MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.3.0 [WIP: Ankles & Feet]

In keeping with the order of assembly given in the instructions, I began work on the Leg Unit of the RX-78-2 Gundam from the bottom up. This meant starting with the mecha's ankles and feet. These together with the Leg Inner Frame/Outer Panels and the Waist Unit will eventually make up its Lower Body. Here then are the very foundations of Grandpa Gundam; its ankles and feet. 

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 Work-in-Progress: Ankles & Feet (Front View)

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 Work-in-Progress: Ankles & Feet (Back View)

From the outset it was fairly clear what Bandai was trying to accomplish when they separated the lower leg build into ankles and feet rather than fusing it as one whole piece. More than that, Bandai had also engineered two articulation points on the feet itself thus allowing the sole to bend both outwards and inwards on itself. Taken all together, this design should allow for a higher degree of mobility on the feet and ankles. That's always a good thing when it comes to posing your Gundam. 

Sticker decals provide the only out-of-the-box options for markings on the ankles and feet

Build complexity of the ankle and feet translates into better articulation and movement

Bottom and top view of the Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam's ankle and feet

As per the norm in a Gundam build, the greater freedom of movement usually comes hand-in-hand with higher complexity thus more tiny parts to paint before assembly. This is something I like to term as the Gundam Process. Admittedly though, the said process has slowly become second nature to me. While I do not claim to be good at it yet - more complicated builds lie ahead - now I can at least face the task with much less trepidation. Practice breeds a familiarity that lays the foundation for a more confident application of technique. This in turn leads to an improved skill set. And if all goes well the end result should be an artful piece of scale modelling. That's the hopeful idea anyway.     

Repeatedly having to paint and assemble small parts into a greater whole equals familiarity with the Gundam process

Despite their design complexity, actual assembly of the foot/ankle wasn't too complicated to be fair. It was quick and painless, which made the highly articulated final build all that more impressive. Below are a series of shots showing the gradual assembly of the RX-78-2 Gundam's feet and ankles. 

Individual parts of an ankle/foot all painted up with decals applied, and awaiting assembly

Assembly begins with the core of the foot inner frame (see left side) ...

... with the inner frame done, next up are some armor panels (see left side) ...

... and finally all that's left for the foot is its final three outer armor panels (see left side)

Feet is finally assembled (see left) with the ankle parts (see right) soon to follow suit

RX-78-2 Gundam foot (see left) and ankle (see right) fully assembled

It's always nice to get a section of a build done up quickly sans any problems. And the ankles and feet of the RX-78-2 Gundam was that kind of build. They look good to boot.

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 Work-in-Progress: An ankle and foot

With the bottom up approach, next on the build list are the leg inner frames. The process is similar to that of the mecha's arms in which an inner frame provides structure and articulation while the outer panels provide the aesthetics. For now I will wallow in the satisfaction of taking another step towards the completion of the Grandpa Gundam project. So it's not without irony that I leave you with this quote just as things are going well for me ... Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. That's a famous law. If you live a long life, you'll understand. - Tanya von Degurechaff aka Tanya the Evil.