Making HGUC Ex-S

This post is about HGUC Ex-S which was my entry to the gunpla contest.

This is how it looks like fresh built.

As expected from a 1/144 scale, a lot of details are missing and requires some work.

By doing this model, I can say that I was able to practice some techniques that I learned online.

It required a lot of masking to be able to paint single-colored parts that required at least two colors, like the wings and feet.

After painting, I applied clear Tamiya acrylic spray to make sure the paint won't peel off.

Then after decal application, I used flat topcoat.

I also did some hand painting; the yellow cheeks for example. It was so small I was seeing stars after I was done with it.

I glued this black part which came with the parts from a display stand to serve as the support.

I was quite happy with the end result. I know there is still a lot of room for improvement. I saw other 1/144 entries in the contest with details more impressive than the ones seen on the 1/100 models. HGUC Ex-S is a nice kit, and it can turn out pretty well if you have the patience to add the details on such a small model. Handling it didn't scare me that much because it wasn't too big like the MG, nor too small. I will post more pics of this model after I get him back =)

Gundam Contest 2008

Here are some pics I took last sunday, the last day to submit entries for the Gundam Modeling Contest 2008.

The contest is sponsored by Toy Kingdom, probably the largest toy store in the Philippines. There were three categories, Junior (14 and below), Senior (14 up, amateur), and the Expert category where past winners are allowed to join and be challenged.

I submitted two entries under the Senior category. One is the HGUC Ex-S

The other is MG Mk-II

Here is Strike from the Expert category.





1/144 and SD gundam in the Senior category.

I really love Astraea type F, this is definitely on my Want List.

There were a lot of amazing 1/144 scale entries.



Nice shading effect.



A detailed Turn-A.


Exia with a cross bow from he Expert Category.

The Crossbone below is my favorite from the Expert Category. The paint is very crisp, the color scheme is amazing, and the details and the weapons are really impressive.

1/60 Scale Exia from the Seniors, but I personally think this should have been in the Experts.



I like this blue 1/144 model too. What's the name of this one?



Nice kitty =)







They were showing Stardust Memories on the screens. I really want to watch the other gundam titles.

The HGUC Hazel Custom below is my favorite to win the Senior Category. But this one can definitely compete with the Experts. Amazing details on such a small model, with the custom fitted weapons and everything. The color scheme is perfect too.

So many amazing entries. I really have a lot to learn. I wish I can buy a basic compressor and air brush before the year ends so I can practice, and customize my paints as well.

Supplies and a Contest

I went out today to pick up some supplies.

Thing is, I'm trying to finish this certain model then submit it as an entry in a gundam modeling contest. Submission of entries are on friday, saturday, and sunday. I'm trying to finish everything by friday and submit it on saturday. This will be my first time to join a gunpla contest.

Been trying my best to come up with a decent entry. I'm planning to put as much detail as possible on the kit. I even used a primer this time (1st time too) to make sure that the paint will stick well. I might post some pics of my entry when I'm done with it.

RX-78-2 ver. OYW

Here is my RX-78-2 Gundam version One Year War

This kit has been collecting dust in my room for over a year before I decided to build it.

This is a very impressive model. An easy build, but the legs are a bit complicated. Panel lining can be a pain in the rear though.

I didn't like the look of the blank ink used for the panel lines so I sprayed the shoulders, arms, and skirt another coat of paint. Then used a pencil instead to give the panel lines a subtle look.

This gundam looks really nice after all the painting, panel lining, and decal application. I also tried dry brushing with gray acrylic paint to give the shield and yellow parts a darker and dirtier look.

I painted the white and the red parts. I wasn't feeling the original old rose red. I don't have yellow spray paint so I just used dry brushing to get rid of the shine. That's why the yellow looks a bit too dirty.

I'm not familiar with this gundam too. But I do know that this is the 1st and original gundam, the gran' daddy of them all. I also saw Danny Choo's model so I decided to get this one together with Mk II.