Build-Talk Weekly Digest: Zeta Gundam Transformations, Dragon Kits & Hobby Hacks!

This week in build-talk, we saw impressive Gundam builds, debated unique kit parts, and shared practical hobby tips, from repurposing cat scratchers to mastering advanced painting techniques. Dive into the community's latest projects and discussions!

Zeta Gundam Build Journey: From Weapons Loadout to Wave Rider Transformation

Clanchief.Rhuarc presented the complete snap build of a Zeta Gundam, first showcasing its imposing "big gun" weapons loadout, and then its intricate transformation into the "wave rider" mode. This sparked community discussion about alternative model versions, including "JMS" and Chinese variants, with the original poster expressing interest in acquiring other kits for extensive modding and painting.

• Clanchief.Rhuarc showcased a Zeta Gundam's completed snap build, featuring its "big gun" weapons loadout.
• The model's transformation into its "wave rider" flight mode was also demonstrated.
• Community members discussed exploring "JMS" (Japanese Model Spirit) versions and the emergence of Chinese model kit variants.
• The builder indicated plans for future modding projects and acknowledged the substantial painting work required for the current model.

Community Discusses a Dragon-themed Gundam Part

Users engaged in a discussion about a newly revealed model kit part, identifying it as a dragon-themed fist. The conversation revolved around its potential use as a head, the overall design, and observations regarding the placement of 'nubs' (attachment points for parts on the runner). There was also a lighthearted lament about Bandai's perceived reluctance to release full dragon-themed plamo kits.

• The model kit part was identified as a dragon-themed fist, sparking debate over its primary function.
• Users discussed the possibility of using the part as a custom head for a Gundam model.
• Observations were made about the 'awful nub placement', indicating attention to build quality and detail.
• There was a general sentiment about Bandai's rarity in producing dragon-themed model kits.

New Hobby Supplies Unboxed

A user shared an image of recently acquired hobby supplies, including art markers, wooden sticks, and a corrugated cat scratch pad. This post prompted a direct request for purchase links from another community member, initiating a brief but relevant interaction.

• User showcases new hobby haul: art markers, wooden dowels, and a corrugated cardboard cat scratcher.
• A community member immediately requests links to the displayed items.

Cat Scratcher: The Unexpected Model Holder

Following a previous post showing hobby supplies, a user provided an Amazon link for a 'Goofy Tails Cat Scratch Pad'. This sparked an engaging discussion among community members about its creative repurposing as a practical holder or stand for model building parts, contrasting with its intended feline use and comparing it to homemade alternatives.

• User shares an Amazon link for a 'Goofy Tails Cat Scratch Pad' product.
• A member comments on having previously struggled with makeshift holders, acknowledging the usefulness of the linked scratch pad for model parts.
• Another user playfully questions the disposal of the included catnip, highlighting the item's dual (and ironic) nature.
• Other community members express approval and specific interest in acquiring the item for their own hobby needs.

Dragon Gundam Kit Identification

A user shared an image of a partially assembled Gundam head, prompting a community member to inquire about the specific kit. The original poster then identified it as the HG Dragon Gundam (P-Bandai variant).

• User posted an image of a model kit head, later identified as Dragon Gundam.
• Community engagement quickly clarified the specific kit model and variant.

Seeking Advice for Realistic Gundam Feet

A user shared an image of a Gundam model's feet and asked the community for recommendations on how to make them appear more realistic. The discussion initiated a request for building advice.

• User actively sought community feedback on improving realism for a specific model part.
• The thread highlights a builder's desire for advice and improvement on their current project.

Discussion on Acrylic Markers for Builds

Members discuss the suitability of 'Carry On Twin Markers' for model building. CosmicFang inquires about their acrylic nature, and another member confirms their utility, prompting a third member to share their recent acquisition of similar markers.

