Tanker-Builder

OOOH!

 Hey Mom! A Mecha. Kin I look, Kin I Look? Phoenix that is looking good. First one I think I could get interested in .Fine paint work too. Are you going for pristine or weathered? I'm gonna follow from here, for sure!

LOL, thanks Tanker!  Glad you like it. 

I'm going with a weathered look.  Personally, I feel weathering giving a sense of gravitas and history to a piece.  Weathering is a form of visual story telling.  It makes me wonder what it's journey was to end up looking like that.  

I have that running in my mind when dirtying it up.  How did that dirt get there?  What's the envirnoment and weather like where it operates?  What are the maintenance conditions?  In the end I hope some of what I was thinking reveals itself in the final look.

Bakster

Hey PG, this is looking sweet! Really nice. And yeah... the decals are really starting to pull things together. Your paint work looks really nice too. It looks like it laid down nicely.

Thanks Bakster!  I'm pleased with the paint job as well.  Still working on mastering pre-shading, but I'm happy with the progress I'm making.  It really helps mecha pop.  All those panels and edges make for great places to apply it.

Bakster

...good idea about the alignment guage you made for the missiles.

I've tried glueing things freehand.  They are about as consistent as when I try drawing a line freehand without a straigh edge.  Modeling has certainly taught me to acknowledge and accept personal limitations.  That last bit being really important to me.  So if I can't do it with current skill, I find or create tools to help.   This particular build has showed me it takes far less effort (and skill) to accomplish gratifying results.  I would have never believed that to be true before this.

Bakster

Btw. Stepping away so as not to rush made me chuckle. I often do the same thing. You invest so much time into a build it can be like walking on eggshells. One misstep and kaboom.

Oh man.  This makes me thinks of all the mistakes I've had to fix simply because I saw the finish line and decided to push on.  Thankfully, mental klaxons now start going off when I have thoughts like "you don't need to wait.  Look how close your are.  Just keep going and you'll have this finished and ready to present."  Oh boy.

I discovered the hard way that those can be some of the most dangerous thoughts for me.  The worst part is when I do push on and things turn out great.  That gets me believing I can do it again.  And wouldn't you know, that's when disaster strikes.  At least now when I push on I ask myself if I'm willing to risk disaster.  Sometimes I am, and when disaters does strike, I usually maintain my calm and push on.  Accepting the risk ahead of time seems to help keep me from losing my sh*t when things go awry.  Not always, but more often than not.

All the above is probably why I slow down so much when getting cloe to the end of a build.

Bakster

I wish I were a seasoned modeler where it's old hat. I could just bang out models. lol.

LOL, there are some amazing weekend builds the forum members turn out.  I don't know how they do it.  I don't think I'll ever be a seasoned modeler.  I'm too busy trying to push myself.  Makes it hard to recognize "good enough".  Unless I'm sick of a build in which case "good enough" is equivalent to done and therefore awesome.  :D

This is the first model I built when I got back into the hobby three years ago.

It took me over a month of evenings and weekends to build and paint it. I have it in a central position of my collection.  He not only re-ignited my interest in bulding models, he's also my inspiration for developing skill. 

Whenever I wonder if I'm really growing as a modeler I lookup and see that guy and everything that's followed since and I can't help but recognize how I've grown.  It's what keeps me trying.  That, and the words of encouragement from you and the other wonderful members of this forum.  Keeps me going back to my stash to grab another kit and discover what the next build will reveal.

PG,

The Spartan is shaping up really nice.  The finish line is so close, you can almost taste it.  I mean, figuratively.  Nobody likes to lick a painted stripe on the pavement!  At least I don't think so...  

My first anime mecha build was a small 1/550 scale marine Mobile Armor from Gundam:

That was way back in 1983!  Your modeling progress has been light years faster than mine!

PhoenixG

 

 

Bakster

Hey PG, this is looking sweet! Really nice. And yeah... the decals are really starting to pull things together. Your paint work looks really nice too. It looks like it laid down nicely.

