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- Live Report from Gundam Australia

GAF Feature Model - Vandalier's MG Astray Blue Frame with Lohengrin Launcher

Vandalier is one of GAF's premier modelers formerly based in Perth, Western Australia. It is always a treat when he posts a new model and his work is regularly the feature model whenever he does. He keeps pretty quiet on the forum and then every once in  a while, Awww Shi... Vandalier's dropped a bomb.

This is no exception. When Vandalier posts a topic in the Catapult you can always be sure of a very refined, clean, high quality, and extremely detailed model. What surprised me this time around is the resin Lohengrin Launcher! I have not seen this kind of work from Vandalier before and the symmetry, detail, and proportion are all exquisite! I really like the subdued purple and grey pastels he has used for the Gunpla itself and the orange is far less gawdy than the stock colour.

Enough from me, we'll let the pictures do the talking (of which there are many). Head on over to Gundam Australia Forum and check them out, and maybe leave a comment for the master while you're there.

If you like this, maybe you would like to check out some of Vandalier's previous work:

PG 00 Raiser
SD Sangokuden Red Cliff Diorama
HG Qan-T Full saber
MG Crossbone Full Cloth

Outstanding work Vandalier!

(Edit: Having completed his Masters degree, Vandalier has gone home to Indonesia. You will always be one of the Champions of Perth to us mate! ;) )

Gundam Musou 3/ Dynasty Warriors Gundam 3 X360/PS3 Release: AUS: June 23th US: June 28th

I don't know about you folks but I'm psyched for Gundam Musou 3! The first two were awesome and this seems like it's lining up to be the best in the series. I've been sitting here catching up on some Gundam Senki U.C. 0081 like some of you already have played and i'm excited over the fact I will be able to juggle two Gundam games at the same time. Kind of sad huh? :D Well there's going to be some online modes in this to endlessly enjoy so the question is..What system are we getting it for? I'd like to play as a community as much as we possibly can. Seeya on the forums and enjoy some random images below from the game.

 Unicorn baby!

 Confirms Deathscythe Hell and Sinanju

 GPO2A and Anavel Gato....Yeessssss

 Nu Gundam looks new....HA!

 Small fry are no match for me!

Burning Slash TYPHOON!!!

MG Shenlong by Gaijin Gunpla

Though I would typically reserve this kind of post for models shared in The Catapult at Gundam Australia Forum, this Shenlong by Gaijin Gunpla was too beautiful not to share.

Gaijin Gunpla is known for his clever and original colour schemes. His Yellowbird Sinanju has inspired a generation of modelers. The combination of grey, gold, and black is very striking and a total departure from what you would expect from this kit. Easily the best Shenlong recolour I have seen. It gives a totally different feel to the kit and I think it is outstanding work.

Loads more images at GaiGun's MG Shenlong gallery

Hobbylink Japan Springs Into Summer!

Check out the latest sale by our awesome sponsors at HLJ! As we bunker down for what looks like it will be a chilly winter in the Southern hemisphere, HLJ is about to
Spring Into Summer!

Loads of great gunpla for your tasty mouths.


Of particular note is MG The-O at ¥7,200 is the lowest I've seen it by far! I was just in Japan and this price is 30% lower than the cheapest price I saw it for on the shelf in Japanese stores. So cheap in fact, they have it limited to 10 per customer. A bargain not to be missed IMO.
If you have been sitting on the fence with MG The-O, now is your time!

Also has the interesting addition of a live stock counter in the search function for this item, the first time I've seen HLJ implement live stock tracking and I have to say I'm impressed.

I hope this is something they are able to roll out across more items in future!

Other notworthy sale items include:

RG Char's Zaku II  ¥1,500
1/48 Mega Sized Model Char's Zaku II  ¥4,524  - Are you serious?? Best price I saw this for in Japan was  ¥6,000
MG ReZEL  ¥2,496  I paid twice that on release!! Patience is of virtue..
MG Musha Mk.II  ¥3,900 
MG RX-78-2 Ver. 2.0 Titanium Finish  ¥4,800 
MG Full Armor Gundam ¥3,000 
MG Sazabi  ¥5,600 

Now if you were to combine, say, ALL of these awesome kits into one big order you could easily take advantage of the 20% off FedEX shipping promotion they are also currently running at HLJ, meaning you could have HEAPS of new gunpla REALLY quickly at a HUGE saving! HLJ stays winning.

