MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.3.0 [WIP: Torso Inner Frame, Body Unit Part 1 of 5]

Work on Grandpa Gundam himself begins with the Torso Inner Frame of the Body Unit. Progress on the RX-78-2 is only moving along at a moderate pace due to the need to paint the individual parts before assembling them. But I expect things to speed up somewhat as I slowly get the hang of the unique paint/build process a Gundam model kit entails. Ironically I find this slow paint and build process to be extremely gratifying even if at the same time I'm frustrated by the slowness of it all.    

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 work-in-progress: Torso Inner Frame

It was during the course of painting the inner frame that I got to thinking I'll need to retire my cheap Made-in-China airbrush soon and start using my Mr.Hobby Procon Boy Double Action airbrushes (0.2 and 0.3 mm) instead. I'll most likely limit use of the cheap airbrush on test work or perhaps priming. Why change now? Well, I feel a lot of prep work (e.g. preparing metal paint in specialized thinner) is being wasted on sub-par results (e.g. flaky metallic finishes). Now it could be I didn't properly mix the paint or perhaps mixed different brand thinners and paints that are incompatible to each other. But I suspect it's likely caused by the cheaper airbrush's poor paint atomization.

Paint and thinner materials used in the painting of the Torso Inner Frame

Torso Inner Frame after a few coats of Tamiya LP-20 Light Gun Metal diluted with Gaia T-09m solution

Vanes on the ducts located on the upper torso after a few coats of Mr.Color Gundam UG03 MS Yellow

Only two colors were needed at this stage namely Tamiya LP-20 Light Gun Metal and Mr.Color Gundam MS Yellow. To create depth especially on the metallic pieces, I used the Mr.Weathering Color Multi-Black panel liner. This oil-based weathering paint seemed to have a matt effect on the top gloss coat. So to avoid the glossy metal finish from becoming flat after panel lining, I cleaned excess panel liner with the Mr.Weathering Color Solvent. Since the Mr.Hobby website states that the panel liner is an oil-based paint, I also tried using white spirit as a cleaning agent with some success.

Mr.Weathering Color's oil-based black panel liner was used to create depth on the painted pieces

Not shown here is the Mr.Super Clear (Semi Gloss) top coat which I applied on the yellow duct vanes. My plan, for now at least, is to apply a semi-gloss coat on all the outer panels of the RX-78-2. The gloss finish will be reserved for parts covered with metallic paint. Below are a series of photos which show the individual parts being assembled into the Torso Inner Frame of the RX-78-2.

Torso Inner Frame prior to assembly (note: shoulder articulation joints partially assembled)

Shoulder articulation joint assembled and duct vanes attached to supporting structure

Shoulder joints attached to inner frame and duct vanes enclosed in supporting structure before ... 

... they were attached to the backbone of the inner frame

Torso Inner Frame comprising upper torso (top) and lower torso (bottom)

Upon attaching upper torso inner frame to the lower torso inner frame, I noticed articulation at the point of connection allows for sideways movement of the torso (see below). 

Upper and lower torso can be moved independently left or right at the point of connection

In addition, articulation within the upper torso itself allowed for it to bend forwards and backwards (see below). Other articulation include shoulder joints which I presume allows the arms to rotate with a significant amount of freedom. From what I can tell so far, the inclusion of an inner frame should provide a sturdy skeleton frame for outer armor panels to attach onto as well as for posing flexibility. 

Part of the upper torso itself has ability to move slightly backwards ...

... and forwards which together with the left and right movements suggest many poseable options for the torso

View from top down shows shoulder joints have a high degree of movement ...

... as they should in order for both arms to move freely

View of the Torso Inner Frame, from the bottom up

Some modellers display the RX-78-2 just by its inner frame sans any outer panels which necessitates that the entire inner frame be painted in a myriad of metallic colors. This is to denote the variety of metals that make up its inner frame. However, I intend to display the RX-78-2 with its armor intact with only parts of the inner frame showing through. This means I'll be painting only up to three variety of metallic hues namely Light Gun Metal, Gun Metal and Dark Copper, all Tamiya paints. At this early stage, the Torso Inner Frame only required the Light Gun Metal metallic paint color.  

Back view of the Torso Inner Frame onto which the Ransel (backpack) will attach

Front view of the Torso Inner Frame with the duct vanes attached

Next on the to-do-list for the RX-78-2 Gundam Body Unit is its outer armor panels. Paint will need to be airbrushed on and decals applied before they're attached onto the inner frame. Aesthetically the next step should be more interesting to work on and to read about. With that and with the weekend upon us, here's wishing you progress in your projects in the coming two days. As always, thanks for reading my post and for following my work-in-progress on the Grandpa Gundam. Au Revoir.