 

 

Thanks Bakster!  I'm pleased with the paint job as well.  Still working on mastering pre-shading, but I'm happy with the progress I'm making.  It really helps mecha pop.  All those panels and edges make for great places to apply it.

 

 

Bakster

...good idea about the alignment guage you made for the missiles.

 

 

I've tried glueing things freehand.  They are about as consistent as when I try drawing a line freehand without a straigh edge.  Modeling has certainly taught me to acknowledge and accept personal limitations.  That last bit being really important to me.  So if I can't do it with current skill, I find or create tools to help.   This particular build has showed me it takes far less effort (and skill) to accomplish gratifying results.  I would have never believed that to be true before this.

 

 

Bakster

Btw. Stepping away so as not to rush made me chuckle. I often do the same thing. You invest so much time into a build it can be like walking on eggshells. One misstep and kaboom.

 

 

Oh man.  This makes me thinks of all the mistakes I've had to fix simply because I saw the finish line and decided to push on.  Thankfully, mental klaxons now start going off when I have thoughts like "you don't need to wait.  Look how close your are.  Just keep going and you'll have this finished and ready to present."  Oh boy.

I discovered the hard way that those can be some of the most dangerous thoughts for me.  The worst part is when I do push on and things turn out great.  That gets me believing I can do it again.  And wouldn't you know, that's when disaster strikes.  At least now when I push on I ask myself if I'm willing to risk disaster.  Sometimes I am, and when disaters does strike, I usually maintain my calm and push on.  Accepting the risk ahead of time seems to help keep me from losing my sh*t when things go awry.  Not always, but more often than not.

All the above is probably why I slow down so much when getting cloe to the end of a build.

 

 

Bakster

I wish I were a seasoned modeler where it's old hat. I could just bang out models. lol.

 

 

LOL, there are some amazing weekend builds the forum members turn out.  I don't know how they do it.  I don't think I'll ever be a seasoned modeler.  I'm too busy trying to push myself.  Makes it hard to recognize "good enough".  Unless I'm sick of a build in which case "good enough" is equivalent to done and therefore awesome.  :D

This is the first model I built when I got back into the hobby three years ago.

It took me over a month of evenings and weekends to build and paint it. I have it in a central position of my collection.  He not only re-ignited my interest in bulding models, he's also my inspiration for developing skill. 

Whenever I wonder if I'm really growing as a modeler I lookup and see that guy and everything that's followed since and I can't help but recognize how I've grown.  It's what keeps me trying.  That, and the words of encouragement from you and the other wonderful members of this forum.  Keeps me going back to my stash to grab another kit and discover what the next build will reveal.

 

 

Hey PG, I am amazed at how closely we align in thought. Truly. Reading your thoughts is like looking in a mirror. Thanks for sharing! 

That looks awesome Phoenix! I really like the tan more than the green in the instructions. 

Real G

PG,

The Spartan is shaping up really nice.  The finish line is so close, you can almost taste it.  I mean, figuratively.  Nobody likes to lick a painted stripe on the pavement!  At least I don't think so...  

My first anime mecha build was a small 1/550 scale marine Mobile Armor from Gundam:

That was way back in 1983!  Your modeling progress has been light years faster than mine!

ROFL! I can freely admit to never being tempted to lick pavement. 

That a great model!  I can honestly say it is way better than anything I ever did in my youth.

Thanks for the kind words.  I think I have an unfair advantage though.  Modern access to high quality information and the financial resources of an adult.  And I plan on making full use of them too! 

Gamera

That looks awesome Phoenix! I really like the tan more than the green in the instructions. 

Thank you Gamera!

I really didn't like that green, practically anything was better.  I think the color choices for my Macross mecha are being influenced by modern armor. Which makes a sort of sense.

Bakster

Hey PG, I am amazed at how closely we align in thought. Truly. Reading your thoughts is like looking in a mirror. Thanks for sharing!

