The Energon Pub

Dead Metal wrote:So I got my kits today (MG Zaku II Version2 and Action base 1) I've just finished assembling the base and I have to say the quality on it is pretty good, I like how the spree comes off nicely and clean without leaving a lot of plastic rest hanging of the parts.
Can't wait to assemble the Zaku tomorrow.

If you can, please show us the finished Zaku II when you finish assembling it. I'd like to get the Char variation to go with the MG RX-78-2 Ver. 2.0.

Here's a photo of my assembled HG Exia, Virtue, and 0 Gundam. The guy stuck in the back is the 1996 version of the HG RX-79(G).



I can't wait to work on more Gundam 00 HG models!

Convotron wrote:

Dead Metal wrote:So I got my kits today (MG Zaku II Version2 and Action base 1) I've just finished assembling the base and I have to say the quality on it is pretty good, I like how the spree comes off nicely and clean without leaving a lot of plastic rest hanging of the parts.
Can't wait to assemble the Zaku tomorrow.

If you can, please show us the finished Zaku II when you finish assembling it. I'd like to get the Char variation to go with the MG RX-78-2 Ver. 2.0.

Here's a photo of my assembled HG Exia, Virtue, and 0 Gundam. The guy stuck in the back is the 1996 version of the HG RX-79(G).



I can't wait to work on more Gundam 00 HG models!

Those are pretty cool!

Oh I will post photos so far I've completed the torso, the head and the complete right arm, after just 2 or so hours. But hell it'S an awesome kit.

Dead Metal wrote:Those are pretty cool!

Oh I will post photos so far I've completed the torso, the head and the complete right arm, after just 2 or so hours. But hell it'S an awesome kit.

All I have left to do is some panel lining and touch up paint work on the HG Gundam 00 models.

The Zaku II looks like a great kit! It may be taking a while to assemble but it sounds fun so far.

Convotron wrote:

Dead Metal wrote:Those are pretty cool!

Oh I will post photos so far I've completed the torso, the head and the complete right arm, after just 2 or so hours. But hell it'S an awesome kit.

All I have left to do is some panel lining and touch up paint work on the HG Gundam 00 models.

The Zaku II looks like a great kit! It may be taking a while to assemble but it sounds fun so far.

I completed it two hours ago, the kit is f**king amazing.
I'll post some pics of it tomorrow. Till then I'll leave you with this.

Tight stuff guys. I really like how everyone's getting into Gunpla. I'm heading to my local plastic store today... looking to expand my HGUC collection.

Awesome job, DM! I can't wait to see more of the Zaku II.

I needs to get me an Action Base or two.

I spent my Friday evening assembling the 1/100 NG Astray Red Frame. I haven't put together the beam rifle, shield, and Gerbera Straight(I need to get some gold paint before I start painting it). It's such a wonderful model. I'm thinking of picking up another 1/100 from the SEED line.

Blurrz wrote:Tight stuff guys. I really like how everyone's getting into Gunpla. I'm heading to my local plastic store today... looking to expand my HGUC collection.

Like you said a while ago, there's nothing better than putting together Gundam models by hand. I'm so addicted to it. I wish I got into Gunpla earlier. I only wish that the local hobby stores carried regular stock of Gundam model kits.

OK So I got around making some (crap) photos of my Zaku II.
So a little review:

Master Grade MS-06 J Zaku II Zeon version.

Now the thing is I actually wanted the space version as it had a cooler jet-pack and thrusters on it's legs but hell I thought I'd be getting them all anyway so who cares with which one I start, I mean do you care with which one I start?

Now it took me almost all day completing it, at least 8 hours. And I have to say the construction of it blew me away, it was awesome building it and seeing how it slowly took shape, I swear a lot of the detail only started to make sense to me after I had completed the kit and took all the armour off.
So I'll start with the inner frame:

and from the back

Seriously the detail on this thing is amazing it even has detail on spots that require you to disassemble the figure slightly, there is a decal for the nuclear reactor, which is located between two joints in the suits stomach! When assembled it feels like a real action figure and not like your usual snap together plastic kit.
the articulation is simply stunning:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010045.jpg
And yes it can do that even with the armour attached. I would like to note that I haven't used it's entire range of motion for any of these pics, just let me tell you that it'S even better than what you can see here.
Now lets see it fully armoured up:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010046.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 0047-1.jpg
Hello I'm waving!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 0048-1.jpg
Brains!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 0049-1.jpg
OK lets see what it has in the arms department:
The weaponry plugs onto the hand and you simply wrap the fingers around it for a better look and stability.
The Zaku Machine gun, with attached round magazine, the round magazine is removable and has nicely detailed tiny bullets moulded inside. And a scope that is movable. It can be held by ether hand and features a second handle so that it can be wielded with both hands

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 0050-1.jpg
The Zaku Bazooka, this can only be held with the right hand on the trigger but also features a second handle for a better grip. also you can see that the Zaku machine gun round magazine can be stored on the Zaku's ass, like most MS weapons.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010051.jpg
There is also a melee weapon, an axe that can be wielded in both hands and although it's supposed to be an energy weapon with an energy blade, it's molded in solid gray plastic also be careful with storing it on the Zaku as if you use too much force it will get stress marks.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010052.jpg
A pretty deadly arsenal is it not?

