To entertain me during my flight back to the USA. Going to make it so whenever I travel internationally I need a gundam to build. ❤ #gundambase #girlswhogunpla #bandai #gunpla #gundam #model #hobby #collectable #travel #seoul #korea #건담프라모델 #건담 #namco (at Gundam Base)
Prior to the announcement and release of the Real Grade Gundam Unicorn (”RG Unicorn”), I’d often shoot down people’s comments and hopes that Bandai would produce the said gunpla kit. Having built the Master Grade Unicorn (”MG version”) a few years back, the MG version was finicky in its transformation especially around the knee and ankle area. Due to its slightly elongated proportion and weak joints, the MG version wasn’t capable of many dynamic poses in its destroy mode form. Given this past experience, I was almost certain that it would be impossible to engineer an even smaller 1/144 scale, fully transformable Gundam Unicorn - but I was proven completely wrong.
Design: 10/10
Some of you might not agree with me on this since matters of design are largely subjective. That said, I will admit that the Unicorn Gundam is my all time favourite mobile suit from the Gundam franchise. The proportion of the RG Unicorn is true to the anime and close to that of the Perfect Grade version (”PG version”). It doesn’t have awkward, longish legs like the MG version. Also, in true Real Grade fashion, the armour comes with both white, and some off-white parts, even though the mobile suit itself is supposed to be almost entirely white. There are tonnes of decals as usual, which is up to the individual to decide how many to use, to give it a more “realistic” look. There are also lots of panel lining opportunities, in positions almost identical to the ones found on the PG version. If there was just something I had to nitpick, it’s the use of gold foil stickers for the V-fin. Use of the default gold foil stickers hides those line details that are found on the surface.
Articulation: 9/10
One of the main weakness of the MG Unicorn is the relatively limited range of motion found at the knee joint. There were hardly any issues on the PG version, and also, you’ll be able to get close to a 180 degree bend on the knees of this RG version. Most of the other joints do bend fairly well without any loose pieces coming off. Perhaps instead of focusing on the strengths, I should highlight a few of the weaknesses, so as to explain why I docked a point for the articulation. The rotation around the head and ankle areas are rather limited. Consequently, these limitations do reduce the variety of dynamic poses that can be done with this kit.
Stability and transformation: 10/10
This aspect of the RG Unicorn has truly taken me by surprise and has far exceeded my expectations. Loose joints? Armour parts falling off? Balance issues? While these issues had plagued the Real Grade Sinanju (a beautiful but unfortunate kit) a year ago, thankfully, none of those problems were present with the RG Unicorn. This time, Bandai did not re-use an earlier Real Grade frame from a previous kit (which is something they’ve done on numerous occasions before), but instead redesigned the frame entirely for this 1/144 scale. The result is a wonderfully solid kit where the shoulder and elbow joints are strong enough to hold up its weapon accessories without being a victim of gravity. While the transformation from Unicorn mode to Destroy mode is not free from difficulty, it is MILES easier than the PG or MG versions. Take for example, the part where the knees pop out, the connection between the white armour and the red psychoframe connects easily and unlike the MG version, it does not fall off. Expanding / transforming the forearms and upper torso is also A LOT easier on the RG than both the MG and PG versions. You’d have to try them to really understand the difference. Transforming the head, while easy, is also a little different here. Instead of flipping the outer mask downwards to reveal the typical Gundam face, both sides of the face are built on the same little “cylinder” facing opposite directions and are rotated depending on the mode you choose to display it in.
Although we are given 3 options for the horns/v-fins (fixed open, closed, and foldable), I’d recommend the foldable option without hesitation. I was really impressed by how the closed V-fin (foldable) is able to fold neatly into the unicorn mode without any gap or misalignment. In comparison, even though the PG Unicorn’s V-fin has magnets meant to hold them securely, the gap is still clearly visible.