Maybe that's why I enjoy following your builds so much! :)

Almost forgot quick snapshot of the missiles with the decals.

I think they look a lot better with the fake labeling.  The color isn't quite what I was aiming for, but I'm good with it.

BTW, those were printed on the new laserprinter.  So much easier to work with than inkjet decals.  The color reproduction on the laser printer isn't as nice as the inkjet.  However, the ease of use more than makes up for it.  

You can print them and pretty much use them right away.  No extra coats or anything.  Also, the transfer film seems to be more durable.  I've not had any issues with tearing on these.  Not a single failed decal, yet.  They've all applied flawlessly.

PhoenixG

 

 

Real G

PG,

The Spartan is shaping up really nice.  The finish line is so close, you can almost taste it.  I mean, figuratively.  Nobody likes to lick a painted stripe on the pavement!  At least I don't think so...  

My first anime mecha build was a small 1/550 scale marine Mobile Armor from Gundam:

That was way back in 1983!  Your modeling progress has been light years faster than mine!

 

 

 

ROFL! I can freely admit to never being tempted to lick pavement. 

That a great model!  I can honestly say it is way better than anything I ever did in my youth.

Thanks for the kind words.  I think I have an unfair advantage though.  Modern access to high quality information and the financial resources of an adult.  And I plan on making full use of them too! 

 

Well, to be fair, I was already building planes and tanks well before my first Gundam kit, and was going into college at the time.  I was already using putty and an airbrush, so I wasn't starting from zero.

But the early years building Gunpla was tough - most kits lacked polycaps (as you know so well), so we had to scrounge spare ones from other kits and learn to modify the joints.  And a lot of the early kits had TERRIBLE proportions, requiring slicing, shimming, and whatnot.  Today's kits look a heck of a lot better out of the box than their earlier counterparts.  It's good to be in the 21st century.

But your Spartan build reminds me that there were also a lot of great looking kits back in the day that, with some TLC, can still keep up with modern kits.  You have re-infected my brain, and so I'm looking to work on at an old MSV (Mobile Suit Variation) Prototype Dom from the early 1980s that has been in my stash.  It's one of those good looking kits that only needs modern jointing, better hands, and some improved details.  It's also one of my favorite Gundam MSV kits.

So you see PG, the cross-contamination goes both ways.    I make you modify your kit to incorporate missile bays, you make me want to do an old-school rehabilitation project.  But as you mentioned, we have modern resources available to us that did not exist 40 years ago.

Rock on PG, and we'll see your Spartan on the battlefront!

PhoenixG

Maybe that's why I enjoy following your builds so much! :) Add

Indeed. Ditto to your builds.

PhoenixG

BTW, those were printed on the new laserprinter.  So much easier to work with than inkjet decals.  The color reproduction on the laser printer isn't as nice as the inkjet.  However, the ease of use more than makes up for it.   You can print them and pretty much use them right away.  No extra coats or anything.  Also, the transfer film seems to be more durable.  I've not had any issues with tearing on these.  Not a single failed decal, yet.  They've all applied flawlessly.

Excellent to know. My printer is on its last legs. Something to consider.

Getting the decals to lay down nicely is taking a lot more time than I predicted. 

It's not that they look bad, I'd just like them to look better.  So it's *** little holes on thie latest bit of silvering.  Apply Micro-Sol.  Wait to dry.  Check.  Repeat.

Tedious but it's getting there.  It won't be 100% but it will be far less noticeable by the time I'm done.

Because the Micro-Sol is softening the decals so much I'm going really slow.  Last thing I want to do is start destroying what's been laid down. 

Since all of the waiting is creating alot of down time I've started on a small Star Blazers 2202 model.  I'll make a separate thread for that.

