        " You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "
                        Report Abuse
                        Cpt.Sponder
                        • Member since
                          June 2006
                        Posted by Cpt.Sponder on Monday, August 7, 2006 2:38 AM
                        amazing work my friend!
                        REVELL F-15 strike eagle AMT USS Excelsior: AMT Deep Space Nine
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, August 7, 2006 6:19 AM
                        Thank you again guys... Here is another update...

                        I am slowly getting it done, .. Finally finished the right leg, and have started on the other leg..



                        Other side..



                        I still have to put the booster rocket on the lower back of this leg, then it will be complete. You can also see a little seam at the back of the top part of the leg.. That will be covered with armour. So that is ok... ...  I also need to give the knee section, or tendons a silver dry brush to bring the metal finish out in it!



                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Dubau
                        • Member since
                          March 2006
                        • From: Boyertown, PA, USA
                        Posted by Dubau on Monday, August 7, 2006 8:32 AM

                        OK I have to ask. Inhs piciyourlastpos. HOW did you make paint look cracked and I hope that's what you did LOL

                        Bud

                        " You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, August 7, 2006 8:43 AM
                        Its actually something I learned when rushing a project..  You see, if you dont allow the coat underneath to dry properly, and you then try to apply another coat on top.. The top coat will expand or retract however the under coat does... Hence causing cracking..

                        Now if you want the carcking to appear in a small pre-arranged spot, then when spraying you just hit that spot with a big dab of paint, and when waiting for it to dry, you will notice that the normal part of the paint is dry, but that spot is still a little moist.. Thats when you give it a top coat, and hopefully you will get the cracking only in that one place..  And thats how I learned to get cracked paint...

                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Dubau
                        • Member since
                          March 2006
                        • From: Boyertown, PA, USA
                        Posted by Dubau on Monday, August 7, 2006 8:58 AM

                        Chris's tip for the day and a GOOD one too !

                        Thanks

                        Bud

                        " You've experienced a set back, and without set backs and learning how to fix them you'll never make the leap from kit builder to modeler "
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, August 7, 2006 6:33 PM
                        The problem is, it has taken alot of modelling, and alot of mistakes to work half this stuff out.. I have built my fair share of nasty models, believe me!

                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Anonymous
                        • Member since
                          November 2005
                        Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, August 10, 2006 11:40 AM
                        Hello Chris,

                        Nice Gundam you building...actually I love the colors!!
                        I'll try building my first Gundam and its a 1/100  ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam. Actually its my first model kit ever! LOL Big Smile [:D]
                        Just bought airbrush and compressor today with lots of Tamiya paints too.
                        Keep the updates coming...I'm sure I'll learn much here and hope you'll get you Gundam finish soon! I'm excited to see the out come as your Yamato is really really great!!

                        By the way, do you have a site where you showcase your models or something?

                        Goodluck to you and God bless!! Angel [angel]

                        Mitch
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, August 10, 2006 5:38 PM
                        Hi Mitch.. I did start up a blog, but it got over un by spam, and I simply got sick of trying to clear it all the time.. But I might try something else in order for me to show my stuff.. Thanks for asking..  As for the Strike.. I did that one last year but gave it away to a friends kid.. I prefer the larger 1/60 scale, but its very limited in subjects, and so after this one, I may go back down to 1/100 kits myself.. I look forward to seeing yours, so take lots of pics!

                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        dj898
                        • Member since
                          December 2005
                        • From: Down Under
                        Posted by dj898 on Friday, August 11, 2006 12:50 AM
                        nice tip on cracked paint effect. saw few examples on Gunpla by Japanese modellers but never figured out how they did it - guess they did something similar to what you described. ^ ^

                        I personally prefer 1/100 scale coz it's far easier to keep them on display. I do have 1/60 scale PG kits but they are too big and usually packed away for the storage. -_-;

                        for showing it off you may want to put your models on this new forum...
                        appreantly it's relatively new and it's kind of handy to have your collection online so if you need you can simple cut and paste the link. ^ ^

                        your 1/60 Zeta sure brings some memories. while Zeta was still on air Academy in Korea sold unlicensed kit and it came in dark blue/purple and lacking any proper painting tool it was nightmare to paint the thing in white... :p


                        people living in glass colonies shouldn't throw nuclear stones.
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, August 11, 2006 2:21 AM
                        I just had a look at that page.. I love the Strike at the bottom.. As for my collection.. I have given it all away.. All I have left is my 1/60 Force Impulse, that needs to be rebuilt and painted, and now the Zeta..  I also have a box full of 1/144 gundams from the SEED & SEED/Destiny series..

