MS-06D Desert Zaku

This kit was started around the same time as the Gouf Custom and much like that build, was a big learning experience when it came to doing military style weathering and modifications on a Gundam kit. This was my first attempt to bring the aesthetics of Kazuhisa Kondo to a build and the stahlhem-wearing Zaku Kai from 0080 seemed like a great candidate.

The backpack was made from the inner frame of a 1/100 Zaku backpack combined with some other bits for detail - the original Desert Zaku design has a large ventilated backpack and I wanted to reference that.

The spiked shoulder was replaced with a 1/100 shoulder armor for the Kondo style heavily armored look. The rifle of the Gelgoog Jäger was also used as it has the appearance of a MG42, which also adds to the Kondo aesthetic of oversized WW2 infantry weapons. 

While this kit was a very early attempt and doesn't quite nail the Kondo style as well as it could have, it was still an enjoyable build and even won a GBWC qualifier at Fanime 2015. I've revisited the Kondo style a couple times since this build with varying results - it's a really unique and compelling take on the Gundam universe that combines elements of real life historical military vehicles with mobile suits that allows for a lot of creativity when modeling!