Bandai HGBF Burning Gundam with Mercury Lev / Rev Parts

So, I'd been looking for the Mercury Rev Parts for both the Strike and the Nu Gundam, and thanks to a friend, I was able to get my hands on both of them. I ended up marveling at the idea of how a weapons system based on Swiss Army knives would be such an innovative thing for the Gundam Build Fighter series.

Anyway, here is my take on it, where the "standard" Mercury Rev (or Lev) parts are mounted on the Burning Gundam. Not sure if that makes it a good-looking but weaker retrofit, but at least it allows for more weapon options.

Click here for more HGBF Gundam Build Fighter articles

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Keep on building in 2015!

*click here for more Lego articles

Update: Bandai HGUC Nu Gundam: Modified - Mobile Armor Mode + Shield Fighter

In the original kitbash, I basically had an HWS Nu Gundam with two shields, twelve funnels, and some pieces from my first Battle Arms set. However, as time went on, the real joke was that the design made my Nu practically immovable.

However, once I was able to acquire some Mercury Lev pieces, it opened up the mecha design.

I. Main MechaDo take note that the pieces used are from both the Strike and Nu Lev parts. There are so many more connector parts, and I suspect they will be very useful in the future.

II. Shield Fighter
The shield fighter is essentially the main body of the Battle Arms system, with two folding arms attached to the cannon/support piece that can attach to the backpack of the Nu. Needless to say, this Shield fighter can fully integrate into the Nu, which appeals to my Super Robot sensibilities.
 

I will most probably close further mods on this kit, so it can finally get properly painted.

For more of my kitbashes using HGBC or HGBF (Gundam Build Fighter) units, click here.

Expansion: Bandai HGBF/HGUC 1/144 "Titan Assault" (RX-178 Mark-II) Gundam + HGBC Powered Arms Powereder

I'm a fan of waiting for better stuff to come in, and in this case, it was in the form of the HGBC 1/144 Powered Arms Powereder pack. Essentially, I attached this to the Titan Assault Gundam that I had before.

B&W Challenge: Mecha Toy Photography, Part Five

HGCE and HGBF Perfect and Build Strike Gundam Kitbash

B&W Challenge: Mecha Toy Photography, Part Four

Combined HGBF and HGUC RX-178 Mark II Gundam parts, with HGUC Advance of Zeta Hazel parts kitbashed as well.

B&W Challenge: Mecha Toy Photography, Part Three

HGUC 1/144 Gundam GM Quel and Hazel kitbash, with HGBF Sniper parts

Kotobukiya Frame Arms: Extend Arms 05 for Kagutsuchi-Kou

Just acquired the Extend Arms hover platform for the Kagutsuchi mecha. Since I sort of put the cart before the horse (I'm getting the Kagutsuchi early next year), I used some spare frames to come up with the above. In doing so, I realized that my being a stickler for some sort of physics made me eschew using blunt or kinetic based weapons, since they have recoil, and this thing is a hovertank. That's the reason why I've outfitted it with as missile/rocket pods (in fact, I'm thinking of getting another Extend Arms 03 Griffin upgrade set), aside from what can pass for recoilless weapons.

For those wanting a space unit, you can actually use the legs only... More photos to come on more options, in a later photo set. For now, let me leave you a link to all the other Frame Arms stuff in the blog.

You can also head on over to the Mecha Toys and the Frame Arms Philippines FB pages for more Frame Arms goodness. For those who prefer Tumblr, I actually mix in my mecha toys content with my other stuff in The Eclectic Chair Tumblr blog. You can also add my Google Plus account, which is a G+ equivalent of my Tumblr blog. Finally, I also have an Instagram account, though there's much more in there than Mecha photos - but feel free to add it, if you want, haha: basscog!

B&W Challenge: Mecha Toy Photography, Part Two

B&W Challenge: Mecha Toy Photography, Part One

Since I got tagged in Facebook, I decided that I would do the whole black and white photography challenge with mecha toys. Here's the first one:

Crossbone Maoh Gundam Build Fighter Kit Bash

More links:
Crossbone Kali
Crossbone Kali, part 2

Assorted Gundam Photos

Some are older shots, other are future photo entries...

Gundam Modifications: HGBF Wing Fenice

As much as some people were sold on the asymmetrical design of the HGBF Gundam Wing Fenice variant, I do prefer a more balanced look. Without further ado... modification variants for the HGBF Wing.