• CosmicFang queries if their new 'Carry On Twin Markers' are acrylic.
• User 'som' confirms the markers are suitable for use.
• User 'civicrider555' indicates they just acquired similar markers, implying shared interest in the tool.

Makeshift Holders for Model Parts

Mr.Banana shares an image of their homemade holders for small model parts, expressing frustration over the effort involved and wishing they had seen links to better alternatives earlier. civicrider555 acknowledges the DIY solution but reiterates that links to proper tools have been shared.

• Mr.Banana displayed custom-made holders for model components.
• Expressed difficulty and regret not finding alternative solutions sooner.
• 'civicrider555' noted the DIY solution's functionality while pointing out shared links for store-bought options.

Challenges with Nub Marks on Vibrant Model Parts

MrRisker36 highlights the frustration of prominent nub marks on a model part despite its appealing vibrant colors. The discussion revolves around the difficulty of achieving a clean finish with certain plastic types or colors.

• MrRisker36 showcases a model part with 'nice color' but expresses disappointment regarding the 'trash nub clearing experience.'
• 'civicrider555' prompts for more details on the issue.
• MrRisker36 elaborates, noting that while the colors are vibrant, the nub marks are 'very visible.'

Troubleshooting Watery Paint Coat on Model Part

CosmicFang shared an image of a model piece with a watery, uneven green paint coat, expressing difficulty in achieving a homogeneous finish. They stated their intention to try multiple coats to correct the issue, initiating a potential discussion in the 'build-talk' channel regarding model painting techniques and challenges.

• User reported an issue with a watery paint application on a model component.
• The attached image visually demonstrates the uneven and translucent paint effect.
• User plans to apply several coats to achieve a smooth, consistent color.

Kit Posing and Action Base Compatibility

Users discussed the challenge of posing a kit due to the absence of an action base adapter, hindering dynamic display options.

• A kit was noted to lack an action base adapter.
• This absence makes it difficult to pose the model effectively on a base.

Paint & Finish Experimentation with Metallic Colors

The community engaged in a discussion about various metallic paint types, including lacquers, Gaianotes silvers, Starbright Silver, chrome, Starbright Gold, and pearl silver, with plans for testing on spoons.

• Lacquer paints were confirmed for use.
• Gaianotes silvers are preferred for anodized finishes.
• Plans to test Starbright Silver, chrome, and Starbright Gold on spoons were mentioned.
• Pearl silver was suggested as an additional test color.
• Clarification was sought regarding whether the coating was airbrushed or pre-applied by a seller.

Water Slide Decal Application & Best Practices

An extensive discussion unfolded regarding the optimal water temperature for water slide decals (WSDs). Users shared experiences and tips for applying decals from different manufacturers, understanding the underlying physics, and correcting application mistakes.

• Users debated the necessity of warm water for WSDs; some use cold tap water, others use kettles for warm water.
• It was noted that Bandai decals may benefit from warmer water, possibly even boiling, taking 10-15 seconds to release.
• Third-party decals (e.g., Delpi, Gework copies) are generally fine with cold water and release more easily.
• The physics of WSDs, involving adhesion and cohesion, was briefly explained.
• Decals can be re-wet to reposition, but are prone to tearing once dry.
• Decal setters are used to dissolve the decal membrane slightly, improving adhesion and conformity to the surface, but require careful application and quick wiping.

Cost-Effective Pla Plate Alternatives

Users explored alternatives to expensive Tamiya pla plates, discussing options like generic styrene sheets, sprue goo, and their associated challenges like air bubbles.

• Users sought cheaper alternatives to Tamiya pla plates.
• Generic styrene sheets from online retailers were suggested.
• Sprue goo (solidified flattened runner goo) was mentioned as a DIY option.
• Challenges with sprue goo include potential air bubbles.

3D Printing Small, Fragile Parts

A discussion took place regarding the challenges and best practices for 3D printing small, fragile parts like C-clips, focusing on material choice (ABS vs. SLA resin), print quality, cost, and structural considerations like infill.

