Dazzio

I will be following this build. I built the same models for the last Mustang GB we had, which was just over 9 years ago... wow I feel old, but I built all of them. The only bits I remember struggling with was the framing for the canopies, which I look at now and think they are shockingly bad. Anyhow a quick shot of how mine turned out... The Japanese one is the one I liked the most and I do have the decals to build the 1/72 version. I really liked how you could still see the star through the hinamaru, cool touch that. I might join in with that version. I remember the Swiss version tested my patience with the masking. That is a nice little collection of 1/144's you have there also. I had a look for some Sweet/Platz kits when I was in Japan last October but I couldn't find anything. It was mostly what was the latest release. I am going back in May, so hopefully I will have more luck then. Kind regards, Dazz

That's very cool, it's very egg plane looking and hard to think it's been widened by nearly 2 inches! Think it needed two space marines hanging out of each door with a BFG! I have just picked up the V-33 Stork Carrier (click linky here) from Bandai which might interest you as it's similar to this Osprey but is a push fit kit and it comes with a stand (always handy). I'm hoping to start mine soon and finish it either as a JGSDF/JMSDF/JASDF airframe. Not sure which yet. Kind regards, Dazz

Thats turned out pretty well Yg, it's a pretty big beastie though isn't it? Whats the base model though? The "feet" makes me think it's the Rozen Zulu? Interesting use of the lower legs as shields/boosters. Kind regards, Dazz

Damn Yg you do have a lot on the go! I thought I had alot going on at once, but you are way out in front. Shame you threw that many HG's away, could of used some of the parts for custom builds. Every thought of listing the older kits on Ebay as "spares/repairs"? You might not get alot for them, but you might get something which might be a little better than just throwing them out? Just an idea. Waiting for more Mortar headd goodness oh and the TR-6. Always have time for an AoZ build. Maybe you should have covered those Chimera parts in grey first then coated in white? Trying to blast white over black/red will test your sanity. Kind regards, Dazz

Love the Timberwolf and the checkered decals on the legs/calfs? The Bushwacker is equally as cool. I have always wanted to make the Stormcrow crom MW4, but never got around to it. One day maybe. How stable are they on their feet? Kind regards, Dazz

That's a lovely Ebon Jaguar and great paint work. Where did the stl come from? Was it your own design or purchased? I used to play MW4 alot online as well, loved running a silent 100LRM and just sniped people. Filthy IS scum! Clan Snow Raven forever! 😂 Kind Regards Dazz

To be fair that has been out a number of years now, think I have had my examples for about 4-5 years now (maybe more). There is also an official PE set from Hasegawa which is mainly for the Super Packs/thrusters. That one isn't too bad but not worth some of the prices you see for it. The PE itself isn't too bad really but I haven't actually used it yet. Would've been better if there was any PE for the side consoles within the cockpit but oh well. I'm planning to join with an VE-1 when I can be bothered to dig it out of the loft and find some other extras I need for it. I will be keeping an eye on this build myself, love a Valkyrie. For those not in the know the VF-1 is a development of the VF-0 which was a "development" of sorts using data/lesson learned from the F-14A+ Kai (basically an F-14D, which I built in a previous GB) using "over-technology". But the original design of the VF-1 was heavily influenced by the F-14, it's why the main squadron in the show is "Skull Squadron". Macross Plus has some of it's roots based in the competition between the YF-22 and YF-23. All I will say Mario, is that this can be built up in sub-assemblies and then you can paint them all separately and assemble at the end, that is what I done with my VF-1S Super Valkyrie. There is also no option to have the gear raised unless you modify the landing gear bay doors. Below is my example that took me about 20 years to finish (wish I was joking). I had to take it apart and start again. I used a few bits of PE on this kit from Gundam sets. Happy to answer any questions on this kit as I have about 20 (+) of them (I am bit of a fan of Macross but... I refuse to acknowledge Robotech or Harmony Gold... **** them). I may get better pictures of the Super Valkyrie one day. Kind regards, Dazz

