Bandai Gundam Heavyarms Ver EW 1/100 Master Grade

First: BEAST!This model kit is serious business, and I loved it from start to finish. This was my 2nd MG kit build, and after plenty of trial and error with my 1st one (Epyon), I decided to build Heavyarms with a LOT of attention to detail.I'd recommend this model for any MG kit beginner to an expert. It's impressive and fun to build, looks great when you pose it, doesn't really need an Action Stand like most models, and all the gimmicks for the missle pods are included.For the people who are just starting to paint their models, this one is a great first experience. I mixed up some Semi-Gloss Black and Gun Metal with a couple drops of Metallic Grey for good measure, and that was my base coat for the Beam Gatling, Ammo Backpack, and Ammo Belt. The HUGE blade I did in Semi-Gloss Black. The Thruster/Backpack I did in Gun Metal. For the missle pods, you're going to want to see the missles a different color than the missle containers themselves. What I did was the Black-Gun-Grey mixture for the containers, and straight Gun Metal for the missles.I hand-brushed, and I have to say I think I prefer handbrushing this model than airbrushing. The texture a brush gives the plastic makes it seem more realistic, as if it was brushed Gundanium Alloy.I also painted most of the Kit while it was still on the runners. But I realized half-way through my build that I unnecessarily painted some parts, and other parts I could've painted differently. Like I said, trial and error, but I do recommend you read through the manual a few times and get a good look at the pictures before you decide how you want to paint this model.My only complaints for the Kit itself:The Ammo Belt has a hard time staying in place. If you flex it too much while trying to pose the Beam Gatling in his hands, the belt will come off. I tried using plastic cement to keep it in place, to no avail. I guess the plastic-wire belt that you use to build the Ammo Belt isn't the right kind of plastic for cementing.The Bam Gatling does have a hard time staying in the hands, I'd recommend some sticky-tack.Otherwise, this kit was fun to build, awesome looking, and worth every penny.

Genuinely one of my favorite builds! Had a lot of pieces that were easy to assemble, manual leaves nothing to be questioned, and the actual model holds up nice.

Very fun and easy kit to build

I have enjoyed everything about this product. The art work on the box is amazing and it has pictures of the finished kit in various poses. Putting this thing together was very enjoyable. It's just amazing to see how well the pieces are designed to snap together with no glue. I bought the Tamiya basic tool set to build this model. The side cutters are absolutely essential to remove the pieces from the plastic trees or sprues. I also used the hobby knife to remove excess plastic from the pieces. The instructions, as is most of the text on the box and the manual, are in Japanese but the pictures and numbers are easy to follow. It takes some patience to build . I would not recommend these kits for kids . It is definitely for teens and adults. I myself am in the "too old for toys" demographic. The only painting I did on it was some panel lines on the legs and head with a fine tipped black Gundam Marker. I am not an expert or experienced modeler and I don't know much about painting and finishing plastic models, though I would like to learn more. I think it looks very good without paint. I have yet to put on the decals. I will have to do some research on you tube because I am not sure how to put them on. Over all I am very happy with this purchase and I am definitely looking to buy another one. Here are some pros and cons:Pros: no glue or paint required. the attention to detail here is just phenomenal. The finished kit looks great and its fun to pose with different weapons .just a few cons: the robot looks great holding the massive gattling gun but it tends to fall off. Also it's difficult to attach the ammo belt without it falling off. be careful when posing the model, the antennae on the head are delicate.