Real G

...a lot of the early kits had TERRIBLE proportions, requiring slicing, shimming, and whatnot. Today's kits look a heck of a lot better out of the box than their earlier counterparts. It's good to be in the 21st century

So true.  Now is an amazing time to be a modeler.  The improvement is so great that going back to an older kit can be jarring, but there's something quite gratifying when you look at a kit where you had to put in that extra effort to make it look nearly as good as the modern version.

Real G

You have re-infected my brain, and so I'm looking to work on at an old MSV (Mobile Suit Variation) Prototype Dom from the early 1980s that has been in my stash.

Not being very familiar with the Gundam universe I had to look up the Dom Prototype MSV.  I found some pics of the original kit and it looks a fun build.

Real G

So you see PG, the cross-contamination goes both ways. I make you modify your kit to incorporate missile bays, you make me want to do an old-school rehabilitation project.

MWAHAHAHA!  The tables have turned!  LOL

Real G

Rock on PG, and we'll see your Spartan on the battlefront!

Thanks, and I look forward to seeing what you do with the Dom!

PG, it's great to see cross-contamination, as we all benefit from it!  Isn't that box art for the Prototype Dom so 1980s gorgeous?

There seems to have been increased interest in older kits these days. I wonder if everyone has gotten tired of modern good proportions and fit? 

Hmmm...  Which one of us should be going "Mwu-ha-ha-ha-ha"?    I can't decide.

PhoenixG

 

 

Real G

...a lot of the early kits had TERRIBLE proportions, requiring slicing, shimming, and whatnot. Today's kits look a heck of a lot better out of the box than their earlier counterparts. It's good to be in the 21st century

 

 

So true.  Now is an amazing time to be a modeler.  The improvement is so great that going back to an older kit can be jarring, but there's something quite gratifying when you look at a kit where you had to put in that extra effort to make it look nearly as good as the modern version.

 

 

Real G

You have re-infected my brain, and so I'm looking to work on at an old MSV (Mobile Suit Variation) Prototype Dom from the early 1980s that has been in my stash.

 

 

Not being very familiar with the Gundam universe I had to look up the Dom Prototype MSV.  I found some pics of the original kit and it looks a fun build.

 

 

Real G

So you see PG, the cross-contamination goes both ways. I make you modify your kit to incorporate missile bays, you make me want to do an old-school rehabilitation project.

 

 

MWAHAHAHA!  The tables have turned!  LOL

 

 

Real G

Rock on PG, and we'll see your Spartan on the battlefront!

 

 

Thanks, and I look forward to seeing what you do with the Dom!

 

 

I know nothing about Gundams and fit issues but that looks so badass!!!!! 

Real G

PG, it's great to see cross-contamination, as we all benefit from it! Isn't that box art for the Prototype Dom so 1980s gorgeous?

Hear! Hear!

Real G

There seems to have been increased interest in older kits these days. I wonder if everyone has gotten tired of modern good proportions and fit? Big Smile

Speaking of older kits. I stumbled across the U.C. Hard Graph kits and sincerely hope they reissue them.  Those looked like a lot of fun.   Second hand market is bloody expensive!

PhoenixG

 

 

Real G

PG, it's great to see cross-contamination, as we all benefit from it! Isn't that box art for the Prototype Dom so 1980s gorgeous?

 

 

Hear! Hear!

 

 

Real G

There seems to have been increased interest in older kits these days. I wonder if everyone has gotten tired of modern good proportions and fit? Big Smile

 

 

Speaking of older kits. I stumbled across the U.C. Hard Graph kits and sincerely hope they reissue them.  Those looked like a lot of fun.   Second hand market is bloody expensive!

 

Bandai has been stingy when it comes to reissuing older kits.  There used to be a day when it was so easy to get whatever you wanted.  Bandai also used to post re-release schedules so nobody would get into a panic wondering when a particular kit would be reissued.  Those days are gone now.

That being said, I have the big hover truck kit in the stash.  And I need to thin the collection.  If you are interested, PM me!

U.C. Hard Graph EFGF MS Platoon Briefing Set | HLJ.com

Postage might be killer though, as it's a big box!