Gundam Modifications: Strike "Kong"

This particular Gundam modification was done with the use of some special HGBF campaign parts, and an add-on set normally used for the XN-Raiser mod of the 00 Gundam.

Campaign Parts Modification: Gundam 1.75

The Gundam 1.5 from  Gundam 00 is one of the more unusual designs, in that it's essentially two mecha in one, except that it's been modified from the Gundam 1 so that it does not have the remote gun bits anymore.

Thanks, however, to the power of promotional campaign parts, you can now combine some aspects of the Gundam 1 and the 1.5.

Gundam Mods: HGUC Hazel Sniper (Scout upgrade)

Originally, this mecha was designed as a scout mecha, as seen in this link: Kitbash - HGUC Hazel Scout. However, as the Gundam Build Fighter parts came in, this upgrade happened. Along with some parts compression as I was compacting more of my Hazel designs into fewer mecha frames, this modified design became an end-result. It was short-lived, though, since the design has since gone back to a "default" of sorts (I'll show it in an upcoming entry). For now, here it is: a Hazel Sniper.

Custom Modification: Crossbone Kali, ver. 2

The original mecha for this mod is the HGBF 1/144 Crossbone Maoh Gundam. However, for this mod, I've added pieces from various AGE mecha, and parts from Skull Weapons Sets. The idea started out as adding more arms for the Crossbone, but somewhere along the way, it just evolved to this.

Original Kali version here.

Apologies for the wide-angle distortion, am currently using my new phone's digicam, since the usual cam was being used somewhere else. 

Bandai: HGUC 1/144 Zeta Honoo GBF Variant (Completed)

I finally got my hands on the Battle Arms parts that were needed for the Honoo. Here are two of the photos. Unfortunately, the last thing needed to complete it is the Akatsuki's bits. While I do have those, I would rather not use them with this kit.

Here we go, then! And, the "incomplete version" is here; clickie!

Assorted Gundams

I've admittedly had some backlog when it comes to taking photos, and for some reason, I just ended up putting them in Facebook albums. Here are some of those photos, now properly given context.

Bandai HGBF/HGUC 1/144 "Titan Assault" (RX-178 Mark-II) Gundam

Okay, the story here is, I was able to acquire the HGBF parts for the Mark II, and then I figured, why not add Hazel parts into the mix. This is what happened.

Bandai HGUC Nu Gundam: Modified - Mobile Armor Mode

This is another one of my older modification or kitbash projects. One of the big weaknesses I already saw in the original design was that there was no way for it to arm itself except for the fin fannels, since both arms were essentially just support systems for the larger shields.

Bandai HGUC Unicorn Gundam Banshee, Modified: Chimera Loadout

Finally.

This is - hopefully - the last version of this Banshee kit. I'm tempted to buy yet another Unicorn Banshee Norn in Destroy mode just to get a third DE shield, but I think this looks good for now.

For an older article on this kit, click here.

Another article is located here.

For the inspiration to go double-shield, it's the Phenex. Click here.

HGBF 1/144 Cross Bone Gundam Maoh "Crossbone Kali"

I'd have to say, I love the Gundam Build Fighter series, if only for the fact that kitbashing and mods are now fair game and official.

This is one of my favorite mecha from the series, even if it only appeared for practically one episode. First off, it's a Crossbone Gundam, and second... look at that skull on the chest! I've added some more equip arms, so it can handle more weapons - hence the "Kali" term.

In the first photo, the side shot of the backpack pretty much shows it: it's a combination of the Skull Weapon with the standard backpack.

The second photo shows the makeshift "back mount" for the Gun/blade weapon, using the spare two-prong mount from the Skull Weapon, and a modular trigger guard from the Bandai Campaign parts sets.

Modified: HGGS 1/144 Astray Gold

One nice thing about the Astray is that its idea of partial armor plates seems to make it such a favorite when it comes to modifications. This is probably due to the fact that it looks like it's modified anyway. In my case, I simply armed it with the Red Astray's flight unit, with three added Caletvwlch sword/weapon systems. After that, I took the Blitz arms from the old HGGS kit, and did some polycap switching to get the right shoulder-to-chest armor separation.

I'm still a bit on the fence about keeping the katana with it, but so far it looks good with it.

