Gundam Discussion - Twilight Axis

[Edelweiss]

Hold onto your asses folks:

機動戦士ガンダムUC(ユニコーン) @gundam_unicorn 7h

このΞガンダムが登場する「機動戦士ガンダム 閃光のハサウェイ」は、時代的にはガンダムUCの約9年後となる宇宙世紀105年が舞台。ep7では、これくらい先の時代への布石となるようなものも登場する予定です。 (広報いぬ) #g_uc

Stuff from Hathaway's Flash (Xi Gundam, weapons, etc.?) in UC 105 will make cameos in Episode 7 as a stepping stone to the 'much earlier era', perhaps referring the period between CCA/Unicorn and F91. Seeing that Fukui is a huge fan of Hathaway's Flash, no surprise if he tried to sneak a reference to the novel.

Would not be shocked if Hathaway's Flash is the next OVA the Unicorn staff undertake; it does set the table for the Crossbone Vanguard, short of two decades later.

[Cleverness]

They are gonna have to do some major retconning if they ever did Hathaway's Flash lol. Unless we're gonna believe noone saw him kill Chan amidst the Chaos and he lies about it to get his desk job that Mafty uses him for. They have to make him somewhat appealing as a main character and not something that people will hate with a passion. You know, like Kio.

[Edelweiss]

It wouldn't necessarily be impossible that no one saw him kill her.

Amuro is really the only one who we saw on-screen know she died, and he's dead or otherwise. The A-model Jegans can only actively pick up things visually at no more than 14,200 meters, and the Londo Bell fleet was pretty busy when that all happened; if anything they'd probably think she died taking out the Alpha Azieru or something (if they even picked it up on sensors). The Ra Cailum was making the landing on Axis too, and I doubt the Clop-class has better visual or laser sensors than the Ra Cailum-class. Plus there's the whole combat-density Minovsky particle dispersion that fucks radar and radio over (and at high density levels adds a shimmering mirage-like effect to visual and infra-red): there's a reason why the sonar of the hover truck was such a big deal in 08th, MPs don't affect sound. They don't really list them after Unicorn, but I can only assume that the visual sensors of MS improved (compare a mass-production OYW MS to a Gryps-era MS), as they're entirely dependent upon their CPUs and systems surveying the area and presenting that to the pilot. Unicorn really presents all of this stuff the best, as is expected. This is really why Newtypes are so advantaged when in combat in a Minovsky field.

This isn't an attack or anything (I didn't mean for it to come off as such), I just figured that it'd be a great opportunity to explain how this whole incident can have plausibly gone unnoticed for everyone's benefit. lol The GN particles of 00 actually behave in a similar manner, as was shown to us in S1; they lack the impact upon light wavelengths and also function like the Minovsky Craft/Drive system in providing propulsion (plus being some kind of transformative catalyst for innovation).

The latter part though, yeah. Fortunately, he's matured and is in his mid-20s by UC 105. His being the son of a famous captain (or hero, really) probably only further serves that end too; no one will suspect one of the Earth-born, Federation elite..

[Edelweiss]

By the way, Tatsu Hobby has a habit of tossing in gifts, like "special" sets of the Builder's Parts, etc. for free; while it might be due to me being a frequent (and rather high-spending) customer, i've seen other people claim to get stuff like different colored beam parts, action bases, etc. Also those Gundam.Info giveaway cards: I got the two winners via them (6 MGs and an MG 00 Raiser).

Anyway, http://www.hlj.com/product/SOF37367, the Master Archive series takes on the Gundam Project line of MS in May; maybe we'll finally get some clarification on what exactly the Rick-Dias took from the GP02A.

[Insanecyclone]

The $20 HG 1/144 kits at Tatsu are tempting to start out at again. May start out with Astraea and Astraea Type F as my door into gunpla again. Also how reliable are the gundam markers?

Really just want to start out simple and easy before moving onto MG and RG, fuck PG.

[Edelweiss]

They're ok I guess, if you can't (or for some unholy reason don't want) to invest in paints... but realistically, you can buy some Model Master Acryllics (water-based acryllics, and as non-toxic as you can really get) for about the price of a Gundam paint marker at Hobbylinc. You'll also get much better results too: I genuinely can't imagine really painting an entire kit with a paint marker, nor would it look good at all (it actually made some dude on /toy/ ragequit because he ruined a 1/144 Sinanju trying to marker it, lol). I suppose the Gold and White markers are ok for doing stuff like Sleeves markings though (paint control issues aside).