HGUC Dreissen - Who Says a Dom Can't Get Any Badder?

Out just this week and already listed as "Low Stock' at HLJ, you know this is going to be a devilish build. What is not to like here? Essentially we have a Dom that is sharper and more angular while maintaining the classic rotundness of the Dom shape. It looks a whole lot more fierce to me as well.

Great set of weapons included for an HGUC, and they are mean weapons at that. This range of HGUC's from the Unicorn series continues to impress me.

May 2011 Released. Buy it now at HLJ while you still can!

...and don't forget to check out the thread at GAF, where you can vote on the appeal of the kit and find a bunch of useful links to reviews and good stuff like that. ;)

Thanks to Gundam Guy for the image ;)

Mobile Suit Gundam Art Director Mitsuki Nakamura Passes Away

According to ANN, Art Director Mitsuki Nakamura has passed away.

"Color key artist Kunio Tsujita reported on Tuesday that the production studio Toei notified him that veteran art director Mitsuki Nakamura passed away on Monday, May 16. He was 67. 

Nakamura was born in Tokyo in 1944. Starting with the Space Ace television anime in 1965, he was responsible for the background art, visuals, and mechanical designs for many classic anime at Tatsunoko Productions such as Mach Go Go Go (Speed Racer), Oraa Guzura Dado, Kurenai Sanshiro, Hakushon Daimaō, The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee, Animentari Ketsudan, Kaba Totto, Kaiketsu Tamagon, Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman, Kerokko Demetan, Casshan, Konchu Monogatari Shin Minashigo Hutch, Hurricane Polymar, Uchuu no Kishi Tekkaman, Time Bokan, Paul no Miracle Daisakusen, Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman II, Kagaku Ninja-Tai Gatchaman F, Golden Warrior - The Gold Lightan, and Kaitou Kiramekiman. 

Nakamura later branched out to other studios, including Toei and Sunrise. He worked on the first Mobile Suit Gundam series and movie trilogy, Densetsu Kyojin Ideon, and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. He eventually led his own studio, Design Office MECAMAN.
A wake will be held on Thursday, and a service will be held on Friday." - Anime News Network

You will missed, Mr. Nakamura, thanks for your hard work with your art for Gundam, and so many other works.

- Zeta Newtype

New Gundam Anime Series Incoming

According to reports, a new Gundam series is due to be announced this June. We will follow this as it develops but first...there's an omnious image of a Gundam to show!

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! Official Sunrise Bandai Booth Video - Subtitled!

Here's a video directly from Sunrise's Gundam Portal, completely with english subtitles!

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! MG EW Gundam Wing Kits - Operation Meteor

"The year is After Colony 195. With high expectations, human beings leave Earth to begin a new life in space colonies. However, the United Earth Sphere Alliance gains great military powers and soon seizes control of one colony after another in the name of *justice* and *peace.* The year is After Colony 195. Operation Meteor: In a move to counter the Alliance's tyranny, rebel citizens of certain colonies scheme to bring new arsenals to the Earth, disguising them as shooting stars. However, the Alliance Headquarters catches on to this operation. "

This started every single Gundam Wing episode during the first season. This was first experience with Gundam many many years ago now, and finally we see the Gundam Wing suits, the weapons of Operation Meteor finally in MG form, although not in the way we expected. We have the EW ver. of the original kits, we've already seen the release of Wing, Deathscythe, Shenlong and now Sandrock and Heavyarms will be joining their brethren.

Operation Meteor at last. This diorama even recreates the first time these suits came together in Gundam Wing. Good job!

 MG Heavyarms EW 1/100, though lacking it's iconic Gatling gun, looks good!

MG Sandrock EW 1/100, love the color scheme of the original, will be painting those blades silver though.

- Zeta Newtype

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! MG Epyon EW 1/100 - Release: June - 4,800 yen

Now we've seen Epyon plenty of times before, it's one of those hot anticipated kits, so the community is abuzz about it, especially those of us in the west who's first introduction into Gundam was Gundam Wing. I myself being an American, Gundam Wing was also my first introduction into Gundam Wing. What we saw before was  this:

Image from Gundam Guy. Preorder at HobbyLink Japan here!

As we see in the image below, we have the basic Epyon, no decals, no green orb, lacking the beam sword....it was interesting still, but when that above became this below at the Shizouka Hobby Show? I was floored!

 

 The details! I wasn't expecting Epyon to look so fantastic. Look at that beam sword, multi-layered plastic even!