Bandai: HGUC 1/144 Zeta Honoo GBF Variant (incomplete)

With the coming of Gundam Build Fighters, these seems to be a movement to retrofitting, so to speak, older HGUC kits, with new weapons and option parts. In this case, it's the HGUC Zeta, with the Honoo parts and the Gun/Blade variant of the Astray Caletvwlch sword.

I still have to get my hands on a Battle Arms set, so I can complete the other parts of the Honoo Zeta, aside from seeing if the incoming RG weapons set that includes the Zeta's large cannon will be compatible (it may be for the RG only...). I won't bother trying to get the Akatsuki's space backpack... for now.

As it is, here are some photos of the incomplete Zeta Honoo GBF Variant.

Kitbash: HGUC 1/144 Banshee Unicorn

This is actually an incomplete project at this point, given that I still have to get two more things (hehe) to kitbash and make it into its "final form."

Still, it looks pretty cool as it is, already.

I'm still thinking if it's worth it to keep the "deactive form." On the other hand, I do need a kit to hang extra stuff onto...

Frame Arms: Baselard and Zelfikar

And we're back! Apologies for the long rest, but had to take care of some stuff in real life. Anyway, here are more photos of the two Frame Arms Baselard kits that I swapped parts on. I'm tempted to call them Fingal and Dougal, but I'll probably have to get proper weapons, if that's the case.

This is actually the Zelfikar in full armor, with the original Baselard's gun and shield at the back (not seen very well in both photos). 

Suffering from Gunpla Burnout? Try Plamo!

Ever get that tired feeling with something you love doing, but for one reason or another it's been getting less and less fulfilling with every new project you do? That's what most people would call burnout. That state of mind where something you find fun and satisfying starts to become a chore.

Some say it's either the hobbyist, the community, or the franchise that's the main problem, but in my case it's a little bit of everything.


Earlier, at the start of the year I got tired of a full 2013 doing nothing but Gundam model kits (in 1/144, and halfheartedly finishing two 1/100). I was going through the aforementioned burnout phase. New work  messed up my schedule and split my concentration, and to be honest I've been growing tired with how little I've been learning and finishing since coming back to the hobby, not to mention how I've haven't found a solid group to integrate with (although I do really feel more comfortable as some wanderer on the fringes), I've been in the events, immersed in the scene, talked with the people in the hobby and a combination of everything above just killed my mojo for these tiny plastic robots.

Last year's work, not as much as I'd wanted done and not as fine, either. 

HGGS 1/144 Gundam Astray Gold Frame MBF-P01

So, this is one of the few times that I actually shelled out money for a limited-run or special run kit. The reasons for this are simple: I wanted to replicate my old Astray 1/100 set, so I could, well, sell off the larger set. I have to admit, it's more of a space-saving thing, so there's quite a bit of regret.

On the other hand, There are some features about the 1/144 Gold Astray that makes it better than the 1/100 version.

Links:
1/100 Gold Frame Astray
1/100 Amatsu Mina / 1/144 Amatsu Mina
Gundam Seed Entries


1) The body is pretty much the same as the originator of this kit series, the Blue Frame, so there's no need to go through all of it. Suffice to say, the only new things for this kit is the "stump" for the right arm (apparently, it lost an arm early on), and the bazooka that's supposed to go to the Duel Gundam. Otherwise, this is just a color variant of the Red Astray.

Sneak Peek: HGGS 1/144 Astray Gold Frame

1/144 Gold Frame and Amatsu Mina Astray Gundams: Brothers in, err, arm.

I've finally been able to duplicate most of my Astray 1/100 set faithfully in 1/144. I'm now seriously thinking of selling the larger 1/100 set, since I'm really not for gold plating and all that...

Links:
1/100 Gold Frame Astray
1/100 Amatsu Mina / 1/144 Amatsu Mina
Gundam Seed Entries

Will take more comparison and set shots in the future. For now, here's a teaser:

MG 1/100 Astray Red Frame

Although I basically prefer 1/144 scale now, i still do have some 1/100 kits. This is one particular favorite, the MG 1/100 Astray Red Frame.

1) If you're wondering what the weird clay-like stuff is on the sword's "wing roots," they're sticky-tac. It's one of the weaknesses of the construction - ABS-to-ABS joints. Shield is from an MG Strike, and I replaced the right katana with an extra Blue Frame dagger. Spare sword hilt comes with the kit.

