ModelKitsLtd.co.uk

Posted on February 8, 2023February 7, 2023 by Mark

Shiranui Second Yuya Bridges Ki

Introduction

So today this little gem (the Shiranui Second Yuya Bridges Ki kit) arrived with the postman:

The kit is by Kotobukiya and is from the MUV-LUV alternate total eclipse range. After watching the series I really liked some of the suits in there. I had a look around and found this one. I decided to take a chance and pick it up to see what it was like.

Riders

Before I get into it I should point out some riders. The kit is not to a specific scale so like the Bandai SD kits. I have never built one of the Bandai kits so I don’t have a benchmark to put it against. So my comments come with no real standard to measure against. So with that out of the way lets head in to it.

How was the build

The build was quick, which I expected. I still need to perform a strip down and cleanup, but it went together quickly and simply. I think that all these kits are likely to have similar build times. I have seen some Bandai kits like the Neo that look to be more complex in terms of number of parts, but I haven’t been fortunate to build any of those. My favourite part of this build were the semi transparent blue cast pieces. I found they add some real contrast to the model, and help it stand apart.

Although simple to build, I would say the instruction manual would benefit from some tweaks. In particular there are some steps that you need to do in specific order, and just a 1, 2, 3 etc. on them would make the build go more smoothly. It wasn’t a “massive” problem but it was a little irksome.

The joints all went together smoothly and the ball joints have a nice combination of friction and ease of movement.

So what does it look like?

As you can see from a straight build it looks ok. I think some panel lining on it would really make it come alive though. Also to be fair the pictures don’t show off the blue pieces which also add a nice dimension to it.

Conclusion

I think I would like to build a Bandai SD so I can compare and contrast. I would also like to get and build one of the bigger versions of the Kotobukiya kits to also compare. On the whole the build was a building version of a palate cleanser. It was simple, and fun. Ultimately a build should be fun. I found it a welcome change of pace to the MG and RG builds. Now, after my mini diversion, I’m ready to dive back into the painting and possibly my next RG on the list. With maybe a little trip to panel lining on this mini kit to just give it a little bit more of a lift.

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Posted on February 7, 2023February 6, 2023 by Mark

MG Heavyarms Foot

Introduction

Today I am going to strip down a MG Heavyarms Foot and build it back up. On the whole this isn’t a difficult process, but for anyone who hasn’t built one and curious, here it goes!

The Parts

With a little help from a parts separator I split apart the pieces. As you can see the MH Heavyarms foot consists of 8 separate parts.

First Step

How The foot will look — Foot Body and top cover

I decided to show you the first two images to show what is happening. When the main foot bod (the big solid grey piece) is in place you will get a small “nub” style post sticking up through the hole of the red top cover. The first step is to attach the main body to the flat bottom of the foot.

Step 2

Bottom of foot together — Foot bottom and top cover

Next you need to attach the top red cover over the top. As you can see the small post sticks out of the hole. Everything should fit snugly. Any problems and the likelihood is nubs that need to be sanded back / removed.

Step 3

The next piece that needs to be attached is the white section of the heel. This slides into place and is quite snug. I found that it fits perfectly though.

Step 4

Next is the heel piece. Again this fits in snugly and isn’t a problem. I found that all the pieces clipped together in a really satisfying way.

Step 5

Attached Front White Piece — White Front Piece

After the heel I started to build up for the rest of the foot. The white section fits down into the post that sticks up from the hole in the middle of the large red part.

Step 6

Connected Ankle Joint — Ankle Joint and Foot

Now the main body of the foot is attached it is time to connect the ankle joint. The top of this part has a small ball joint to go into the bottom of the leg, and a larger ball joint that goes into the socket in the foot. This clicks in really snuggly, and I found, gives a good combination of friction and articulation.