Very nice Yg! Are those colourshift paints you have used on the kit? Kind regards, Dazz

You can on the Gundaminfo channel which is legal as it is run/owned by Sunrise/Bandai (I am not sure which or both). They change what shows they stream from time to time. Still waiting for ZZ to be streamed on it though (which I picked up the HG kit of the ZZ at the weekend). Kind regards, Dazz

Wow! I didn't realise how tiny Vulcans where compared to Hunters.... things you learn eh? In other news, enjoying this build. There is just something about the Hunter I think, a very beautiful jet. Kind regards, Dazz

Well that is interesting that Wayland Games are selling Gunpla now. I live about 15 minutes from their warehouse in Hockley - there is also another shop in Sarfend (Southend-on-Sea to the non-locals). Apparently they are europes biggest tabletop gaming shop... I have no idea personally. The guys there have always been great and know their shizz about the hobbies. However, I feel that Gunpla is a bit outside of their confort zone unless they have some new blood in there. Last time I was there I mentioned that I build Gunpla and scale models and was looked at as if I was a nerd or strange (well they are not wrong tbh), which is ironic for place where everyone was playing WarHammer, 40K, Magic... you get the idea. I have stopped ordering online from them however. They had a data breach about 3-4 years ago which I informed them about (I found my details online either at GitHub or 4Chan, I can't remember). When I spoke to their Customer Services, I was told that they would speak to their IT Dept and that was the last I ever heard about it. Which is very worrying as I thought all data breaches had to be reported to the customers involved. I know my name, address, and password was posted online... Then again everyone knows me as my name/address/details where leaked online from data breaches from the MoD and Morrisons as well... Wish I was joking. I know it was a breach of about 10,000 other onlineshops as well. Guess it wasn't deemed important? 🤔 I would like to state that I have no problem with the guys/girls and everything else in between in the shop or the Customer Services they are great, it's just the IT I have issues with. Maybe they have changed their online shopping software since. I could be tempted with a Banshee Norn or two though.. The prices aren't too bad actually. For example you can get the EG Strike for £9 (and I can collect from the shop) where as that kit is about £4-£5 in Japan if you can find it then ship it over. Thats a nice kit, I have it on my shelf now, just need to finish it (like the whole shelf). I also found that there is an model shop that is about 400meters away as the crow flies called "Active Scale Models". Really nice chaps in there also, shame their website is a little lacking. Kind regards, Dazz

Very nice Yg! The colours suit it really well - I can even seen the Deathsythe infulence in it. Always thought these two where weird but very cool in Wing. This isn't just outside of the Z-CC period, it's from a different "universe". Kind regards, Dazz

That looks great Yg! I still think the black is better though, the white is too... over powering the gold I think. Love the pose of the sword in front of the suit and resting it's hands on it. Reminds me of the Tallgeese II before the end battle. Pretty cool that Yg! Poor Blitz/Nicol though! I've got the black HG version that I need to build at some point thinking about it (yes along with the Deep Arms). Kind regards, Dazz

I finished one of these about two weeks ago, built up really well and I didn't have any major issues with it. Look forward to seeing what you do with this one. Kind regards, Dazz

Nice! I've built the Sweet kit and throughly enjoyed it. Iirc, one of the kits is moulded in brown plastic and the other is clear? Not sure on the idea as to why though. The Zvezda kit was built for their table top game they where pushing, I think it was called "Act/Art of War"? I have a few of them lying around also. It's hard to believe that you can pick up the Sweet kits for about £3 in Japan. Looking forward to watching a 1/144 kit being built. Don't see that many of them. Kind regards, Dazz