 

 Epyon vs Zero. This diorama looks amazing.

 Another look at the great Beam Sword.

 Epyon's Dragon mode! The decals make this cooler than it was before, which was impossible, way to go Bandai.

Final Shot, heat rod coming to your house soon! Hopefully not utterly destroying it....

Preorder at HobbyLink Japan here! The list price is 4,800 yen, but you can save 20% by preordering, that's 3,840 yen people!

- Zeta Newtype

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! MG Delta Plus 1/100

This one was probably the best reveal at the show for me. I go by Zeta Newtype so it's no secret i'm a huge fan of Zeta-Type suits, and Delta Plus is like the Zeta (specifically Zeta Plus) and Hyaku-Shiki, two of my all time favorite Mobile suits in Gundam history. I've already decided to get two of these things, one in normal colors and the other in the golden hyaku-shiki style that's already been floating around!

Just thinking about the MG Delta Plus makes me want to launch some sort of Pre-Group Build of it, just to see all the ideas people have for this thing but alas, let's get to the event shall we? The event revealed the kit, and somewhat of it's transformation process. Both forms look great and solid. The MG Delta Plus shows off it's frame between armor pieces more so than a lot of kits, and I really like that.

 Delta Plus standing tall! 

 Delta Plus in the middle of transformation. Clearly one of the prototypes.

 This shows you the transformation procress of Delta Plus.

 Waverider mode of Delta Plus. Remember it gets it's name from Zeta Plus and you see why here.

 Uh, I'm not entirely sure what this is...someone wanna clue me in? Landing struts? Transformation mechanic? I don't know!

- Zeta Newtype

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! MG 00 Raiser 1/100 - Release: May - 5,200 yen

Talk about a kit I've slowly warmed up to and now like the hell out of! Here is the MG 00 Raiser showcase at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, as you can see Bandai has finally revealed the full 'gimmick', if you will, of this entire kit. We see all the LED places lit up, the 00 Raiser has five spots for LED lights, one comes with the kit, others must be purchased seperately. What gets me the most? The effect parts for the twin GN drives, as you see there are two 'GN particle' pieces that come down from the GN drives and the LED light travels through them, although not well, or it could be the lighting from the show. Looks like a great one to grab folks, so head on over to HLJ and grab you a preorder at 20% off!

 00 Raiser, Full Eagle! This kit sure is shaping up to be bigger than anticipated.

LED in the eyes, this is something every MG kit should have in my opinion.

 00 Raiser with 00 Raiser sword below

- Zeta Newtype

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! Upcoming Gunpla Video Showcase Pt. 2

Here's another video that contains more Gunpla, specifically Gundam Wing EW, and Gundam Unicorn. It gets up close with the Delta Plus. Oh man, can't wait!

PG Strike Freedom GB - Gauntlet of the Apocalypse

I could sit here and tell you all about this epic Strike Freedom GB started by Busterbeam....but I can't do the justice to the Gundam Australia thread he posted, so I created it as a blog post word for word....Read if you dare! Wahaha! - Zeta Newtype


 PG Strike Freedom GB - Gauntlet of the Apocalypse: Originally written by Busterbeam

"*Throws down Strike Freedom forearm equipped with MX2200 beam shield generator, still crackling with electricity.*


Let all who deem themselves worthy step forward and pick up this gauntlet and by doing so enter the gauntlet; the set of trials, tribulations and ordeals we must all face before we see a Perfect Grade Gundam kit come to completion.


*cue apocalyptic lightning striking over head.*

O_O!


This is a challenge. With a fixed deadline of September 1 (regardless of what time zone you're in.)


This idea came about when I realized that myself and 3 of my fellow Gundam bloggers were all working on this kit, to a greater or lesser extent, at the same time. None of us were finished and all of us have had the kit since near, if not on, the release day (December 2010).


The bloggers I refer to are ASM, Gaigun, Lupes and myself. Coincidentally all 4 of us were members of Sinanju Group Build (before GAF when it was EvilCow) in which we all made a name for ourselves in the Gundam building/blogging community with our respective kits. Even the Chief aka Administrator Sonar was kind enough to send us all plaques to commemorate the event.


