G-Fighter Bomber Type

A very unexpected project - I received the HGUC RX-78 and G-Armor in a Secret Santa exchange at a local event. This is a kit I would probably never choose to build, but since I received it as a gift, I felt compelled to put some decent effort into it! I did some research online and found this artwork from the MSV-R design series. I thought it was a pretty cool take on what is otherwise (in my opinion at least) a fairly corny design from the original Gundam.

The same local shop that held the event where I received the kit had a "clean build" event, so I decided to use this kit. Despite being an older HG, the kit is actually fairly well designed, and although I didn't employ it, the way it can transform to hold the Gundam is actually kind of cool.

The front end was reworked by creating an armored cockpit using a 1/100 Zaku II knee cap, the addition of some modified 1/48 aircraft weapons to replace the beam guns, and a 1/48 missile for an underslung sensor pod.

The original stubby wings were removed and the more aerodynamic wings from an old Zeta Gundam kit were added. Some Federation decals from a sheet meant for a MG Ball were used for warning seals and also insignia markings.

While this was a very unexpected project - I think it turned out okay! For being a fighter plane with tank treads (what where they thinking?!) with a few small modifications, it can look somewhat decent and less like a Transformers toy. Doing a relatively clean build was also a nice break from the usual hand painted weathered builds as well - going outside of my comfort zone was a welcome experience!