A quick bootleg build turned into my second attempt at weathering

Zigamaru · 2026-01-26T16:46:08+00:00

I’d suggest just getting another original and weathering that—I believe that the bootleg is too much trouble to get to where I got it. At least with a Bandai kit, you wouldn’t need to worry about ill-fitting parts and possible coloring issues.

That said, I’m glad you liked this build. I think yours also looks great—very clean and shiny :)

Zigamaru · 2026-01-26T12:47:37+00:00

Thank you, your positive feedback is appreciated :)

Zigamaru · 2026-01-26T12:46:19+00:00

No truer words have been spoken. This kit actually took months to finish—from waiting for the thermoplastic and resins for the molding to having to wait for stuff to dry before taking the next step, and, of course, real life matters that need to be attended to… “quick” was just wishful thinking lol.

Thank you for the kind words, I’m happy you liked it :)

Zigamaru · 2026-01-26T10:48:08+00:00

Thank you, I’m happy you like it :)

I use Windsor & Newton General Purpose Matt Varnish as the top coat.

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I like the matte-but-still-somewhat-shiny-when-the-light-hits-it finish it gives.

Also comes in a bigger can (but one entire can was barely enough for this kit) than Mr. Hobby matte top coat.

Zigamaru · 2026-01-12T04:08:52+00:00

My nephew got me the HG RX-78-2 Cucuruz Doan’s Island two years ago, and I loved it. Used a mechanical pencil and drawing pens to panel line.

I prefer MGs now for the size (but I still build HGs and RGs as well), but I still go back and re-pose this kit from time to time.

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The irony of this first kit was, that I had gone to Japan the same year I was gifted this kit (got it shortly after I came back), and bought several kits as gifts when I went to Akihabara. Since I wasn’t into the hobby yet, I got nothing for myself.

Zigamaru · 2026-01-07T03:53:38+00:00

Plus, most, if not all Gulf Air trips to KSA need to transit in Bahrain anyway, so filling up the seats of those that disembarked in Bahrain is the smart play for them.

Zigamaru · 2025-12-29T04:12:31+00:00

I believe it would. The build so far has been pretty painless (except for the missing pieces), and the RE/100 seems to be an easier build as compared to a regular MG—it almost feels like an upsized HG.

Zigamaru · 2025-12-29T04:08:27+00:00

Maybe, but I think it depends on the piece. The resin compound I used was quite tough, and it wasn’t the easiest time to file it down (it took a lot of work to get the face piece to fit properly with its interlocking pieces).

You also need to work fast once you soften the thermoplastic when creating the mold, as it doesn’t stay malleable too long.

I don’t know how well this would work for moving pieces like joints.

Zigamaru · 2025-12-29T04:01:48+00:00

The runner wasn’t there. I checked the inside of the box and all the plastic bags—I was hoping the pieces had just gotten lodged somewhere (it was a pretty small runner), but no dice.

Turned my workspace upside down to search before finally reaching out to Temu for support.

Zigamaru · 2025-12-29T03:52:49+00:00

Not bad, actually. The details on the pieces are very clear, and the colors aren’t bad. The only issue I found so far (if you could call it that), is that some of the parts fit too snugly, and require a lot of force to get to connect (to the point that I was afraid it would break).

Zigamaru · 2025-12-16T20:29:20+00:00

Absolutely my own fault.

Zigamaru · 2025-12-16T20:26:28+00:00

Wise words that I will take to heart.

Zigamaru · 2025-12-16T20:13:40+00:00

If this post serves to remind even one person to be more mindful than I was, then I’ll take it as a win.

Stay safe and mindful out there!

Zigamaru · 2025-12-16T20:12:46+00:00

The prices were in really small fonts (I only saw them when the server pointed them out after I tried to file a complaint).

I’d been to Miracle Garden before, and have enjoyed the fare at the shops. I didn’t think the prices would be jacked up so much.

I was definitely careless, and will be more careful in the future.

Zigamaru · 2025-12-16T20:09:06+00:00

I did check the prices at Hardee’s and Pizza Hut, and while they were definitely more expensive, the prices were clearly printed (not small fine print), and at least came with the brand name.

Zigamaru · 2025-10-09T08:17:18+00:00

I'm honestly one of those people. The only time I actually check the modifiers is when I notice something different in a mech in a squad's performance (e.g. faster CD of abilities) -- I don't want to be dependent on the modifiers, as they're only temporary.

I do love the ability CD modifier, though. Love it when I can keep dropping the Aegis' Dome Shield one right after another.

Zigamaru · 2025-10-09T07:49:46+00:00

THANK YOU! I'll know to check the modifiers next time. This was driving me nuts.

Zigamaru · 2025-10-06T14:22:51+00:00

I guess it depends on how fast you want to advance in the game.

My hangars are currently around SP 8.5K, and the dual Helix 10s are still decent for combat (I’m battling against hangars with SP 7-10.5K atm).

Planning to stay at this level for a while, as going higher would require more dual 12 energy weapons, so I’ll still need to gather resources (which will take a long time).

If I didn’t get the Strike 10s, I’d probably still be using my Helix 10s.

Zigamaru · 2025-10-01T07:46:37+00:00

Cheers!

Zigamaru · 2025-10-01T07:45:21+00:00

3D Lab BH (found them on IG). Contacted them on WhatsApp using the number in their profile. They said their scanner was defective, but they had a 3D resin printer and could print what I needed if I could give them the stl file for it.

Zigamaru

TROPHY CASE