Step 7

The front section of the foot has a clip/connector that slots onto the front grey section of the ankle joint. Again I feel Bandai have done a great job as the pieces slide together and hold really nicely. That concludes the build up of the foot. A simple part of the build, but for me I always find them really satisfying due to the way the pieces go together, and the speed with which you see that model part take shape.

Articulation

As you can see in the images above the articulation is pretty good. I don’t think it is “the best” but it is certainly good enough for Heavyarms! Lets be honest, with all that weaponry the suit is likely to spend most of its time in some form of standing position. The left and right articulation on the ankle is adequate, and the arching on the foot is about the same, in my opinion.

Conclusion

There we have a mini tear down and rebuild of the foot on the MG Heavyarms. I found taking it apart and rebuilding it oddly therapeutic. However, as soon as I had it apart I had it back together again! As you may have noticed I haven’t panel lined this model. I may do that at some point, but first I need to put on a matt coat!

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Posted on February 6, 2023February 5, 2023 by Mark

Cheap Stands or Bases

Introduction

Recently I got asked about the cheap stands or bases, and whether they were a real viable alternative to the more standard bases. You can often, if you shop around, get 3 or 4 of the cheaper bases for the price of one of the standard ones.

The standard ones look like this (or some variation on this):

The cheaper options normally look something like this:

Both sets of bases can be purchased in a variety of colours. I’ll admit I favour clear bases as I can always paint them if I want them a different colour.

The “Standard” base

There are loads of reasons to get one of these bases. They have a nice aesthetic to them, and if you want one, they aren’t crazy expensive. They have the attachments to allow you to connect them to a variety of models with no fuss. But this isn’t an article about those!

Unbranded Base

However, despite the reasons for getting a standard base, there are other options, and they can be just as effective. The generic unbranded stands normally comes flat packed, with multiple screws and parts to put together. As in the image above these are normally assembled with the grasping arms on the end. However these can sometimes cause problems where the models like to split. The torso and upper part goes one way and the waist and legs go another. This can be a real pain when trying to post a model. So what can we do with them.

Total Custom Base

Closeup Zaku Rear Stand — Zaku Rear Stand

As you can see in the images above I used the arms and grabber from the cheap base to provide the hold for my Zaku. The whole process for making that base can be found here.

Use it as is

As you can see from the images above the two pieces along with the grabbing arms allow me to elevate the model and provide a lot of options for poses. However, these still have the issue that the model will often have a tendency to come apart at the waist while tightening the arms of the stand to hold the model.

Remove the Hands / Grasper

As you can see from the images above, I only used 1 of the two arms, and then rather than connecting the graspers, I used the adapter that goes into the grasper to go into the hold in the under side of the model. It was, I admit, a tight squeeze, but it did go in without any filing. This again offers a whole range of dynamic poses.

Conclusion

If you like the standard bases, or one of the more scenic bases then go for it, they are lovely. If however, you want to make the most of the cheaper bases then as you can see above, there are a lot of poses you can get with them where they will look awesome. I’m going to have a look and see if I can do more around the options to use them with other models. I may put up a post on that after I have had chance to look.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you haven’t already done so please like and follow us on our social media platforms and checkout our website!

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Posted on February 5, 2023February 4, 2023 by Mark

Advert / Stock 05/02/2023

Advert / Stock 05/02/2023 is a quick update on the stock and the shop and a blatant advert for the shop 🙂

I have had, what could be called a mini re-stock of some items. This week a got a handful of MG and RG kits in. At the moment I also have the HG Guels Dilanza in stock here. I also have an MG Buster and MG Justice available also. Why not use the links at the bottom to have a browse and see if something takes your eye. I still have the PG Unicorn available if you fancy a challenge!

The items below you will need to contact me directly, however, I have provided quick links to the store and the specific grades at the bottom of the post for all other models.

