Painted build
MG 1/100 Nu Gundam Ver.ka
modeled by makeva

New gundam item RG ZGMF-X20A Strike Freedom Gundam

The newest RG kit is another Gundam from the gundam seed series. The Strike Freedom is the latest addition in the newest and most highly-detailed line of RG Gundam model kits. There is a lot to expect from this new kit featuring an inner frame that is gold instead of the usual RG black. This kit is no surprise to gundam collectors and fans alike. since the release of the seed remastered series the kits are just following the thread. Im thinking of getting this kits once its released since its one of the gundams that i cansider a hard hitter and besides i already have the master grade version of this.

 I hope that the kit is not back heavy since it has huge wings and all. I guess we will just have to wait for the final product. The next thing that we should be prepared next would be the limited edition extra parts that may be coming out after this kit. Its a possibility that it can be for the full burst mode.

The kit proportion is looking good except for the chubby gun. they should make it more proportional and trimming on plastic will actually make sure that the unit can at least hold it properly.

I wonder when they will release the arch enemies for this kits like the legend gundam. I bet it would look better on my display stands if i have the rival gundam as well. just think of all the action and battle poses you can do with those kits. I just hope this RG can pose as dynamic as the MG. I have MG Strike freedom and I think it's one of the most dynamic-posing MG in my collection.

The gold parts look nice I just hope they come out as chromed gold not just regular yellow.

Picture courtesy of: gundam planet

TOOLS FOR GUNDAM BUILDING

Here are my very basic tools in building a gundam. These tools would help you build your fist kit with just very minor and basic details.

Side Cutters for Gundam

This tool is a must have! I have tried other cutting tools to get the parts of the runners and using side cutters are still the best and cleanest way to get those parts off. This tool would give you better results than using other tools like nail cutters and nail nippers. This tool would help you get into those tight spots on the runners and would help you separate the parts with the greatest of ease and have that kit done in no time. Although the side cutter may be an expensive tool it would greatly save you a lot of time in modeling since it provides clean cuts on the plastic kit no need for too much sanding on the nub marks.

Side Cutters for Gundam

 Gundam special tool Side Cutter
The blades tips are made of high grade steel and this has been my side cutter for years already. old school design but it gets the job done.

X-Acto knife

The X-Acto knife for me may be the best hobby knife. It is actually a short, sharp blade mounted on a pen-like aluminum body thats is used for crafting and hobbies, such as model making and other things that you need to use a sharp precision knife. The X-Acto knife has a very sharp blade specially with a newly replaced blade. There is lot of uses for this knife in gundam building. I mainly use this knife to scrape off excess plastic from gundam parts. I also use this knife to separate decals from the decal sheets.The X-Acto knife has also been used for my battle damaged builds since it offers precise cuts which is important to not to overdo battle damage effects.

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement 

Tamiya’s extra thin cement comes in a little cubed glass jar. the clear liquid inside almost look like just regular water. The warning labels on the bottle to use this in a well ventilated area. This extra thin cement smells like nail polish and is quite irritating when exposed for long periods of time. The cap has a small brush built in which is an ingenious method of applying cement. I mainly use this cement for removing seam lines in building gundams. Removing seam lines is one of the basic modelling skills that a gundam modeler needs to master before painting kits.  I would not recommend this for gluing parts. This melds in plastic but does not have a strong hold or bond over pieces.

Super Glue 

The super glue is one of the most important tools you will need in building gundams for its many uses and applications. Never start a gundam build without a super glue within reach. There are many brands to choose from. The one in the picture is the one that is  usually readily availble in my local store is Pioneer Mighty Bond instant glue. I use super glue to attach parts to my kits, For scratch building parts, For tighthening joints, For filling holes on some kits and parts.

Markers and Pens

I mainly use markers and pens for putting in panel lines on gundams and for adding additional small details on my kits. There are several brands and colors out there.The markers on the picture is Gundam Marker and Tamiya Mini 4wd marker. I would recommend buying pens and markers with fine small points since gundam have very small narrow panel lines. If markers and pens wont work you can try an advanced method called washes and dry brushing.

 NZ-666 Kshatriya modeled by [08team] kenshin

The Kshatriya is armed with a  total of 24 funnels for all range attacks. Each funnel has a powerful beam gun that is capable of melting an enemy mobile suit's armor.

The funnels are remotely controlled primarily through use of the psychoframe-equipped cockpit. 6 are stored within each of the Kshatriya's four binders

Kshatriya can engage large numbers of enemies at the same time with the  use of these funnels and allows it to overwhelm a powerful foe.

Kshatriya 24 funnels is vulnerable to the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam's NT-D System. 

The back view of the kit which has newly inscribed panel lines. The back skirt is opened up and small details added for the mechanical look

I liked the Orange paint on the gundam arms and the white paint detail really pops out. The front skirt is also detailed and new panel lines inscribed. The brown color of the gundam gives it like a tank like feel.

A Machine Cannon that fire live ammunition. These are used mostly to intercept small missiles.  they are mounted in the chest, between the Mega Particle Cannons.

Two more of Mega Particle Cannon  are mounted on each binder which the Kshatriya to fight off enemies from virtually any direction.

The pilot controls the funnels and the suit itself from the Psychoframe cockpit

The Kshatriya is armed with a total of six beam sabers for melee combat. To allow for quick responses to close combat threats , 2 are located in the forearms. the other remaining four are hidden  together with four sub-arms in the Kshatriya's binders.

The additional details made by inscribing new lines to the kits almost makes it a whole new gundam. cutting the armor in specific area of the kit also added realism to the Kshatriya. Its almost like its going to open up and launch the funnels!

Photo courtesy of : blog.naver.com

HG Gundam Astray Red Frame Flight Unit 

 The MBF-P02 Astray Red Frame is one of five identical prototype combat mobile suits developed by Orb using stolen data from the Earth Alliance's G Project and has an incomplete Natural-use OS. Most of the technology from the G Project are successfully copied with the exception of Phase Shift armor. In its place, the Astrays' designers made the machines out of a lighter foaming metal compound, with minimal armor over the frame. This made the Astray mobile suits lighter and faster than their G Project counterparts. All the five prototype Astrays are also designed with backpack that can be lowered to the back skirt armor, allowing the mounting of additional equipment on the back.


Special Equipment:

Flight unit

    While staying in Orb, Lowe acquired an MBF-M1 M1 Astray flight pack, and modified it for use with Red Frame. The detachable backpack now features fuel tanks in its left and right wings, which give the modified flight unit greater cruising range than the original version. The flight unit seems to be attached to the external connector on Red Frame's back and serves only as a supplemental booster as Red Frame's backpack is still present.

DDRAIG Head

    An optional head unit designed by Lowe Guele, it is designed to be used in conjunction with the Caletvwlch. It has enhanced sensors, Mirage Colloid control functions and can emit a beam antenna under the V-fin. In addition to the saber function, it is also possible to draw letters and figures using the beam.

Gundam Description from: gundam wiki

prototype pictures from: master file

I cant wait for the release of this kit! the kit has new weapons and that new flight pack opens up new ideas for modification.
Im looking forward also for new after market decals and detail options for this kit.
I hope that this would include a flight stand for that cool in flight pose!

Manufacturer :
BANDAI

Grade :
HG SEED

Gundam Series :
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

photo from : gundam planet
 Weapons include the Gerbera Straight, beam rifle, beam sabers and shield on top of the new accessories.

HG Gundam Astray Red Frame Flight Unit