WIP - HGUC Sazabi

Documenting my entry on last years GPH Build Off. Well I decided to get the HGUC Version of Sazabi based on reviews, the articulation and plastic quality of this kit is far more superior than its MG Counterpart.

the box art

Paint to be use: Tamiya-Chrome Silver-Gold Leaf-Gun Metal

Managed to grab hold of cheap water slides at the mall, got it for only 100php instead of 250php.

A large box means lots of runners, not bad for an HG 1/144, roughly it has a total of 14 runners, correct me if I'm wrong thou.

When i first examined the kit from the runners, i noticed they were some plastic mold imperfection patterns on some of the noticeable parts espcially the big ones. Sanded the mold patterns then applied Tamiya compound: Course-Fine then buffed with cloth and a toothbrush.

Those Mold patterns

      Sanded with grit 800

   

Sanded with grit 1000

Sanded with Grit 2000

 Sanding does not totally eliminate the stress marks that the part received from progressive sanding, especially the colored parts, this is when Tamiya Compound will work it's magic.

Applied Tamiya Coarse (red cap)

Buff with Cloth

 They were some left over stress marks if you will look at the piece closely, so 2nd polishing using Tamiya Compound-Fine is applied.

Applied Tamiya Fine (blue cap)

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Buff with cloth and toothbrush to remove the excess dust particles.

Tadannn! Works like a charm. Not a trace of nub marks and mold patterns detected.

The same process were applied on the other pieces to ensure smooth semi gloss finish.

I've originally took shots from my digicam, sadly the memory card got infected and I wasn't able to save the pictures, good thing I took a couple of pictures using my cellphone.

Painted the waist cable with Tamiya Gold leaf, same paints were also applied on the yellow parts, thrusters,funnels and the psuedo frame. Also I used Tamiya Gun metal and Aluminum silver on the pseudo frame and etc. Apologies I haven't quite documented it properly due to time lapses. :(

So far, so good. Snap all the parts together, and now the decal application part.



At first my initial plan is to light the whole thing up using white and blue LED's, due to time constrains and my anxiety to bore holes on the kit I decided to light the mono eye instead.

LED Mod

Managed to grab hold sets of green leds and button batteries, I cut a portion of the back skirt using a hobby knife - this will  be the storage of the switch and the battery. 

ITSS ALLIVVVVEEEE!!!

The original mono eye piece given was replace by the bulb head of the 3mm green LED, looking good :)

It'll proably lame to see the funnels not in action, Improvised the materials to be used, grabbed some stock of tie wires (the one used in toy boxes to keep the figure in place at the box) and butterfly syringe (the one used in dextrose)

Using my trusted hobby knife, I peeled the outer layer of the tie wire.

Cut the transparent tube given on the syringe and inserted the peeled tie wire. The tie wire will serve as the main base of the the syringe.

A little of a portion on the end of the tie wire is left unpeeled, this will serve as the connectors of the funnel storage.

Snap fit - looking good :)

I haven't took a formal photography on this kit,  I hope i can buy a photo shoot tent soon.Here are some shots taken during the competition.

Funellss GOOO!!!

Fun Fun Fun build, was happy for myself that I've make it before the deadline. I had fun detailing this one, this is a must get kit especially when your a big fan of the Red Comet. :) I'm still eyeing thou if i'll get the HGUC Nu Gundam or the MG ver ka one. Sieg Zeon! XD