Little Blue Owl

The colors have finally arrived and we can begin the painting process.

To add complexity to the armor, I spent some time adding new panel lines using a engraver and guide tape of course, in this case a 0.1mm engraving blade for the finer lines and a 0.3mm for the small grooves that anchor the armor to the internal frame. Small photo-etched details were also added.

In these images, you can see one of the legs before and after the enhancement work.

I haven't had much time this week, but I've still managed to correct minor adjustment errors on moving parts that will remain in a fixed position, such as these on the backpack that houses the wing deployment system.

After applying a layer of very diluted Tamiya Grey putty, I fill any gaps with black superglue. Once cured, the piece is sanded and primed with AMMO Mig One Shot gray primer, leaving the parts ready for painting.

The assembly of our Gundam's wings has arrived. These are made up of a large number of pieces which require some work for proper fit.

These images show them in open and closed positions, with a dry fit to check the pieces' alignment before final refinement and next gluing in their final position. :)

To disguise "aesthetically unappealing" shapes, the simplest solution is to use specific photo-etched enhancement parts (rear skirt) or remove them and engrave the continuation of the panel line with an engraving blade (side skirts).

Now, with only a few minor adjustments remaining, the main body is finished. The choice of appropriate hands for our Gundam will depend on the weaponry we ultimately decide to use.

It's time to assemble our Gundam's legs. Before attaching the various leg shields, we assemble the pieces of the internal frame, adjusting and covering any gaps or imperfections with putty and plastic sheets, just as we did in the previous steps.

Attaching the leg shields, while requiring more effort, isn't too difficult; we glued them on one by one after checking that they fit, following the order indicated in the instructions to avoid mistakes.

We're getting closer to starting the painting process.

After repairing some faulty joints and closing the inside of the shoulder armor to simulate a large space intended for defensive weaponry, we only need to emphasize the panel lines to finish the work on the arms.

Now we definitely have the first image of our GUNDAM taking its final form.

During the assembly of the various pieces that form the arms, I realize that there are some defective joints. In the case of the outer part of the elbow, the central step found is corrected with a piece of 0.15mm thick plastic plate cut to size (in light gray). On the inner area, before using sandpaper to create a perfect flat surface, I glue small 0.3mm thick plastic strip (in yellow).

In the same way, the piece that forms the shoulder protection presents the same problem on its inner side and although it may not be visible once mounted in position, I prefer to hide it. In this case, since the joint is in a hard-to-reach área, it´s more convenient and simple to, again, glue another small plastic plate, —a better and simpler solution than using putty and sandpaper -.

The more I looked at the box illustration, the less satisfied I was with the result of my first modification to the Gundam's head.

So, on a second attempt, I modified the position of the antennas and their central piece (or firing sensor), as well as the secondary camera located on the front of the head.

When assembling the various parts that make up the internal structure of our Gundam, the fit isn't always perfect. To improve it, I increase the diameter of the female connector with a diamond drill bit of the appropriate size. If necessary, I also slightly trim the studs with a precision nipper.

Once I've confirmed that the pieces fit correctly, I can proceed to glue them and fill any gaps with Tamiya Grey putty, before sanding to level the halves.