Sunday, 30 August 2009

Playing with Google SketchUp

Working off the brilliant 2D design that Midnight Star did for me... (click the link to see the related forum thread) this is the 1st time I've ever done anything in 3D. To start with I found it so frustrating with this supposedly simple to use software... it was like learning to draw with my feet! However... after some perseverance, I am now quite chuffed with the progress I have made as a beginner. The program I used is called Google SketchUp (version 7 at the time of writing) and it's non-Pro version is just 36MB to download and entirely free to use! I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in learning the concepts of working with 3D but have zero previous experience. I haven't exported anything yet but read that it was possible to import my work from Sketchup into more advanced programs for making animations etc... which I also hope to try my hand at upon a later date.

Thursday, 13 August 2009

MG Exia Ignition Mode build

Fresh Gunpla snow is falling once more... 60% done. Start shooting the video this weekend no problem.


This photo shows the residual gate material that is meticulously trimmed from each part. I call it "Gunpla snow". Don't snort it... plastic crack is not a real drug. Or is it???
Grand Master Falsh said... "DON'T DO IT!"

Monday, 3 August 2009

Mermaid and Nether Gundam (The Brotherhood of Transforming Fail-Gundams)

Released 2003 (printed on the packaging) retailing for ¥3600 before tax. MSIA - Mobile Suit in Action : Mermaid and Nether Gundam double pack. The Mermaid is stamped 2002 on his leg whilst the Windmill has no date markings on him at all.

Yes I know... The Hurricane Gundam to US viewers of the show. Nether - is way funnier so get over it already... "Hurricane"??? that's almost cool sounding!

Something I neglected to mention in the video review, though you can see it... these Japan edition Mermaid and Nether Gundam MSIA figures are both nicely pre-panel lined in grey. I hear the US releases which were left clean (I don't have any American release MSIA myself)

Click on the image for jumbovision scan of the black and white Japanese language instructions describing the transformation of both those bizarre figures from the G Gundam show.

Out of these 2 chaps I'd say that despite is parts-forming transformation ... the Nethergundam's rotate-reveal head, fun free spinning sails, ceiling fan flight mode and better articulation all combine to beat the Fish guy who's only real gimmick is his multi-segmented tail and rotatable propeller.
Waiting in the wings, I have another member of the Brotherhood of Fail-Gundams pending review. Dun Dun DUNNNNNN!!!
Mermaid Gundam video review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8mrA2dRKE0
Nether Gundam video review http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeeGFQJys2A