To be fair the kit doesn't look that bad and you are doing a cracking job with it. I was looking at turning one of the F-16's that I own into an F-2, but realised that would be a lot more work than I could be bothered to do (I am a lazy git) the same with the Trumpeter F-22, I wanted to turn one into an F/B-22 - thats a good kit if you can find it. The Revell F-15E, F-16C and F/A-18E/G's are modern-ish kits - if you already know this then completely ignore me - my gf does . The F/A-18C is an older kit but still an enjoyable build (I think I have made 4-5 of them). However being in Singapore you might have more luck finding the "Ace" kits, which as I understand is just Revell for the Asian markets or a joint venture with Academy? I forget which one it actually is. I have noticed that Academy are releasing some of the Revell 1/144 kits with multiple decal options (unlike Revell). For example, I have the Chinook and that has loads of decal options (around 6 iirc), which is handy as I purchased a joblot of Chinooks years ago without any decals. The Hawkeye is the same I believe and has a JMSDF example in it... I just realised that the F-16C kit is 10 years old now... wow I remember reviewing on my now long dead blog... god I feel old... Anyhow, looking forward to seeing more from this kit. Kind regards, Dazz

Looking good there ernestf. If you can get hold of it the best F-16 kit in 1/144 is from Revell and it's the Texas anniversary boxing, I should get around to building it one day thinking about it. Looking forward to seeing more. Kind regards, Dazz

Hi Yg, Very nice model of the Psycho, didn't fancy bulding the Destiny version then? Actually does a kit of that one actually exist?... (it doesn't, I just checked). I always had the Titans colours down as dark purple with black low lights, pretty similar to the Advanced Hazel and Quel? Either way this is cool model and a big bugger at that. You could always use the arms for the "Owsla Gigantic Arm Unit" if you get bored! Very cool either way, looking forward to seeing more. Kind regards, Dazz

Very cute/cool Yg, I like the training colours, although I am not sure on the original colours of yellow and green. I'm pretty sure my VE-1's don't have those colours. Kind regards, Dazz

Very nice Yg, this is one of my fav mobile suits. I have to admit I did have to do a double take on the "Sheryl Nome" decal/crest and then the "Galaxy" decal on the right sholder! I have the EG kit waiting it's time on the desk, which looks to be a really nice kit but doesn't have the fin funnels - the only reason you would buy this tbh! You've never seen CC?! It's a good film and is the start of the whole psyco-frame iirc? It's on YouTube sometimes. Kind regards, Dazz

"I am Shinden II, the second prototype, I was born to soar through the heavens... yet I was deprived of my destiny." Evening everyone, So I am planning with joining in with two builds, but I need to collect the secone one from my parents house (I have a modelling shed from when I lived there). I wasn't planning on joining in with this kit originally, but then I saw it sitting there and though I might as well as it seems simple enough - plus the SWMBO is nagging that I never finish anything. It is also my first ever 1/48 kit that I can think off that I would've built (assuming I finish!). So this kit originally dates back to 1981, so it's older than I am (1983), but this particular boxing was first originally released in 1999-ish, my boxing is from 2019 however. The kit is as the title emplies is the Hasegawa 1/48 J7W1 Shinden from the massively popular manga/anime/movie "ああっ女神さまっ" - "Aa Megami-Sama" - "Ah! My Goddess". It doesn't take much of a stretch to say that this show/series is my favourite of all time and I own way too much merchandise for it. I was even mentioned (not by name) in an offical review of the English version of the tv show back in 2007 as saying I would consider world domination in the name of the main Goddess character - Belldandy... he wasn't wrong. The title comes from the English chapter where the Shinden turns up in, the Japanese chapter is called "Automated Vehicles"... not sure on that one. With this being a Japanese themed GB, I had to do something different and Otaku/Anime related (Otaku means geek/nerd). I will be joining in with a Gundam when I can find it at a later date. So on with the kit... As with every model kit ever made the box is massive compared to the actual kit. You could probably get two kits in the box. The main person on the box is the Goddess Belldandy, with chibi Keiichi and 5 x chibi Urd's (Belldandy's older sister). Those of you who have an interest in mythology and in particular Norse mythology might know of the name "Urd" as she was one of the 3 Norns as was the Goddess of the past. Belldandy is actually based on "Verthandi" but due to the Japanese language being what it is, there was no way for the them to say that, so the name was changed to "Belldandy", there is also a "Skuld" as well but at this point in time she is looking after Yggdrasil... it's a long long story! Anyhow... As you can see the Shinden itself is actually white and blue and not green. There isn't much to the kit tbh and it is all raised panels, I might try to re-scribe this kit... maybe. The decals are nothing really much to write home about neither. The "NIT MCC" decals are the only real ones I need. The blue bits I will probably just paint as it looks better I think. For anyone that was interested "NIT MCC" stands for "Nekomi Institute of Technology - MotorCar Club", it's the club that the main character Keiichi and Belldandy joins and spends most of their time even though it usually causes the most headaches for the pair after Urd and Peorth. The paint scheme, with the decals, you can do the fuselage stripe and the verticle stabilisers but not the wings.. I would have to paint them regardless. So I will just keep the colours the same and unit form. I will have to cut out the NIT MCC decal as best as I can. I just love the way the instructions are presented in this way, it is pretty much just a copy of the box art but I still think it's cool... that is probably the fanboy within me talking. The reference materials, yes I own both the English flipped/unflipped/coloured version and also the original Japanese manga from 1991. I have also just noticed that the picture on the box cover is the same as the original manga cover... thats clever/cool. This is one of the reasons that I love this series is the fact that the creator - Kosuke Fujishima is a massive tech/mechanical head. You can see this in all of the art he draws within the series. Normally I would try and get a decent scan of this picture, however this from the manga and I am not destroying that for anyone. I will have to see if I can translate that text at a later date as I have already spotted a few errors in the translation now I know a *tiny* bit of Japanese. There is a 1/72 version of the kit out in the wild also, I am hoping to find that one when I am out in Japan in October, we will see what happens. As I type this I have seen that a new figurine of Belldandy has some slots opened... guess what I have just ordered... whoops. Wonder if I can get any decent AM stuff for the kit?... Kind regards, Dazz