If you decide the jarred or bottled paint method is better (I think it is TBH):
http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/abs/abs7284.htm - 2-3 fine tip brushes like this can serve you in a myriad of fine detail applications like eye sensor painting, panel lining, and point-detailling things like the fine mechanical parts, etc. (especially this). http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/abs/abs1025.htm - Single set of this should realistically handle any HG, and probably most MGs (that broad brush there is ideal for applying paint with the fewest strokes possible to a larger part, which plays into the whole brush strokes and smooth coating thing). For like 8 bucks, your brush needs are totally taken care of as far as acryllics go.

http://www.hobbylinc.com/cgi-bin/s8....str_s=acryllic - Specifically Floquil (I wonder why they no longer carry another Testors line, the Model Masters.. eh, whatever, that line was oriented toward RL military colors anyway). You can thin Floquil with the generic Testors acryillic thinner OR pure room-temperature or warmer water (IE: bottle of Aquafina or something). They are also water clean up: just run the bristles under the water until you no longer see the pigments appearing.

Brushes aside, if you're going to get back in, Tatsu has that updated tool "starter set" (http://tatsuhobby.com/webstore/index...oducts_id=1067). It looks like it'd be pretty good for your first couple kits (pretty sure that's some kind of lower-end Olfa knife there). When you get "serious" though, you pretty much gotta go with the God Hands; keep the starter set's nippers for non-precision, flush separation.

HLJ carries what essentially amounts to the "top-tier" of alot of tools (mainly because the hobby industry seems to have stagnated to a degree outside of Japan); you'll probably have to go this route eventually as you improve and need to get certain things (that Tatsu Hobby might not be able to, if you request). I would avoid the Gaia Notes paints they carry: lacquer is pretty toxic, and really airbrush-only; they're right up there though with Alclad, Tamiya, and Mr. Color though.

Finally, I noticed the 1/144 Astrea has the chest GN particle condenser in a clear green: this is optional, but applying a coat of Future to that will be pretty amazing.

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/flo/flof414263.htm seems like a match for the "main" or lighter red. http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/flo/flof414200.htm seems virtually spot-on for the maroon. http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/flo/flof414314.htm matches the joints. http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/flo/flof414251.htm is almost exact for the weapons (going with the 1/100's color guide). Obviously feel free to compare on your own, etc.

[Insanecyclone]

Figured the markers would be good to fill in the stream lines in the suit. When I had one of those old 1/100 wing gunpla years ago I hated the lines in the suit not being colored in.

I'll prob invest in the starter kit and one suit to start off with an action base.

[Edelweiss]

Markers are ok for that purpose (although a soft-lead mechanical pencil or Sakura Microns also do it well too). Ideally however, is the use of a brush to apply them, or a wash with black/grey/white/brown enamel over a gloss coat. But that's a more "advanced" technique for intermediate to pros.

I should have said this earlier, but Michael's has all of these things. I bet places like Hobby Lobby and shit do as well.

[Edelweiss]

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 1 - 4 Release Info:

Limited Edition includes: 3 Blu-ray Discs, Special Booklet, OP, PV, Audio Commentary, Special Jacket & Storage Box w/ illustration drawn by Hisashi Hirai & Shigeta Satoshi.

Standard Edition includes: 3 Blu-ray Discs, Special Booket, OP, Audio Commentary, Special Storage Box w/ illustration drawn by Hisashi Hirai & Shigeta Satoshi.

Releases will have English subtitles.

The USD:Yen ratio is like 1:99 as of this posting (it'll probably break 100 by the end of the week, and improve as time progresses - based HLJ and all the things):
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 1 Limited Edition
(Release Date: Jun 21st 2013, Price: 21000 yen) Includes Episodes: 1 - 12
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 1 Standard Edition
(Release Date: Jun 21st 2013, Price: 18900 yen) Includes Episodes: 1 - 12
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 2 Limited Edition
(Release Date: Sept 25th 2013, Price: 21000 yen) Includes Episodes: 13 - 24
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 2 Standard Edition
(Release Date: Sept 25th 2013, Price: 18900 yen) Includes Episodes: 13 - 24
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 3 Limited Edition
(Release Date: Dec 26th 2013, Price: 21000 yen) Includes Episodes: 25 - 36
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 3 Standard Edition
(Release Date: Dec 26th 2013, Price: 18900 yen) Includes Episodes: 25 - 36
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 4 Limited Edition
(Release Date: Mar 26th 2014, Price: 21000 yen) Includes Episodes: 37 - 50
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny HD Remaster Blu-ray Box 4 Standard Edition
(Release Date: Mar 26th 2014, Price: 18900 yen) Includes Episodes: 37 - 50

Also noteworthy:
Gundam Weapons: F91-Crossbone (http://www.hlj.com/product/HBJGW31/Gun) is back in print. Its a shame there was never a Victory one, the 1/100 line for Victory got fucked relatively bad with only the Gunblaster, Victory, V2, and Zollidia getting kits; we'll never have photographic proof of the glory that is a scratchbuilt 1/100 Javelin.