I say this not through arrogance or conceit but as simple statement of fact. That project may have been the single most demanding Gunpla project I've ever undertaken and it might just be the same for the others as well. I've seen other modelers cite our Sinanju's as an inspiration to them. Some emulated Gaigun's Yellowbird, or Lupe's Blue Berserker. Just type "black Sinanju" into Google and ASM's and my own Sinanju will pepper the page with images. Speaking personally I've gotten E-Mails and messages from other modelers out there who have used my colour scheme and poses. It's quite flattering actually to think that one's own creativity can inspire the same qualities in others and indeed looking at myself... I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the modelers that came before me and lit the fires of my own imagination.


But... that was almost exactly 2 years ago... and granted we have all made exceptional pieces of work since then, the 4 of us have never combined or efforts simultaneously as we did for our Sinanju's. Could such a feat ever be reproduced?


This topic will answer that question.


The 4 of us may be the start but we may not necessarily be the end. This is a community and as such this GB is open to the public. But there are stipulations.


To accept this challenge you don't need to be a blogger. But you must already have the Perfect Grade Strike Freedom in your possession. This isn't for people to join in randomly. It's made for people who already have the kit and haven't been able to finish it yet for whatever reason.


So no matter where you are in your build process, whether that be taking the runners out of the plastic or putting on the final decals... considering taking up the gauntlet and finishing your PGSF with us. Personally I'm about 65% of the way through my own PGSF.

The idea initially came about when I saw the tremendous progress Lupes was making on his...

and also when I saw another impressive PGSF finished in these very forums recently by Falldog.

These become an inspiration to me and I realized that I wasn't the only one in this position as well. If Lupes and Falldog could find the motivation to power through theirs why couldn't we all?


So here are the official rules.


1. You must already own a PGSF


2. You must be part way through your build process be that 5% in (classified as: "I looked at the manual and thought about it for a while." or 95% finished (classified as: "I have a couple more decals to put on and then the final top coat").


3. The standard Strike Freedom colour scheme is banned. Re-colours only. Something as simple as changing the scant amount of red parts to orange is sufficient.


4. You must think of a noun by which your PGSF will be referred to. We were talking about using the 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse theme (thus the title) but who wants to name their PGSF "Famine"? Not me. I thought it should be modernized but "global climate destabilization" and "germ warfare" don't exactly roll off the tongue either but who am I to judge... Anyway you have time to think of the word/s you want to use. Just post it when you post the finals pics of your PGSF


and the final and most important rule.


5. You MUST finish EVERYTHING by September 1st.


After that you can pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself on a job well done. We'll probably also heap praises upon you as well because the Gunpla community is supportive like that.


Take it as far as you want. Mods? OK. More LED work? NP we encourage that. Kit bash? Why not but it's gotta be a PGSF base. Do whatever you want BUT it's gotta be done and pics posted here before midnight on Sept. 1. Otherwise you fail this GB.


If you decide to pick up the Gauntlet I will keep track of your name. It shall be en-scribed in the annals of history to be looked upon by future generations of Gunplars from now until the end of time.


That's all you need to know.


Like all group builds it's all about the community and enjoying yourself... so let's have fun doing this! But if you can't make the deadline expect to be called out at the end! Sept. 1 is "Judgement Day" Think carefully before you enter. Could you handle the mantle of shame you would inherit if you fail?


I leave that up to you.


*picks up the gauntlet*


*burns name in a tablet of Gundarium alloy with MGX-2235 "Callidus" multi-phase beam cannon, mounted in torso*


Busterbeam - IN


*cue ominous roll of thunder and somewhere off in the distance, maniacal laughter.*
O_o! Did it just get cold in here? Good thing the summer is coming! Great time to get out and paint!"

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! MG Epyon Video - Repost

I'm not entirely sure if Google will be restoring older posts so i'm going to repost this anyway, here we have the MG Epyon in video, it's much easier to see all the details that went into this kit. I'm not sure myself yet, but this and the Delta Plus sure seem to be fighting for show stealers.



- Zeta Newtype

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! Video Coverage - 00 Raiser Effect Parts!?

Okay, this video gives you a great look at alot of Gunpla at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, but towards the end you get a look at the MG 00 Raiser Gundam, which comes out very soon, and it appears to have all the LEDs installed and look at the twin-drives, there's two effect parts that look amazing when lit up!



-Zeta Newtype

GAF and the 50th Shizuoka Hobby Show! Repost

Well since Google went down for maintenance yesterday, it seems they suffered a server rollback and all the Shizuoka stuff from this blog was removed, below I will add back all I can! Will add descriptions and such back later. Damn Google...