New project time!

With the finishing touches being applied to the blue frame, I've chosen and started on a new project. To be honest, I had hoped to move back to my beloved MGs for this next build, specifically the XM-X2 Crossbone. However, I would very much like to build this in conjunction with my buddies Darkhound, and since he has started construction on a RG Destiny, that plan is on hold for at least a bit longer. As such, I've decided to build a real grade of my own, the elegant-yet-simple RG RX-78GP01.  Just received this kit from HLJ about a week ago, but have been drooling over it since its announcement earlier this year, and am pretty excited for this build. To make it even better, I've found a way to correct what I consider a major flaw in the real grade line, the use of stickers for decaling. I've found a site online that offers waterslide decals for a wide variety of kits, including real grades! Already ordered them for both gp01 and the f/b version. Anyways, should be an awesome kit! Here's a few pics of whats been accomplished so far!

Blue Frame, (basically) complete!

So, its been a longer road then anticipated, for the whole story check out an earlier post, but frankly been a PITA, and I'm not super happy about how certain things turned out on it, but still looks pretty awesome! The only thing that needs done is getting the right shoulder orange piece to an acceptable level. Here's the (basically) finished pics...

HG Blue Frame 2nd L WIP

Quick update here, but thought I'd post a quick update seeing as she's very close to completion. Body is mostly assembled, while the tactical arms is about half way complete. All that remains is flat coating some pieces, painting the eyes, and final assembly. Pictures are the mostly complete body, and the final pieces needing flat coat.

More "Mail gifts!"

New things have arrived in the mail recently, and new stuff is on its way! From HLJ I recently received both GP01 and the GP01FB Real Grades, two  caledwich swords for the red frame astray (one of which is for that Jason guy), the Builder Parts MS Blade set, two green led units (likely for a future 00 Raiser) and some Celestial Being waterslide decals. Robot4less also (finally) sent me a few things, like the Builder Parts green and clear MS sight lens sets, some led batteries,  and the Builder Parts EFSF MS hands. Lots of fun stuff there.
Got a few things on the way two, some Alclad clear coat from Burbank hobbies, and a bunch of Mr color paint from Hobbywave. Can't wait to try that stuff out!

Blue Frame Astray 2nd L WIP update

Haven't posted much on this wip, mostly cause its giving me quite the headache, primarily because of the painting required and the paint brand (I'll be avoiding Model Master Acryl like the plague from now on) I choose to work with. The blue on this kit was done in model masters acrylic French blue.  The first application was thinned too much, and pooled into the corners and away from the edges, resulting in a very blotchy look. The majority of pieces required resanding and repainting. The next problem was how weakly the paint adhered to the plastic. Masking parts often resulted in the masking tape pulling up the paint, which resulted in having to sand and paint the part, again. In several cases, even my disposable gloves caused the paint to come up. This nightmare caused several parts to be painted three, even four times. Because the paint was so weak, I resigned myself to hand painting. FYI, I'm awful at hand painting. Its not so bad on smaller pieces, like the white on the upper arms or the fingers, but larger sections, like the orange on the tactical arms, are not so great. The next problem I had is with alclads klear kote gloss. This stuff is super runny, and doesn't dry super fast, so it tends to pool at certain points, and is completely noticeable even after flat coating.
Don't get me wrong tho, the kit itself is a very nice build, the frustration revolves around paint choices and my awfulness. Anyways, here's a few pics of parts on various stages of completion.