                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Anonymous
                        • Member since
                          November 2005
                        Posted by Anonymous on Friday, August 18, 2006 11:27 PM
                        Hey can any tell me where to buy gundam models in the states? i gave all my old models away to my little cousins and want to get started again.
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris89
                        • Member since
                          August 2006
                        Posted by Chris89 on Sunday, August 20, 2006 7:27 PM

                        Looking good so far.  My friend builds gundam models got me into the show but i have yet to build one.  It's definitly on my to do list.

                        -Chris

                        "May the schwarz be with you" - Yogurt
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, August 21, 2006 9:13 AM
                        When you do decide to start one Chris.. Make sure you share lots of pics with us!

                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        Chris89
                        • Member since
                          August 2006
                        Posted by Chris89 on Monday, August 21, 2006 4:30 PM

                        No worries i will post lots of pics, providing i find time to build one, with the at-st scratchbuld i just started, the model contest for JROTC i will be in charge of (hopefully), college and scholarship applications, and then regular school work (not hard but time consuming), i'm feeling pretty swamped.  BTW any suggestions on what my first kit should be?

                        -Chris

                        "May the schwarz be with you" - Yogurt
                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, August 21, 2006 7:25 PM
                        Well, if are only looking at something to start with. I would try a small 1/144 scale kit.. Not too expensive, infact I may be able to help you out.. And see how you go with that?..  Build it up, paint it, and work from there..

                        Even though I prefer the larger 1/60 kits.. There really isnt alot to chose from, so I will be downgrading back to 1/100 after the Zeta..
                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
                        dj898
                        • Member since
                          December 2005
                        • From: Down Under
                        Posted by dj898 on Monday, August 21, 2006 7:50 PM
                        it could come down to individual preferences but I found 1/144 kits too small for my hand hence I build 1/100 or bigger kits...
                        people living in glass colonies shouldn't throw nuclear stones.
                        Report Abuse
                        matthew9
                        • Member since
                          July 2004
                        • From: Texas
                        Posted by matthew9 on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:22 AM
                        It's coming along great. Nice painting.  I've been watching yours to try to gauge how these are finished (weathering etc). I'm about to start my 1st Gundam. It's a 1/550 MA-08 Big Zam. (1981)?  I like your paint and weathering, and will be watching your progress.
                        Matt
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                        Anonymous
                        • Member since
                          November 2005
                        Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 3:58 PM

                        I have a 1/60 GP01-FB in the ol kit closet. :)

                        Nice effect with the cracked paint, I'll have to do that with one of my upcoming projects.  What did you use for dirtying up the Zeta?  I had experimented with chaulk pastels in the past but I hadn't had too much success.  Also which technique did you use for the lining between armor plates?  Gundam Marker, Oil wash, watercolor??

                        Report Abuse
                        Chris_in_Japan
                        • Member since
                          November 2004
                        • From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.
                        Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 10:56 PM
                        Hi.. To get the old worn look, I always base coat with black, and spray the colour needed over the top.. (always at a slight distance).. Just light coats at a time, and spray heavier in certain area's ect..It takes some practice, but you are able to get a mottled look to the paint this way..

                        As for for what I use to line the armour.. Because my paint jobs are usually a matt or flat finish.. I just take a very sharp dark lead pencil and do my linings with that.. I find gundam markers to be messy and hard to control.. Atleast with pencil its easy to remove with a mistake, and then you can seal it with clear coat once finished.. I also feel it blends in nicer.. The markers are too black and stark!

                        Chris

                        On the bench:

                                                  1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

                                                  1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

                        Report Abuse
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