I built this kit many many moons ago and loved it. Even if I did destroy the rotordome housing with a spilt bottle of TET - don't ask. Looking forward to seeing how this one turns out srkirad. Are you going to do anything more than paining the cockpit black? You've just reminded me that I have the C-2 Greyhound conversion somewhere in my stash. Kind regards, Dazz

AAww cheers mate, nice to be welcomed here. I am racking my brains for stuff that I have that would fit the bill, although I am trying to keep away from aircraft for this one just to mix it up a bit. We'll see what happens when it starts, but the Ex-S is definitely on the cards, hopefully something else. Kind regards, Darren

Hi flashlight, Indeed you can use black as a base to build up to white. I use it to make slight variations in the colour of my Valkyrie kits. I have started experimenting with throwing other colours in as well for example, reds, blue and browns. I suppose it does the same job as modulation paints do. See below for the VF-1S Valkyrie wing. You black base the entire surface, then you ramdonly squiggle white all over it, doesn't have to be neat. And you get something like the below. Excuse the horrible "drill holes" I first started this kit in 2001-2002 when I was returning back to the hobby. You then have to build the white up in thin layers until you get to what you like - for example below. It wasn't too bad for a first try. I have used this with greys on an F-14 build and I liked the effect that also gave. You can kind of see the effect on the inside vertical stabilizer and the nose here. Although here I was also testing out AK paints, not too keen on them at this time tbh. Of course everyone has different methods that work for themselves, this one works for me and I like the result. Shame most of it is nuked under the gloss coat. Kind regards, Dazz

How I never spotted this GB before I don't know... or I did and I have forgotten it... who knows? Anyhow count me in, I have just found an 1/700 IJN Ayanami in my stash that dates from 1972 apparently, it's 11 years older than I am! I'll build that as it is out of my comfort zone and I will see what else I have, bound to have a Gundam or 2 from that age - infact I have one from 1988 the same year my other half was born (useless info there). Now I just need to find it - Bandai Gundam Sentinel MSA-0011 (Bst) S-Gundam Booster Unit Version. I do love the Gundams from Sentinel. Kind regards, Dazz