As you may be aware I still have some models that the boxes were damaged from packing / transit. I’m trying to shift them directly if possible so that it is easier to communicate any box damage. If you are interested in any of them they are:

RG Freedom £26.99 + P&P

HG Setsuro £25.99 + P&P

HGUC Gundam RX-0 Unic Full Arm Dest Red 1/144 £34.99 + P&P

BB Gundam Destiny £9.99 + P&P

They are all stunning models which would look fantastic in any collection. You can also just browse the shop which is available here. Note the models above are not listed there at present due to the boxes. However, if you are interested in them please contact me directly. I also have lots of other models available on the shop, as well as the awesome GUNPRIMER Balancers and starter kit and Raser products. You can see them here.

Quick Links

Conclusion

That concludes this weeks “Advert / Stock 05/02/2023” roundup. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you haven’t already done so please like and follow us on our social media platforms and checkout our website!

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Posted on February 4, 2023February 4, 2023 by Mark

How many is too many

Introduction

I will be honest, I had a few options around this post. I wasn’t sure whether to just look at it from the point of how many is too many when looking at the model count. But then I could look at it from the backlog point of view. Then I realised I may as well write a paragraph or two on each!

Total Model Count

So I guess the first angle I should look at is can you have too many models? I mean the obvious answer is obviously no! However, should you look at packing / storing some and displaying a select few models, or would you rather get them all out? I think, the reality, for a lot of modellers, is that their display space is limited. If that isn’t the case then I say go wild! Shelves, display cases, even from the ceiling or magnetised! If you have the space then go for as many models as you are happy with.

As I say I think for the majority of us we have limited display space. At the moment I’m using the top of my freezer to stand 3 models and a Harry Potter Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes shop model. The space there is limited. I will, I think have to look at a system. Ultimately I think I may look to break them into seasons or months, and cycle them round. The only model that I have that will survive this drastic measure is the Double X. It was my first Gundam and I love it nubs and all.

I often see people shifting their collections to either make space, or to make room for other models. There certainly seem to be plenty of people who are happy to buy pre-built models. Some to display, some to use as parts, some for kit bashes, and others to practice techniques on. So I guess once you have had your enjoyment from a model is it best to just let it go and find a new home?

Ultimately I would say, if you are happy, then there is no count that is too high!

Backlog

I recently asked a variation of this question on a forum. Ultimately the feedback would seem to be that there is no such thing as too big a backlog. For some people they buy build and buy again. Others prefer to ensure that there is no chance they will ever run out. Whichever side of the fence you fall, or if you are somewhere in between, it is fair to say that there is no right or wrong answer.

Again, as with display space, having space to keep your backlog can become an issue. A lot of people are working with limited space, and I get the feeling that a lot of peoples backlog size is dictated as much by available space as it is desire to not have too many there.

My backlog isn’t too bad at the moment. I have 1 MG, 1RG, and the USS Voyager to build. I have however also got a Kotobukiya Muv-Luv Shiranui Second Yuya Bridges model coming from ebay. I also put in an order with my supplier to try and get a hold of some of the models for the shop … well ok I ordered 2 of 1 of the models… the other 6 or so were for me … I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it!

Conclusion

How many is too many is a very subjective question. There are likely to be people in your life who tell you that you have too many models, or kits to build. I would say it is your hobby and as long as it is not disruptive, as long as you aren’t spending money you need for food, heating, rent etc. then where you spend your money is your decision. A bit like the gambling adverts say, when the fun stops stop. It is similar with the models. As long as you are enjoying the hobby then carry on. Personally I am loving all the options, and exploring the painting, lighting, and dioramas, as well as just straight builds. As long as I am enjoying myself then I will continue to build!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you haven’t already done so please like and follow us on our social media platforms and checkout our website!

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Posted on February 2, 2023February 1, 2023 by Mark

Guess The Model Part 6

Introduction

Guess The Model Part 6 is the latest instalment in my current model build. As I follow the manual and build it section by section. If you missed them the previous parts are available here:

Today’s Part(s)

Today I am sort of doing a “everything else” post. I would feel like a bit of a cheat if I strung out the smallest parts of the model! So today I am going to roundup everything that was left to build on the core of the model.

