So I enjoyed my Hi-Nu build so much I decided to take another crack at a mobile suit I always LOVED - the MG Kampfer. This time I decided to go all out - beads, balls, mechaskunk, g-option parts, etc... The color will be gloss blue that came factory for the Kampfer (I may build many other versions of this awesome mobile suit in the future)
In order to get the color right I experimented with a number of different mixes. I finally settled on Tamiya Dark Blue with Tamiya Mica Blue mix. Here is the progress:
The head:
Straight forward build, mechaskunk beads, g-option eye and mechaskunk eye aluminum eye socket. Mechaskunk warning decals - ventilation holes drilled out:
(antenna not all the way in yet - but shaved to be thinner and more blade-like)
When you are going for glossy paint finish - any mistakes in the body work or primer shows - so the panels are washed, scrubbed, sanded with wet/dry 1200 grit, primed, sanded again until mirror-like finish and paint is applied in layers, allowing a build up and some sanding sessions between coats. Two coats of Model Master super gloss clear applied at the end to a shiny shiny finish - this thing is like a jewel in real life
Here is the most complicated part of the Kampfer - the shoulder. The shoulder comes in three different sections as you know, and leaves a ghastly seam in the middle of the shoulder that took literally two days of sanding, priming, sanding, priming, puttying, repeat lol. Here is how it came out - I am pretty pleased with the results:
no seam line. As you can tell from the rounded spike holes, I will be replacing kit units with aluminum spikes from Model Up - they are two piece affairs with the base being left in natural aluminum and the actual spikes painted in the matching color. I will also be using metal screws from mechaskunk in the drilled wholes. Of Course I will also be using metal thrusters from a variety of sources.
Next up are arm bits - I drilled all the holes out and will be using a metal screen behind the holes. I will also be using metal screws from mechaskunk - boy those things look nice when they are on and it reminds me that i need to order more haha
Finally the rear thruster covers - they get the same treatment
Suggestions and comments are ALWAYS welcomed!