Master Grade Full Armor Gundam: Build Guide

Hey, fellow Gundam enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Master Grade (MG) Full Armor Gundam. This kit is a real showstopper, packing a ton of detail and firepower that'll make your display shelf sing. If you're looking to add a serious piece of Mobile Suit history to your collection, the MG Full Armor Gundam is definitely one to consider. We'll walk through everything you need to know to get this beast built and looking spectacular. Get your nippers ready, because we're about to embark on an awesome build journey!

Unboxing and What to Expect

First off, when you crack open the box for the MG Full Armor Gundam, prepare to be greeted by a ton of runners. This isn't a simple High Grade kit, guys; we're talking about a Master Grade, and the Full Armor variant ups the ante even further with all its additional weaponry. You'll find multiple bags filled with plastic, each representing different parts of the suit and its extensive arsenal. The manual is your best friend here – it's comprehensive and will guide you through each step. Don't be intimidated by the sheer number of parts; Bandai's engineering is incredible, making the assembly process surprisingly smooth if you take your time. The inner frame is usually a masterpiece in itself, offering great articulation and a solid foundation for the outer armor. We're talking about individual boosters, missile pods, beam cannons, and all sorts of goodies that make the Full Armor Gundam so iconic. The sheer volume of accessories means you'll spend a good chunk of time just prepping and attaching all the extra armor and weapons. It's a labor of love, for sure, but the end result is totally worth it. Pay close attention to the part numbers and the orientation of each piece, as a small mistake early on can sometimes lead to headaches later. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? It’s a challenging build, but the satisfaction of completing such a detailed model is unparalleled. The Master Grade Full Armor Gundam offers an experience that goes beyond just assembling plastic; it's about bringing a legendary Mobile Suit to life with your own hands.

The Build Process: Step-by-Step

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of building your MG Full Armor Gundam. The first thing you'll want to do is organize your runners. Lay them out, check the manual to see which ones you'll need for the current section, and maybe even sort your parts by number if you're feeling extra organized. The inner frame is typically where you start. This is the skeleton of the Mobile Suit, and the MG kits are famous for their highly detailed and articulated inner frames. Build up the torso, the arms, the legs, and the head, paying attention to any polycap placements for articulation. You'll find that many parts on the MG Full Armor Gundam click together snugly, often with undergates to minimize nub marks. Once the inner frame is complete, you move on to attaching the armor pieces. This is where the suit really starts to take shape. Each piece of armor is designed to fit perfectly over the frame. Remember, this is the Full Armor version, so expect a lot of extra armor plates, thrusters, and weapon hardpoints to be attached. The missile pods, beam gatling guns, grenade launchers, and giant bazooka all need their dedicated spots. Don't rush this part! Attaching all the weaponry and armor can be tedious, but each connection adds to the overall visual density and impact of the model. Take breaks, especially if you're doing panel lining as you go. Panel lining early on can make a huge difference in the final look, highlighting all those intricate details. Make sure to check the manual for any special color separation or markings you might want to add. Some kits include decals or stickers, and while they can be effective, consider waterside decals for a more professional finish if you're feeling ambitious. The Master Grade Full Armor Gundam truly shines when all its components are meticulously assembled and detailed. It's a testament to Bandai's design prowess, transforming a complex design into an achievable and rewarding building experience for hobbyists of all skill levels, though intermediate builders will likely find the most joy in the complexity.

Detailing and Customization

Now, this is where the MG Full Armor Gundam really goes from a great kit to an epic centerpiece. Detailing is key, guys! Even if you're not a professional painter, there are simple techniques that will make your Full Armor Gundam pop. Panel lining is your best friend. Use a Gundam marker or a fine-tip Gundam marker, and carefully trace the panel lines. It takes a bit of patience, but it brings out the incredible detail molded into the plastic. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; you can usually wipe away excess marker with an eraser or a cotton swab dipped in a bit of rubbing alcohol (test this on a spare part first, though!). If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, consider dry brushing. Using a lighter shade of the base color or a metallic color, lightly brush over raised details like vents and armor edges. This will catch the light and make those details stand out. For the decals, the Master Grade Full Armor Gundam usually comes with a good set. Apply them carefully, using tweezers and a hobby knife to position them just right. Waterside decals, if you choose to go that route, offer a more seamless look and are well worth the extra effort. If you really want to take it to the next level, think about weathering. A little bit of dark wash around the joints and thrusters can simulate soot and grime, making the suit look like it's seen some serious combat. You could even add some battle damage with a hobby knife – just be sure to practice on some scrap plastic first! Customization is where you can truly make the suit your own. Maybe you want to paint some of the weapons a different color, or add some custom markings. The possibilities are endless! Remember, the Master Grade Full Armor Gundam is a blank canvas. Whether you're a beginner looking to try out some basic detailing or an experienced builder aiming for a competition-level piece, this kit offers a fantastic platform for creativity and showcasing your skills. The sheer volume of armor and weaponry on this suit provides ample opportunities for unique paint schemes and custom additions that can make your build truly one-of-a-kind.

Displaying Your Masterpiece

So, you've spent hours, maybe even days, meticulously building and detailing your MG Full Armor Gundam. Now, what's the best way to show off this absolute beast? First things first: a good action base is practically essential. This kit is heavy, especially with all that ordnance attached. A standard action base might struggle, so look for a sturdy one, perhaps one designed for heavier models or one that can support multiple connection points. You want to pose it dynamically, right? Think about recreating iconic scenes from the anime or manga, or coming up with your own awesome action poses. The articulation on the Master Grade Full Armor Gundam is generally excellent, allowing for a wide range of movement. Experiment with different leg stances, arm positions, and the orientation of its massive weaponry. Does it look like it's about to unleash a barrage of missiles? Or perhaps it's charging its beam cannon for a devastating attack? Positioning the weapons themselves is also crucial. Make sure those beam sabers are at the ready, the gatling guns are aimed, and the bazooka is balanced. Consider the weight distribution when posing. You might need to use some of the included support struts or even a bit of sticky tack to help hold heavier weapons in place. Another great display option is to have it in a more relaxed, “ready” stance. Maybe it’s standing guard, or just finished a battle. This can showcase the sheer size and detail of the suit without requiring extreme articulation. For lighting, consider a display case with built-in LEDs. A little bit of focused light can really make the details and paintwork on your Master Grade Full Armor Gundam pop, giving it that extra dramatic flair. Remember, the goal is to highlight the incredible work you've put into this model. Whether you choose a dramatic action pose or a stoic stance, your Master Grade Full Armor Gundam deserves to be displayed proudly. It's not just a model; it's a piece of art that tells a story of epic battles and incredible engineering. So, find the perfect spot, give it the attention it deserves, and let everyone admire your awesome build!