PG Astrays - WIP 2

Unsteady pilots

Mentioned in the next kit post few weeks back, I have decided to get a 2nd PG Red Frame just for the accessory (mainly the Gerbera Straight). The kit has finally arrived and I'm more excited than ever because now my RF is able to carry 2 sheath instead of one. For now I'm still pondering on what frame to paint the other RF to. Blue, Green, Gold? Blue would be more suitable because the 2nd RF kit comes with a free 1/60 TA. While thinking about a new color scheme, I decided to paint the pilot figures first before embarking on the MS.

 

Why did I choose to paint the pilot first? I decided to join a Pilot Painting Contest hosted by DC23. The prizes are attractive. GreatToysOnline.com will be shipping a couple of Gundam Metallic Nano Puzzles, myhmshop.com will be shipping a HM135 0.3 nozzle airbrush and Don himself will be shipping a set of Vallejo Acrylic Paints.

As stated in the rules, the pilots must be either 1/144, 1/100 or 1/60 scale. I decided to enter Setsuna from MG OO Gundam Seven Swords /G, either 1/100 Ramba Ral and/or Hamon from MG Gouf (M'Quve Use) and/or 1/60 Lowe Guele from Astray Red Frame. The final 2 choices are not confirmed yet.

 

Lowe Guele with painted watch, headband and arm band

 Fully painted Lowe Guele (Front)

  Fully painted Lowe Guele (Back)

 

I didn't really paint the back of the sitting figure because he will be seated in the MS and won't be seen 99.9% of the time. The other 0.1% he will be seen is when I open the hatch which will mostly never happen. I think the paint used for his right hand is too thick and it makes his right hand 'plumper' than his left. Tried to rectified it but it became worse so I just left it as it is and called it a day.

 

1/100 Ramba Ral, Hamon and 1/60 Lowe Guele

 

These are the older figures released by BanDai because they come without a base unlike the newer figures. Among those 3, only Lowe is able to stand without support but a slight touch and he will fall. Guess I have to make a simple base for them. This idea was 'stolen' from Ngee Khiong when he made a base for his MG Johnny Ridden.

 

How to do a custom base? First thing is to measure the length of the base. Make sure there is enough space for the figures to stand in. I got this from the PG ARF label from the runner. Just measure and cut it to size.

 

 Labels cut and waiting

 

Next step is to file both sides of the base to make is smooth. I used the file which I got from Daiso for MYR 5.

 

 

Using the file is quick and simple. Just a few strokes and the side is smooth. Repeat for the other side and you are done.

 

 Bases filed and ready for figures

 

To cement the figures on the bases, I use Mr. Cement S. This is the same as Tamiya Extra Thin Cement. To use it is simple. The cement comes with a brush for you to apply. Put the 2 plastic parts together and brush the cement on the seamlines. It is thin enough to have a capillary action and melt the plastics together. Leave it for a few seconds and is done.

 

New tool in my arsenal

 

 Figures with custom bases

 

The only paint I used is for the flesh. I guess mixing ratio was incorrect because the paint was too thick. I guess I have to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward. The rest of the colors are from sharpies and gundam markers. If I'm going to be painting all figures (from 1/100 scale onwards), I'll have to invest in other color paints.

 

The prize I'm hoping to win is either the airbrush or the Gundam Metallic Nano Puzzles. After seeing the final outcome of the figures, I don't think I have a chance to win any prizes at all. Whatever the result is the main thing is I've tried and learned from this experience.

 

Back to the WIP of this MS in the next post.