gunpla

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  • trooperbill

    just bought my first gunpla

    redframe astray (i have a thing for white and red coloured robots)


    (not my image as ive not built it yet)

    anyone got any tips for a n00b builder?

    trooperbill
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  • Bluejam3

    I'm on my second build
    By no means an expert but tips I have seen online ...

    - wash the plastic beforehand, gets rid of grease. Warmish soapy water, not too hot or it'll warp the plastic
    - use a side cutter to cut out the pieces, try and cut as far from the piece as possible to avoid stressing the plastic. File down and smooth with a fine 'polish bar'

    bought this kit...
    https://smile.amazon.co.uk/gp/pr…

    - i'm painting the pieces before assembly, it's a slow process but along with a smoke and some music ...
    - unless the stickers are water transferable, not bothered ... the dry transfer ones leave an outline and don't look as good
    - panelling - imo, it's worth doing - apply with pen, you dont need to be too accurate as you can rub off excess ink with a rubber
    - depending on your eyesight, get a desktop magnifying glass - fucking handy

    this was the first WIP

    Bluejam 3Permalink
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    Dogear
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    • trooperbill0

      good tip with the side cutter and filing will check the amazon link - thanks

      trooperbill 0Permalink
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      Dogear
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      • monNom2

        Not related to this exclusively, but for fine painting / sculpting try to get your work up high so you can rest on your elbows, and with your wrists leaving against something. (An overturned soup pot works well. Get a "lazy Susan" for the top while you're at it so you can reposition your work easily. This way, your only movement is the flexibility of your wrists and fingers. This gives you a stable platform for long painting sessions, and depending on height, you can stick your piece under the pot between sessions to keep dust off the paintjob.

        Also, definitely get a magnifying lamp, even if you have good eyesight. Your motor coordination is related to how well you see. You can paint way more steadily under magnification.

        monNom 2Permalink
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        Dogear
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        • Continuity0

          Do you plan on doing any weathering on the kit? If so, one trick I like is grinding up some lead from an HB pencil, then lightly smudging it on with a cotton stick in layers as needed/desired.

          Works best on matte paint, though.

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          Dogear
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          • That said, if you want a lighter effect, you could also grind up some 2H, 3H, etc lead.Continuity
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        • Continuity1

          Gap filler. You'll defo need gap filler.

          Avoid the Testors, Humbrol, and Revell fillers. They're not superb quality, and shrink rather dramatically when they dry.

          For my Star Trek kits, I use Squadron Green, and three different thinnesses of Mr Surfacer (which can be painted on for finer work in corners).

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          Dogear
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