MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.3.0 [WIP: Arms]

It's only at this stage of the build that one can truly appreciate what Bandai has done with this version of the Grandpa Gundam. What stands out the most is color contrast on the armor which was created using a multitude of small and separate parts. Although the parts already came molded in the different colors, I still proceeded to paint them up. I did so because there is a distinct difference in the quality of appearance between a painted and non-painted part i.e. the latter looks plasticky and toy-like. Below then is the assembly, painting, panel lining and decaling of the RX-78-2 Gundam's arms.

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0: Right arm sans hand painted, assembled and decaled

Painting both arms was a particularly trying experience due to the numerous tiny parts involved. There were just so many of them that even as a meticulous sort I still lost track of some parts in the assembly process. Right after I took a photo of all the arm parts that had been individually painted I soon realized I had actually missed out a few. That's why in the photo below you can see another picture (top left) within the main one showing the parts I had forgotten to prime and paint.

Arm parts were all individually painted (shown above) before decal application and assembly

One thing I'm always fearful of when painting Bandai scale model kits is having the plastic crack on me during the weathering process. This I experienced quite frequently when using Tamiya enamel thinners to clean up excess panel lining. Nowadays I've switched to an oil-based weathering product i.e. Mr.Weathering Color from Mr.Hobby for panel lining purposes. Because it's oil-based, the brand's propriety solvent Mr.Weathering Color Thinner - which I suspect is either white spirit or the more benign odorless mineral spirit - is much gentler on the plastic. Even using the Winsor&Newton Artist White Spirit in lieu of the propriety thinner has yet to cause the Bandai plastic to crack.      

Individual parts of the Right Arm all painted up with decals applied, and awaiting assembly

Sub-assemblies i.e. shoulder joint done (top left) while innards of the arm are slowly taking shape

Innards of the Right Arm (bottom piece on extreme left) completed

Here, most of the outer panel armor have been attached to the Right Arm

Right Arm with all its outer panel armor attached; only the shoulder joint is left to be connected

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0: Rights arm (sans hand) completed

Side view (inner left side) of the RX-78-2 Gundam's Right Arm; note shoulder joint (top right)

Back view of the RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 Right Arm

Side view (outer right side) of the RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 Right Arm

Another issue I have when painting/weathering Bandai plastic is the worry that the paint may chip as result of normal handling of the kit. Based on my experience, a good primer coating with the Tamiya Fine Surface Primer followed by a slow buildup of a paint layer using multiple light coats airbrushed onto the primed part has resulted in the said part being largely scratch and damage resistant. Of course it should be noted that the paint layers have been further sealed in with a clear top coat for added protection. I'm sure this has contributed a fair amount to the paint layer's resilience.  

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0: Both arms (sans hands) completed

Markings on both arms comprise solely of the sticker decals provided in the kit

Arm has excellent color contrast with the pure whites and off-whites ...

... made so much better with the metal innards providing further contrast

So far this has been the most complicated assembly process I've encountered in the build. But the complexity is there for a reason. Bandai's model kit engineers and designers have created a section with many moving parts working in tandem to allow for a smooth 90 degree bend at the elbow. It seems a trivial thing but the mechanism prevents the outer panels from unceremoniously rubbing against each other during the bending process. This in turn reduces chances of scratched parts and chipped paint. In fact the Leg Unit has an even more complex mechanism but that's a post for later.

Both arms have the flexibility of being bent up to 90 degrees

As a whole, the Arm Unit is still missing its hands and shoulder armor. Once those are painted, assembled and attached to the arms then the Arm Unit will be complete. And following that all the parts that make up the RX-78-2 Gundam's Upper Body can finally be checked off the to-do-list. Bit by bit it's slowly coming together. Now there's still a ways to go. But I'm getting there.