The Parts

As you can see above, as well as the 21(ish) parts I had to assemble for the leg, there were miscellaneous other parts to bring it together and finish the main build.

The Finished Article (ish)

I was really happy with the build of this model. It is, in my opinion, a really relaxing build. There was nothing there I would class as “taxing” but a fantastic model to build while listening to the radio, or an audio book. All the parts went together (sometimes with a very satisfying snicking noise as they clicked into place).

The foot and nub removal and cleaning I did a whole post on here. In essence I used the GUNPRIMER balancers to clean up the nub and re polish the foot. I’m really happy with how well they work!

Conclusion

So there you have it! If you haven’t already guessed this is the RX-80BR Black Rider model. It is a HGUC kit, and despite its simplicity, is really enjoyable to build.

I have, as noted previously, taken advice from those with more experience and avoided using the stickers on this kit. My plan is to undercoat some sections and paint the red on. I am still wondering what, if anything, I should do on top of that. However with so many kits, and so little time, I had better probably keep it realistic.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you haven’t already done so please like and follow us on our social media platforms and checkout our website!

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Posted on February 1, 2023January 31, 2023 by Mark

Guess The Model Part 5

Introduction

Guess The Model Part 5 is the latest instalment in my current model build. As I follow the manual and build it section by section. If you missed them the previous parts are available here:

Today’s Part

Today the manual moved on to the legs. This comes with the foot and ankle.

The Parts

As can be seen from the image there are approximately 21 pieces to form the leg. This includes the foot and ankle joint. Cutting the pieces from the runner was, as is normally the case with Bandai models, a simple process. The clean-up on the parts also didn’t take too long to complete. In the image I had partially completed the clean-up, but I still had some work to do.

Assembled Leg

I found building the leg really enjoyable. None of the parts, for me at least, were too small. They also have, as is normally the case with the Bandai kits, really close tolerances, so the pieces fit together snugly. The part that fits onto the outside of the calf adds nice definition to the leg and some extra detail. As you can see from the pictures I was happy with the level of articulation the kit has in the legs. The knee joint bends really well and there is enough movement in the ankle to help make multiple poses stable.

Conclusion

As with the arms, this was a very smooth, and pleasant experience to build the leg. There were no real “challenges” to it. I found myself able to just enjoy the build process, the cutting, cleaning and assembly of the part.

I’m guessing a lot of you will already know what model it is by now! If not feel free to guess away. I will continue on with the build, as step by step I edge it towards completion!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you haven’t already done so please like and follow us on our social media platforms and checkout our website!

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Posted on January 28, 2023January 28, 2023 by Mark

Guess The Model Part 4

Introduction

Guess The Model Part 4 is the latest instalment in my current model build. As I follow the manual and build it section by section. If you missed them the previous parts are available here:

Today’s Part

With yesterdays part being the right arm, it is probably not a shock that today we have the left arm. This comes with the added bonus of the anchor and launcher.

The Parts

Unassembled Parts Guess the Model Part 4

I should probably mention the mints are not a mandatory part of the build, but they are certainly acceptable additions. There are twenty individual parts making up the arm. I did find, as with the other arm, that some of them are quite small. However, they all fit together nicely, everything was to the high standard I have come to expect from Bandai.

Assembled Arm

Stun Anchor Fired Guess The Model Part 4 — Assembled Arm Top Down Guess the Model Part 4

Again I found myself really happy with the level of articulation on the kit. The arms have a great range of motion. I also love the stun anchor which with the added wire, can be used to make an awesome look. As with the rest of the kit I am not going to put the red stickers on it. I am planning on masking off pieces and undercoating and painting the parts that should be red. I am also tempted to add a little white into the mix as well but I haven’t decided yet.

Conclusion

The kit is coming together nicely. If you want a kit that is as satisfying to build as it is simple and relaxing then this is a great option.