• Concerns were raised about ABS plastic breaking when 3D printing C-clips that are only 1mm long.
• SLA resin was suggested as a more durable alternative but is significantly more expensive.
• FDM printing with a 0.1mm high-quality setting still posed issues due to nozzle size limitations for very small parts.
• The importance of infill for part sturdiness was discussed, noting that for very small parts, 100% infill might be implicitly required or difficult to achieve less.
• Functional, simplified versions of parts were preferred over detailed ones for better printability.
• Delivery time for 3D printed parts was estimated to be about a week.

Gunpla Part Replacements & 3D Printing

Members express a desire for official Gunpla part replacements and discuss the potential of using SLA 3D printing to create custom or missing parts for their models.

• A wish for Gunpla manufacturers to sell individual part replacements.
• Consideration of SLA (Stereolithography Apparatus) 3D printing as a method to reproduce or create new parts if current ones fail or are unavailable.

DIY Tamiya Extra Thin Cement & Its Uses

A member shares their experience making a large quantity of Tamiya Extra Thin cement from raw chemicals due to minimum purchase requirements for components, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and versatility as an airbrush cleaner and general plastic repair adhesive. They also offer to share the surplus with other members.

• A member created 1 liter of Tamiya Extra Thin cement from bulk acetone and butyl acetate.
• The large quantity was a result of minimum purchase sizes for raw chemical components.
• The homemade solution is significantly cheaper, costing approximately 2 rupees per mL.
• It is also noted to be an effective airbrush cleaner.
• Suggested for general plastic repairs around the house.
• Source for chemicals (Vasa Scientific Co in Bangalore) was shared.
• Offer to share the excess with other community members.

Community Social Media Promotion for Builds

Automated messages from Carl-bot encourage members to tag or collaborate with the Indian Gunpla Community on Instagram and Reddit to get their builds featured on the community's social media platforms.

• Members are invited to tag the Indian Gunpla Community on Instagram and Reddit.
• Opportunity for community members' Gunpla builds to be featured on official social media channels.

Kit Bashing & Modding Challenges

A discussion among members about the difficulties encountered when modifying Gunpla kits, such as drilling holes for ball joints, and identifying kits with strong kitbash potential, like the Mega Rayquaza Plamo, alongside concerns about their cost.

• Challenges in drilling precise holes for ball joints during kit modifications.
• Identification of certain kits, such as a 'senron'-like model and the Mega Rayquaza Plamo, as having good kitbash potential.
• Concern over the price of specific kits like the Mega Rayquaza Plamo, deemed expensive at 2700 yen.

Bandai Plastic Quality & Panel Lining Techniques on Runners

Members discuss perceived issues with Bandai's plastic colors and share detailed tips and methods for panel lining, particularly when attempting to panel line kit parts directly on the runners before assembly. The discussion covers tools, cleaning, drying, and clear coating for different types of panel liners.

• Observation that Bandai appears to intentionally use 'shitty colored plastics' (green, red, blue) in their kits.
• Beginner interest in panel lining kits (specifically Aerial) directly on the runners prior to assembly.
• Tips for panel lining with Uni-ball Micron pens (or pour type):
• - Using fingers or a microfiber cloth to clean smudges.
• - Avoidance of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) for cleaning these pens.
• - Suggestion to use gentle heat (like a blow dryer or sunlight) to speed up drying, with a caution to test effects on plastic first.
• - Recommending to make a test groove on a runner with a hobby knife to practice.
• For oil-based panel lining:
• - Always apply a clear coat before using oils with odorless thinner to protect the plastic.
• - Any artist's oil colors are suitable for this purpose.
• - Blotting paint on cardboard for about an hour can reduce oils and accelerate drying.
• Discussion points on smudging highlight the importance of sufficient panel line depth and proper drying, suggesting top-coating and wearing gloves to prevent issues.