Whether it is in destroy mode, or unicorn mode, fiddling around with the kit does not leave me feeling as if I was about to cause some parts to fall off or break. I’m really not sure how Banai did it this time, but the engineers have finally worked their magic. This might be the best Real Grade kit that I’ve built so far.
The Barbatos is the first Gundam to receive the treatment of Bandai’s new “High-resolution” line of model kits. Some people have asked - “what’s so hi-res about this kit?”, to which I would say that this kit comes with a detailed, pre-built inner-frame with metal components that gives off a more realistic representation compared to the usual 100% plastic frames. To some extent, this so-called “Hi-Res” model is also reminiscent of the 1/100 Gundam Unicorn “High-Definition” colour (with MS cage), which featured a more shiny finish compared to the the regular MG kits.
The sleek looking box containing the pre-built frame.
Front view of the entire frame. I must say that it looks rather intimidating.
Back view. Look at the amount of pistons at the joints and the back of the upper torso!
That super slender waist, supported with 2 pistons.
Pistons on the ankles and feet. The feet are comprised of a fair bit of metal, which means that Barbatos is able to stay fairly grounded.
A close-up view of the back with all those pipings and pistons.
PG Gundam GP01 Zeta Zephyranthes WIP - Yeah. The customization is nearly complete. We are that much closer to painting this 1/60 scale behemoth. . . . . #gundam #gunpla #gunplabuilder #customgunpla #modelkit https://www.instagram.com/p/COThhhLD6KN/?igshid=1j0nptv72vyit
Wow I’ve made over a 1000 posts. That probably helped when I got into gunpla about 3 years ago. What a ride it has been. From the 2015 RX78 revive HG kit to now customizing my PG Gundam GP01. Even with art and writing, you can hit blocks of nothing. No inspiration, no desire to keep building. That’s when we have to remind ourselves that this hobby is really about patience. It’s about your and your time with your model; it’s about you and your project. Its about taking all the time you need on a kit. You aren’t worse at this just because you take a week on an HG, or you cant speed build or be a youtube personality for the community. It’s ok. Keep building. When you can. You take the time for you. . . . . . #gunpla #gundam #gunplacommunity #rx78 #gp01 #highgrade #realgrade #mastergrade #perfectgrade #customgunpla #modelkit #gunplabuilder #modelmaker #plamo #anime #japan #bandai #hobby #crafts #gunplabuilderassociation #art #wipart (at Bluefield, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNfEgetjk-a/?igshid=1smizne22ybmk
Building a SD Z'Gok for you, all in one sitting, all in one video. For a certain someone special. . . . . . . #gunpla #gundam #zeon #zgok #plamo #japan #gunplatiktok #tiktok #gunplabuilder #modelkit #gunplacommunity #oneminutebuilds #crafts #sd #new #toonami (at Bluefield, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNHBhUKDdy8/?igshid=3y8xiruclbkx
Another style attempt. Trying to my niche. Now we get to maketh thy body. . . . . . #tiktok #geektok #gunpla #plamo #r2d2 #artoo #starwars #modelkit #modelbuilder #hobby #crafts #new (at Bluefield, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNFRg01jH4e/?igshid=6q6o8c7v9v0
Perfect Grade GP01 Gundam WIP #13 - Been working on this all week. These are the new thruster wing augments that will be attached to the massive thrusters of the PG Gp01 backpack. Used for better high-mobility, atmospheric entry and flight on earth with additional armor plating. I kitbashed leftover parts from at least 4 other kits (Master Gundam being the most obvious) plus lots of plaplates to make surface attachment easier and more solid. So much sanding my god! . . . . . #gunpla #gundam #gp01 #fullburnern #perfectgrade #mastergrade #0083 #stardustmemory #rx78 #mobilesuit #gunplacustom #gunplacommunity #gunplabuilderassociation #bandai #japan #anime #plamo #gunplabuilder #artproject #hobby #0079 #1/60 #mobilesuitgundam #modelkit #gundambuilder #modelbuildersofinstagram #plaplates #mechaart (at Bluefield, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLtsUirDsuj/?igshid=1k2bt7taevkb1