I’m guessing a lot of you will already know what model it is by now! If not feel free to guess away. I will continue on with the build, as step by step I edge it towards completion!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you haven’t already done so please like and follow us on our social media platforms and checkout our website!

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Posted on January 25, 2023January 24, 2023 by Mark

Guess the Model – Part 2

Introduction

Welcome back to “Guess the Model – Part 2” the second instalment in my latest guess the model series. If you want to catch up Part 1 is here. I did a quick summary of the tools I was using, and then got right on into it!

Todays Part

Todays part is short and sweet. After the Torso, which was a nice simple, and quite cool build, the manual has the head. So without further ado!

The Parts

As you can see the head consists of 7 parts, two of which are quite small indeed. To be fair, it does also have some stickers to go on it. However, I feel I’m going to forgo the stickers in favour of painting some of the bits to give is a slicker finish.

Assembled Head

As you can see without the stickers it is a little bland. However, once I add a little paint I’m hoping it will just elevate it that extra bit. This is a mobile suit that took a while to grow on me, but once it did I really wanted the kit. I like the little details on it. The vents etc. on the torso from yesterday, and the antenna being on the side giving the head a distinctive look.

Conclusion

If you think you know what it is then please drop me a comment and let me know. I am happy with how this build is going, and learning a lot on using all my tools to the best of their ability… or the best of my ability at the moment 🙂

That concludes todays “Guess the Model – Part 2”. Tune in tomorrow (hopefully) for the next installment!

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Posted on January 24, 2023January 23, 2023 by Mark

Guess the Model – Part 1

Introduction

Back by popular demand (by me) is my guess the model series; leading off with Guess the Model – Part 1. This is where I post the build up of a model I am working on. The rules are simple. I have to build the model in the order it is in the manual. So if feet come before heads so be it! Actually I said the “rules” but really that is pretty much the only rule. Please feel free to guess the model and let me know what you think.

The Tools

A quick note on the tools. Firstly that is a bit of cheap sandpaper. I have a load that I won’t want to waste. Once it is all used up I will be using a RASER but I’m not a fan of waste so this gets used first! The toothbrush is because the sandpaper is wet and dry. When I use it I put some water on it and get a watery mixture with a sort of white dust from sanding. The toothbrush is perfect for cleaning that off. On the right are the cheap nippers for cut 1, and the left has the slightly less cheap nippers for cut 2. The GUNPRIMER balancers (you can find the grey here and the white here) are for cleaning up and polishing the plastic. Note I cut a piece off one to get into some smaller nooks and crannies. Finally at the top is the GUNPRIMER brush which I use for cleaning off the balancers after use.

The Pieces

The first section in the manual is the main Torso of the model. Below are the images of those pieces.

Forgotten Red Bit — Guess the Model Parts

As you can see I forgot to cut out that little red piece. Still I got there in the end!

Assembled Pieces

Underside Rear View — Underside Front View

As you can see the Torso is quite distinctive. Note I haven’t put the stickers on, mainly because I think they will cheapen the model. I’m going to have a think and paint a few sections to hopefully really make them pop. Then coat and finally panel line and coat again.

Conclusion

There we have it! Can you tell what model it is from that torso? If you can let me know in the comments.

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Introduction

Riders

How was the build

So what does it look like?

Conclusion

Introduction

The Parts

First Step

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Articulation

Conclusion

Introduction

The “Standard” base

Unbranded Base

Total Custom Base

Use it as is

Remove the Hands / Grasper

Conclusion

Quick Links

Conclusion

Introduction

Total Model Count

Backlog

Conclusion

Introduction

Today’s Part(s)

The Parts

Conclusion

Introduction

Today’s Part

The Parts

Assembled Leg

Conclusion

Introduction

Today’s Part

The Parts

Assembled Arm

Conclusion

Introduction

Todays Part

The Parts

Assembled Head

Conclusion

Introduction

The Tools

The Pieces

Assembled Pieces

Conclusion

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