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010053.jpg
But that's not all, it comes with a pair of leg mounted missile pods, cos when in battle your legs have to be super deadly in both close and long range combat. These are kind of annoying as they just hang there and don't lock into place and will knock about when you pose the legs.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010054.jpg
Oh I forgot the cockpit, you can store one dude in it's chest and the cockpit is movable it can move from the right to the left and back again, the Zaku shows you the pilot:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010055.jpg
Back to the missile pods, here with the MG and the "standing" pilot leaned against it's foot as he won't stand on his own.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010056.jpg

The Zaku fully armed you can see that the axe can plug into the right and left side of the skirt with the bazooky plugging into the Zaku's ass.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010057.jpg

The action base is pretty nice, you can change it's hight and tilt it a bit and with the right head you can swivel it it comes with different heads to fit different types of models, it took me about 20 minutes to assemble well 90% of a South Park episode anyway.
I know that the Zaku I have is the normal ground type so it doesn't fly all too much but I still think this looks cool:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z113 ... 010058.jpg

You know that a man means business when he shows up armed with a bazooka, an MG, an axe and two missile pods wrapped to his feet.

It feels pretty solid, more solid than most Transformers of that size these days although it's kind of disappointing that it's still pretty light and small. Also the pipes that stick out of it's body are super annoying to assemble and have to be removed and reapplied when you want to see the inner frame, also the ones on his legs will pop off is you force the leg to much.
I can wholeheartedly recommend this kit, seriously it's awesome, totally awesome and it has a lot of hidden details and cool gimmicks like the moving eye.

I'll have to buy the right paint and paint the sucker then I'll apply the decals and stickers.

whoa! Easy on the pic sizes! Way too big for me to see the whole thing.

Yeah... Seed has some pretty interested 1/100's. Requires a lot of lining/paintwork, but they are awesome.

You must be anticipated the 1/100 Masurao too eh, Convotron?





@Roadbuster: lol

@Dead Metal: Awesome stuff man. I bet you're feeling as giddy as I was when I built my first MG.

Blurrz wrote:
@Dead Metal: Awesome stuff man. I bet you're feeling as giddy as I was when I built my first MG. [/color]

Yea it was pretty awesome, far cooler than building the Gundam Wing High Grades I had, damn I wnat a MG Deathcite Gundam.

Yea the pics are huge, bigger than I had anticipated, so I also set some links for those that don't have the right click menu. Why photobucket shrinks all images I upload from my computer yet increases the size of the ones I upload directly from my camera is beyond me?

Blurrz wrote:Yeah... Seed has some pretty interested 1/100's. Requires a lot of lining/paintwork, but they are awesome.

You must be anticipated the 1/100 Masurao too eh, Convotron?

Yes. Yes, I am.

I love the design and I prefer the Masurao's colours over the Susanowo's. Red and black all the way!

The 1/100 SEED models are great. I love the detail they possess. I think I may track down a 1/100 Infinite Justice for my next SEED model.

Thanks for the pictorial review, DM! Boy, the MG kits that have been produced in the last several years are great. The version 2.0 models are especially impressive to me. The range of articulation is great but even more impressive when seen in a design like the Zaku II, which doesn't look like something that would be that flexible at a glance.

I find that I really enjoy the 1/144 scale models. I originally thought that they'd be a bit too small for my liking and that I would use HG models as practice. After assembling three HG models from the Gundam 00 line, I'm just blown away by the details packed into these relatively small models. HG is where it's at for me!

Here are more pics of the Astray Red Frame, this time with completed beam saber hilts, a beam rifle, and shield. I still need to panel line them.





Actually, does anyone have any suggestions for panel lining tools aside from Gundam Markers and paint washes? I'm thinking about using a technical pen and I've read that some people suggest the Sakura Micron pens for panel lining.

Headin' to the Model Kit store today. Let's see what I find..

I envy you guys who can go to a local model kit store!

Bring something good back, Blurrz.

Nothing of interest that caught my eye... just HGUC stuff, and I'm not ready to kickstart that collection. I did however, kick-start my Halo McFarlane collection

Anyways.. time to bring in some pics... We get PG Clear 00 Raiser...



and 7-11 Gundam...



and MG Zaku II



AND LOOK AT THAT BMFG ON THAT ZOID

Speaking of HGUC, my first HGUC model has recently arrived. The ORX-005 Gaplant TR-5(Hrairoo)! The box it comes in is as large as an average MG box!





