StarDestroyer.Net BBS

I'm currently building this kit for a friend of mine. This is a straight OOTB build of the SD Blaze Zaku from Gundam Seed Destiny with some additional decals and minor detailing. The kit will be built in the Commander type configuration, which have 2 shoulder shields instead of the usual one.



I usually build the legs and other extremities before working on the main body of the kit. Seen here are the parts for the feet, shoulder shields, head and part of the torso.



Here, I already started painting the feet. I used Tamiya matt black for the foot base and Gunze's Gundam color spray G-Green 2 for the foot covering. The Gunze was a good choice as it was originally intended for the PG Zaku kit anyway. I also sprayed the parts with Mr. Clear gloss for decal and panel lining preparation.



Here are the feet after the decal and panel lining work. The waterslide decals are from samueldecal.com. I'm still trying to get used to the decals as they are more, in my opinion, flimsier than those made by Bandai. Panel lining was done with Gundam marker. I finished up the feet with Mr. Clear flat.

Finished the head section. I decided to use the stickers for the monoeye though. Added some decal and minor parts.
Front


Back - I added some Kotobukiya MSG parts on the back of the head since it looked so empty....

Are you airbrushing and spraying? You're getting a very clean surface. No primer eh?

Yep. I didn't use primer. For a kit this small, I figured it can do without. Also the paint seems to stick to the plastic without any problems. Since I don't have an airbrush, I make do with Tamiya and Mr. Color spray cans...

Minor update- Finished painting and masking the shoulder shields, now for the decals and panel lining.




Still have to clean up some minor dust and dirt from the shields.

Started assembling and painting the body too.

You're inspiring me to do some SD models in good quality too. But the spray cans would probably cost more than the model itself

Update:
Finally finished the body. The darker green used for the body is Mr. Color G-Green 1 and the yellow parts is actually Tamiya brilliant orange. The hard part was all that masking for the cables and the yellow ports. I used Tamiya gun metal for the rifle and the white part is an extra Koto MSG part too.

Front


Back


I hope to start work on the legs and arms tomorrow...

Wait, where does the second shield go? The right shoulder doesn't look like it supports shields.

Also, how'd you get the insignia onto the shields? It doesn't look like a sticker, but at the same time I can't imagine drawing it by hand.

Those are almost certainly waterslide decals on the shield.

Darth Yoshi wrote:Wait, where does the second shield go? The right shoulder doesn't look like it supports shields.

SD kits tend to come with a lot of customizing options so I think it just come with two kinds of shoulder paldrons.

I've been thinking about my yellows lately. Its quite popular for 00 models to go with a muted tone, almost a florescent yellow. However, the ultra-orange yellow seems suitable for Zeon-type coloring (sure, Blaze warrior is ZAFT, but your coloring is kind of Geara-Doga-ish).

Wait, where does the second shield go? The right shoulder doesn't look like it supports shields.
Also, how'd you get the insignia onto the shields? It doesn't look like a sticker, but at the same time I can't imagine drawing it by hand.

There are actually three shoulders with the kit, one for the standard spiked shoulder and two for the commander type. The insignia is a waterslide decal from Bandai.

I've been thinking about my yellows lately. Its quite popular for 00 models to go with a muted tone, almost a florescent yellow. However, the ultra-orange yellow seems suitable for Zeon-type coloring (sure, Blaze warrior is ZAFT, but your coloring is kind of Geara-Doga-ish).

I usually use Mr. Color Character yellow in my Gundam kits but I'm also trying out Tamiya camel yellow and brilliant orange as alternatives.

Minor updates:
I finished already the arms and attached the shields to the shoulders. Added some decals for details. I still have to paint some parts of the hand too.
Front


Back


Started assembly of the backpack too.


Unfortunately, I have had to put this kit on hold since I've have been having a bad cough for the past week. The doctor says that I should lay off on the painting since that was probably the cause of my cough. Also, the weather isn't cooperating since it has been raining every day since last week. I'm feeling better now and if the weather permits, I can start painting again in a few days or so.

Dumbass, if you're painting in a confined space, get some ventilation in, and wear a fucking mask!

Kids these days...

Nice model.

Updated after a long time...

Replaced the pink eye sticker with a jewel red sticker. The small white spots are actually dust marks.




Finished painting the backpack and decal installation.