We have come a long way in gunpla. One 1/144 scale Tallgeese II from 2000 and the Real Grade Tallgeese. . . . . . #gunpla #gundamwing #gundam #tallgeese #tallgeese2 #gunplabuilder #gunplacommunity #plamo (at Bluefield, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLS6XO7jCLp/?igshid=1s60xgrdfkl90
Perfect Grade GP01 Gundam WIP #12 - Last 2 weeks have been rough. Lots of work, stress, depressive episodes, emotionally drained moments but I hope to put more custom work into this project. As it stands (or hovers) it still looks amazing just on the shelf. I think I’ll either do his backpack adjustments or work on a custom hyper beam saber I’ve planning out. Thank you guys for your patience and support! . . . . . #gunpla #gundam #gp01 #fullburnern #perfectgrade #mastergrade #0083 #stardustmemory #rx78 #mobilesuit #gunplacustom #gunplacommunity #gunplabuilderassociation #bandai #japan #anime #plamo #gunplabuilder #artproject #hobby #0079 #1/60 #mobilesuitgundam #modelkit #gundambuilder #modelbuildersofinstagram #plaplates #mechaart (at Limbo) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLPC5_iD9RJ/?igshid=1xu1xb0nh7wf1
Perfect Grade GP01 Gundam WIP #9 - update on the customization phase: decided to take the Hyper Mega Launcher from the MG Zeta 2.0 kit and turn it into an attachment part to the PG Beam Rife, making it a Buster Beam Rifle like the Wing Gundam. It’s been a process. Basically I’ve had to shell out the inner plastic and pegs to make it cover the rifle, using plaplates to widen the frame. I also found a spare neon clear piece from an old MG God Gundam core fighter to make into a makeshift Camera scope. It’s my first time making a whole new weapon from scratch and I’ve been enjoying the engineering process of designing and putting it together. . . . . . #gunpla #gundam #gp01 #fullburnern #perfectgrade #mastergrade #0083 #stardustmemory #rx78 #mobilesuit #gunplacustom #gunplacommunity #gunplabuilderassociation #bandai #japan #anime #plamo #gunplabuilder #artproject #hobby #0079 #1/60 #mobilesuitgundam #modelkit #gundambuilder #modelbuildersofinstagram #plaplates #mechaart (at Bluefield, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKRBHOKjxMf/?igshid=d3s7wvakkesi
Perfect Grade GP01 Gundam WIP #8 - after a month plus of building, I have finally finished constructed my Perfect Grade model. It was an amazing experience and I can say that I am half way done with the whole project. I’ll be scribing additional panel lines and details. Adding pla plates for my surface texture, painting (might do a custom color scheme), and many decals. I would also like to do a full hangar base diorama with LEDs. If anyone has suggestion for doing that in 1/60 scale then feel free to message me or comment. . . . . . #gunpla #gundam #gp01 #fullburnern #perfectgrade #mastergrade #0083 #stardustmemory #rx78 #mobilesuit #gunplacustom #gunplacommunity #gunplabuilderassociation #30thbirthday #treatyoself #bandai #japan #anime #plamo #gunplabuilder #artproject #hobby #0079 #1/60 #mobilesuitgundam #modelkit #gundambuilder #modelbuilder (at Bluefield, West Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJeBab6jxPh/?igshid=kz2sb0nheha2
Perfect Grade GP01 Gundam WIP #6 - The first chest piece to complete the torso is finished, along with the head. Complex thing too. Will post up the inner workings of the LED unit soon. . . . . . #gunpla #gundam #gp01 #fullburnern #perfectgrade #mastergrade #0083 #stardustmemory #rx78 #mobilesuit #gunplacustom #gunplacommunity #gunplabuilderassociation #30thbirthday #treatyoself #bandai #japan #anime #plamo #gunplabuilder #artproject #hobby #0079 https://www.instagram.com/p/CIk8vYzjTa2/?igshid=36bb72z8vw5q
