The first glaring thing that needed handled on this kit were seam lines. Particularly the forearms and the lower legs. As you can see, it's just a simple 2 halves assembly with some polycaps.
The next minor thing I decided to take care of were the shoulder joints. After about a week on my shelf the shoulder started lowering under the weight of the shield (which isn't all that heavy, most old polycap joints just tend to be loose). We're just gonna dab some super glue on the polycap pegs to thicken them a tad and strengthen the connection (FYI this trick will work on most loose peg-hole and ball joint connections).
The 'tools' I'll be using for this are Mr. Cement for the seam lines and some Loctite Super Glue. Regular super glue works just fine. This is just the stuff I use around the house. It has the bonus of having a fine tip and some... pressure control I guess is what you'd call it.
Starting with the seam lines. I just kinda liberally apply the cement all around the edge where the seam is. Then ya just firmly close the pieces and let the cement cure.
Lots of people have different methods for the super glue trick. I think most people glue the peg, insert it, and kinda turn or work it around so the glue stays and dries put doesn't glue the connection. I prefer to just dab some on and sand it down until it fits well. Quick note: I've tried a few different super glues with gunpla and in my experience Loctite (any kind of Loctite really) cures harder and sands easier than the other ones I've tried.
Next up is the shield. There's an embossed Federation symbol in between the minus molds. Personally, I've never really liked embossed symbols like this on gunpla. I think they look tacky and toyish. So...
Off it comes. Some quick work with the file and voila. Smooth shield. I'll probably add a EFF symbol decal in its place later on.
I'm still having issues deciding what to do about the overly clear visor. Basically it just shows how hollow and non robot the head actually is. I'm thinking I'm gonna hit the inside of it with some chrome or gloss black paint.
Using my old friend Tamiya Dark Grey to hit all the undersides of armor and the shield. The first coat always looks terrible on this big an area. Looks like all of this will be good to go after a second coat though.
I then layed down some base layers of black on the minus molds of the shield, the small thrusters on the legs, and the small ones on the backpack. Also added some black to the vents on the cheeks.
Finally, threw some black in the vents on the chest. Thought about putting black in the lower vents but decided the one panel line would show up better in grey.
Well that's all for now. I've actually done quite a bit of painting since I took these pics. I just find it hard to take pictures while messing with paints and cleaning brushes. So the next WIP will mostly be going over the paint apps and detailing I decided to do. Then the 3rd WIP will most likely be the final one and consist of weathering and final touches.
Til next time..
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