Oh yeah and PG, you get a gold star for posting that Prototype Dom box art!  

Decals finally came together yesterday and got them sealed in.  There was celebration in the street!

Next level of weathering has begun!

Decided to start with the hands since they looked far to clean for a working bot.  Started by adding some Vallejo Oiled earth to all the seams cracks and crevices.  Found that this stuff streaks beautifully when wiped down with a cotton swab a few moments after application. 

The hands and forearms are showing some character now.

Real G

Bandai has been stingy when it comes to reissuing older kits. There used to be a day when it was so easy to get whatever you wanted. Bandai also used to post re-release schedules so nobody would get into a panic wondering when a particular kit would be reissued. Those days are gone now.

That's so sad.

Real G

That being said, I have the big hover truck kit in the stash. And I need to thin the collection. If you are interested, PM me! U.C. Hard Graph EFGF MSGift Platoon Briefing Set | HLJ.com

You really do work for the Model Devil! That's the only way you could have known it was top of the list!   lol

PhoenixG

 

 

Real G

Bandai has been stingy when it comes to reissuing older kits. There used to be a day when it was so easy to get whatever you wanted. Bandai also used to post re-release schedules so nobody would get into a panic wondering when a particular kit would be reissued. Those days are gone now.

 

 

That's so sad.

 

 

Real G

That being said, I have the big hover truck kit in the stash. And I need to thin the collection. If you are interested, PM me! U.C. Hard Graph EFGF MSGift Platoon Briefing Set | HLJ.com

 

 

You really do work for the Model Devil! That's the only way you could have known it was top of the list!   lol

 

 

One tries...

But seriously, if you want the hover truck, give the word.  That would allow me to go into the Deep Stash and pull out the Prototype Dom for me to work on.  See, it does go both ways.  I see you working on your Spartan, so now I want to work on my Dom.  A perfect example of cross-contamination!

Maybe YOU could work for the Model Devil as well.

We have dental...

PhoenixG

Decals finally came together yesterday and got them sealed in.  There was celebration in the street!

Next level of weathering has begun!

Decided to start with the hands since they looked far to clean for a working bot.  Started by adding some Vallejo Oiled earth to all the seams cracks and crevices.  Found that this stuff streaks beautifully when wiped down with a cotton swab a few moments after application. 

The hands and forearms are showing some character now.

 

 

The weathering looks excellent. Perfect. Not too much, not too little. Very believable.

Nice job, PG. It's really coming together...

Continuing with the washes and weathering of the lower half.  No pictures as it's incremental change.  It's coming along well.  May try painting some chipping and wear now that I've got the majority of the washes done.

Bakster

The weathering looks excellent. Perfect. Not too much, not too little. Very believable. Nice job, PG. It's really coming together...

Thanks!

Real G

if you want the hover truck, give the word. That would allow me to go into the Deep Stash and pull out the Prototype Dom for me to work on. See, it does go both ways. I see you working on your Spartan, so now I want to work on my Dom. A perfect example of cross-contamination!

I'll follow up with you via PM.  I'd love to give that one a go.  Especially if it means I'll get to see what you do with the Dom.  :)

Real G

Maybe YOU could work for the Model Devil as well.

We have dental..

ROFL!

Ohhh nice work on the hands and arms Phoenix! Looking forward to seeing more! 

PG,

OK you made me do it - the Prototype Dom has been exhumed from the stash along with the hover truck!

The germs are spreading around the kindergarten class it seems.  

BTW, did you get my email with the kit photos?  LMK what you want to do!

Cool G! I wanna see you build that!

Gamera

Cool G! I wanna see you build that!

 

Me too!  

The plan is to either cross kit it with a HGUC Dom for the inner workings, or go commando and do all the improvements by myself.  I also have the Gundam Fix Figuration toy for remodeling reference.

Hey Phoenix G, where ya go?  Any updates on the Spartan?  It's almost there!