I really like the Titans designs. I'm planning on getting the rest of the Titans model kits. The Hrairoo should be a fun model to assemble and paint(well, touch up).

I was looking at the previews of the assembly of the PG 00 Raiser and it looks like it's a very fun and complex model!

The 7-11 cross promo products actually look good to me, hehe. I like the colour scheme on the RX-78-2.

The MG Zaku II looks very nice. I love the look of the jetpack and lower leg components!

I never got into Zoids but the designs are cool. That is indeed one BMFG!

Actually, I've been looking at the Kotobukiya model kits and I'm very interested in them. I've already ordered two of the Super Robot Wars model kits. I'd like to try one of the Frame Arms models but the reviews I've read say that the parts are somewhat fragile. The Armored Core kits look great but they look very complicated.

Some concept art for the design of the MG GN-X has been revealed!

I'm looking forward to this for sure.

I'm sorry for triple posting but I just had to link the following videos for the PG 00 Raiser:

Intro to the PG 00 Raiser(Demise of FG Exia)

Unboxing part 1

Unboxing part 2

Unboxing part 3

Review of the runners

Review of the GN Drives

You can purchase the PG 00 Raiser from HLJ for 25% off right now if you buy a sale item and you get free shipping. I just picked up a second for a custom paint job.

And you have to be one of the first 500 people to place an order for this sale so if anyone is in doubt, decide quickly!

I took part in this sale to order the HGUC kits for the Zaku Sniper and RX-0 Unicorn Mode(Destroy Mode was sold out!) as well as the 1/20 Scopedog and 1/144 ART-1.

I can't imagine buying one PG 00 Raiser, let alone a second one! If you can at some point, please share your thoughts on the model. I was initially really excited about the PG 00 Raiser but after the initial shock and awe of the kit, I became more lukewarm towards it. I prefer the Exia design over the 00 Gundam but I can see how the flagship MS of Gundam 00 is a more logical PG kit choice for Bandai to pursue.

Sexy new boxart -

I'm really diggin the Masurao's box art.

I haven't watched Victory Gundam yet but the MG V Gundam kit is looking mighty good to me. It's also apparently involved in the clear parts campaign of the 30th Anniversary plans so it'll be cool to have a few optional clear parts to show of some of the hopefully good inner frame.

I can't wait for Unicorn Gundam...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ad4QAzguVU

Anyways, I still can't believe I dont have a complete team of Meisters in one scale. For 00 Season 1, I've got the Exia, Virtue and Dynames. 00 S2, it's just the 00 and the Cheridum. With the Trans-Am 00 S2 Gundams coming out, I really need to start catching up with it!

Wow, Unicorn Gundam looks great! I enjoy all of Gundam but I'm more of a U.C. kind of guy when it comes to MS designs so it's nice to see a new story in the U.C. era. Seeing the RX-0 go into Destroy Mode was pretty darn cool.

Blurrz wrote:Anyways, I still can't believe I dont have a complete team of Meisters in one scale. For 00 Season 1, I've got the Exia, Virtue and Dynames. 00 S2, it's just the 00 and the Cheridum. With the Trans-Am 00 S2 Gundams coming out, I really need to start catching up with it! [/color]

Are you going for one of each Gundam for the Meisters or do you plan on getting the repaints like the Trans-Am and Designer's colour versions too?

I've just got Virtue from Season 1 and Exia Repair II and 0 Gundam(A.C.D.) from Season 2. There are so many models from Gundam 00 I'd like to get. The three that I have so far have really impressed me.

Well, I want one complete Meisters set for each season. I could get into the +Armor and Trans-Am ones, depending on how low I have to pay for them in Vancouver. (They can go for $10-$15 per 1/144 or $25 for 1/100's, which is about 60% less than I would pay in Edmonton).

I really like the 1/100's, but I think I'll stick with the 1/144 for Gundam 00. The Seed/Astray suits are pretty sweet, basically MG quality when you take into account that they have decals. Should be interesting when I head back to the mainland.

But yeah.. NgeeKhiong reports we're getting Trans-Am Susanowo and Reborns. That's gonna look epic versus the Trans-Am Gundams.

And yeah.. Unicron Gundam... I just can't wait till Spring 2010.

HLJ order processed so I picked up PG 00 Raiser and MG G-Fighter with EMS shipping for $254.

I received my 1/144 Unicorn Destroy Mode and head display base from Dengeki Hobby. After the BB Senshi Unicorn in February just have to wait for the PG Unicorn. Make it happen Bandai.

I'll be picking up the MG GN-X, but I would have rather seen a MG Reborns.

***Warning from HLJ on PG 00 Raiser's clear parts and if true is disappointing.

In order to build a Perfect Grade 00 Raiser using all of the clear armor parts, an unbuilt 00 Raiser kit is needed. (In other words, you have to add the parts as you build, and cannot add all of them later once the model has been assembled.)