HGUC Zeon Kits: Marasai, Dra-C, Geara Doga, Geara Zulu, and Dreissen units

To complete this run of my favorite kits, here is a last set, mostly from kits that appeared in the Unicorn series. Do take note that for some of these kits, I have the non-Unicorn version.

1) Marasai and Dra-C - Both of these kits are great-looking for me. I like the Marasai because of the head gear. I've switched weapons on this one, using the Cima Gelgoog machine gun on it, since it looks better. The weapon loadout for the Dra-C is actually for the Unicorn version.

HGUC Zeon Kits: Hi-Zak, Gouf, and Dom

Continuing on my run of favorite kits in the HGUC 1/144 line, here are a few more kits.

1) Hi-Zak / Hi-Zack - These are supposedly evolved Zakus, and the name thing has always been a sticking point, so I included both spelling versions anyway. The one at the right is the Recon version of the Hi-Zak. I love that mecha to bits. Even if the radome head looks a bit ridiculuous, really.

Kotobukiya Frame Arms: Modifications

So I decided to park most of the new weapons on one of my Zenrai Knight Units. I think I'll be needing more mecha.

HGUC Zeon Kits: 3 Gelgoogs and a Dom

Some of my old favorites.

1) Rick Dom-II and Gelgoog Jaeger - Beam Bazooka from Rick Dom, while the machine gun on the Jaeger is actually from the Officer's Gelgoog. Made a mistake attaching it, actual rifle should be an MG-42 mecha-sized beam weapon copy. I honestly do not remember there I got the panzerfaust on the left hand from.

Kotobukiya Frame Arms Modeling Support Goods - Gatling Gun, Ammo Drum, Sword Sets

This is the rest of the MSG sets I bought: two gatling guns that can be put together, the requisite ammunition drum, and the paired katana and wakizashi set.

Kotobukiya Frame Arms MSG Weapons Set 31 - Assault rifles

I recently bought some Kotobukiya Frame Arms Modeling Support Goods (MSG) Weapons Sets (phew!), specifically the Assualt Rifle  set (WS 31). Here they are, in use by HGUC Mecha that have the new standardized Zeonic and Federation hands that come with the RG weapon kits.

My quick review of them is this: They actually fit the hands, but they're still a bit bulky - the fists just barely make it to being fully closed. They work well for the mid- to large-sized mecha, but I don't think this will look good or work well with the smaller ones, like the Gundam X.

Both weapons look much better in Zeonic/Germanic hands. Here, the first photo is for how they are supposed to look with the actual Frame Arms units. Following photos will be on Gundam Kits.

HGUC 1/144 Aquatic/Amphibious Mobile Suits

I've had a fascination for Aquatic/Amphibious combat mecha, so here's a few of them from my collection.

1) Acguy: This is a fandom favorite. It has found new life as the base kit of all the Bearguy variations.

HGGS 1/144 Gundam Astray Gold Frame Amatsu Mina

I've been wanting to aqcuire this, and I'm waiting for the limited-run 1/144 Gold Astray to come in, so I can replicate in 1/144 my old 1/100 set*. All I need now is to buy me another 1/144 Blitz, so I can complete the "option" set parts. And probably another Red Frame Astray HG Unit, to get parts from.

*Here are the Astray Links that show my 1/100 set:

Vintage Kitbash: Gundam Astray Options
Vintage Kitbash: Astray Amatsu
Vintage Kitbash: Astray Gold with Blitz parts 

1) Full-dress Amatsu Mina Astray Frame:

2) Wings deployed:

HGGS 1/144 Astray Green Frame (Modified)

This is a rather recent addition to my 1/144 Astray collection, and as you can see, I've added some equipment that will hopefully make it look better. Bandai, you better have an improved version of this kit coming out soon!

Click here for more entries about Gundam Astray Kits.

 

 

HGBF 1/144 Sengoku Astray Gundam - "Asura" Type

This is a particular kitbash of mine, which I've lovingly named the Asura.

Essentially, I've combined the HGUC Sengoku Astray Gundam with the Gundam AstrayRed Frame (Flight Unit) backpack, flight unit pack, and weapons. The big sword is the Caletvwlch sword system.

1) This is the whole kit, laid out with all weapons removed. I actually prefer having the normal Astray backpack, rather than the "shield mask."