Dynames Gundam
By Dreux Blalock
What can I say? As my first real venture into Gunpla – a Dynames Gundam – it was rather enjoyable. I might be biased because it is my favorite Gundam from 00, but still…
I know some people see them as “Toys” and not scale models, but I looked at this from the prospective as a stepping stone into a more in depth world.
The Kit: Snap tight or not, I will need glue when I tackle these “High Grade” kits. (High Grade appears to be the lowest grade you can buy in America).
Also even though a lot of the parts are molded into the “correct” color, I feel that my next kit will bring me back to the old days of priming and painting.
Overall, I give the build and the Model itself a B+ for a fun few days build.
The Gundam Markers: These were totally awesome. I see me using them even on non Gundam models because they work perfect for those places I really don’t want to get dirty with pin washes. Clean up was a breeze if I messed up. (In most cases I just needed to use my thumb. For others a simple eraser was sufficient). And all I really needed to do was trace. A completely lazy yet fun way to add detail quickly! All in all I give the Markers an A.
Final thoughts: I definitely want to put more Gunpla together. They are fun builds and really seem to be just like any model I have built: the more time you put into it shows. Even a 20 dollar model can look like a 200 dollar one! The “High Grades” are Bandai’s lower tier kits. This one was only around 20 dollars, but it has some decent parts to it.
Some additional notes: The Gundam Markers: So far they really help with the panel lines, weathering, and highlights. For 4 dollars a pop these are not that bad.Breastplate: Using the grey marker I was able to put some panel lines into the chest vents The only real painting I have had to do so far: the “eyes” of the Gundam in the series are Blue. The plastic piece was red on the sprue. I used Vallejo Sky Blue for a quick cover on it. Black Gundam Marker used to fill in panel lines on the shield. The “Weathering” done with the grey marker and a cotton bud.
Photos by Dreux Blalock