[SurRival]

Edelweiss, what are you building right now?

[Edelweiss]

Converting a MG Crossbone Gundam X-1 (that I was going to use to make an X-2, prior to it getting a kit in June) into the XM-10/F-97E Flint. Also converting one old 1/100 XM-05 Berga Giros into an XM-04 Berga Dalas; not much left to do aside from the mohawk crest enlargement and shelf nozzle build (the shelf nozzles are going to be scratch built with styrene rectangular tubes and WAVE U-vernier nozzle detail parts).

See:

Spoiler: show

Victory MS: 1/100 Galguyu conversion is proceeding slowly, have to sculpt the head, and work out a mount for the large missle/nosecone. Rig Shokew (and Imperial Rig Shokew) are delayed until HLJ restocks some 1/144 Cgues (closest-looking forearms) and two old HG 1/100 Blitz Gundams (need to harvest their feet and modify the feet some).

[SurRival]

I see we do the same kind of work.
http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/IMG_0291.jpg
http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/a...t/IMG_0276.jpg

[Edelweiss]

Converting the Zaku 2.0 into an F2 eh? Which polyester putty is that, Mori Mori or one of Tamiya's? Also that Physallis with... what looks like the abdomen from the OYW RX-72-2 and some various Zeon 2.0 parts?

I still have to get around to these recasted FZ conversion kits for the MG F2. I've had to jump through a lot of hoops just to get the fucking Kotobukiya polycap joints for these old B-Club kits; some joints are discontinued and are now in with an assorted set, which meant asking HLJ employees to fucking go measure things (I feel bad).

Also, I noticed the thighs: going with the anime look? I'll have to sculpt that raised edge (twice) onto each FZ's thighs. Thankfully it's a simple modification; getting the power cable armor right involved a fair amount of research: HiQ Parts' Half Pipe 4 mm. are virtually spot-on, just need metal primer.

Anyway, looking forward to the finished results.

[Edelweiss]

It's time for suffering.

[Mrbeansman]

So now that the GAT-X series have all been given the MG treatment and SEED prints money are we gonna see MGs of Forbidden Raider and Calamity?

[SurRival]

Yeah, it's Tamiya poly and epoxy in combination on the F2. I have an entire leg poly puttied up by now.
The GP-02 is an entire RX-72-2 2.0 too.
And where are you finding those HiQ parts? The F2 backpack doesn't stretch enough with the cables from the 2.0.

[Edelweiss]

So now that the GAT-X series have all been given the MG treatment and SEED prints money are we gonna see MGs of Forbidden Raider and Calamity?

It's possible, although i'd probably place my bets on Saviour and whatever getting one sooner (i'm going to be genuinely shocked if they don't have a release timed with the remaster).

Yeah, it's Tamiya poly and epoxy in combination on the F2. I have an entire leg poly puttied up by now.
The GP-02 is an entire RX-72-2 2.0 too.
And where are you finding those HiQ parts? The F2 backpack doesn't stretch enough with the cables from the 2.0.

I go through HLJ; I actually just blew through their entire stock of 4.0 mm diameters (and still need like 8 more packs..); it'll probably be like early-middle May when they restock. lol

Here's the direct link. And here's all of the HiQ Parts line.

There's also these "end pipes" that go in at either end as the last pipe (sort of to act as a spacer I guess, they are also slightly larger), but I really have no need for them on my legion of FZs.

[Edelweiss]

The 52nd Shizuoka Hobby Show's doors open in like 10 hours or so. Bandai will be showing off the June releases: MG AGE-2 Double Bullet, Strike Gundam Ver. RM/2.0 (and of course, the Crossbone Gundam X-2). Plenty of HGUC stuff too, including a Base Jabber.

The July MG is rumored to be announced on Day 2 (Thursday). Of course, the last time we got anything in July was back in 2010: the Victory Gundam with the (Core Booster) Dash equipment, and the Core Booster release for the original-release base Victory Gundam.

Is this a sign? Will we get fucking nothing for a 3rd consecutive July?

Spoiler: show

Who the fuck knows anymore. lol

[Insanecyclone]

Gundam: The Origin 1 came in today. Haven't read an actual book in years(even if it tech is a manga). Love the hardcover.

[Edelweiss]

Other than literal translation coming out as awkward in a handful of spots, it's a fucking steal for 15 bucks.