MG GINN 1017 Build Review: How Did I Do?

Hey guys! I'm super stoked to share my latest Gunpla building adventures with you all. I just finished my second Master Grade kit and the GINN 1017, and I'm really eager to get your feedback. Building Gunpla has become a real passion of mine, and I'm always looking to improve my skills and learn new techniques. This time around, I decided to tackle a couple of kits that presented different challenges, and I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. Let's dive into the details, shall we?

My Master Grade Journey So Far

Let's talk about my Master Grade journey! This was my second MG kit, and I have to say, the experience was a blast. Master Grade kits are known for their intricate details, impressive articulation, and overall complexity, which makes the building process super engaging. Choosing the right MG kit can be a bit overwhelming with so many awesome options out there. I spent a good amount of time researching different models, reading reviews, and watching build videos before making my decision. Factors like the design of the mobile suit, the level of detail, and the overall challenge of the build all played a role in my choice. This time, I went for a mobile suit that I've always admired for its sleek design and iconic status in the Gundam universe. The inner frame was a particular highlight for me. Seeing all the mechanical details come together piece by piece was incredibly satisfying. I really took my time with this part, making sure each component fit perfectly and moved smoothly. Articulation is another key feature of Master Grade kits, and this one didn't disappoint. The range of motion is fantastic, allowing for a wide variety of dynamic poses. I spent a good chunk of time just posing the completed model and admiring its flexibility. Building the MG kit was not without its challenges, though. There were a few tricky sections that required extra patience and careful attention to the instructions. I also encountered some small parts that were a bit fiddly to work with. But honestly, overcoming these challenges was part of the fun. It made the feeling of accomplishment that much greater when I finally finished the kit. One of the things I appreciate most about Master Grade kits is the level of detail they offer. From the panel lines to the individual thrusters, every aspect of the mobile suit is meticulously designed. This really brings the model to life and makes it feel like a miniature version of the real thing (well, as real as a giant robot can be!). This build has definitely boosted my confidence in tackling more complex kits in the future. I'm already eyeing a few other MG models that I'd love to build, and I'm excited to continue honing my skills and expanding my Gunpla collection.

Diving into the GINN 1017

Now, let's talk about the GINN 1017! This kit was a different beast altogether compared to the Master Grade. The GINN 1017 is a classic mobile suit from Gundam SEED, and I've always been drawn to its unique design. It's got a rugged, almost militaristic look that sets it apart from some of the sleeker Gundam models. This was actually my first time building a kit from the Gundam SEED series, and I was curious to see how it compared to other lines. I did some research beforehand to get a better understanding of the GINN's history and significance in the series. It definitely added to my appreciation for the kit. The build itself was surprisingly straightforward. The parts fit together snugly, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow. This made for a relaxing and enjoyable building experience. The GINN's design is characterized by its heavy armor and powerful weaponry. The kit captures this perfectly, with chunky limbs and a menacing presence. I particularly liked the way the designers incorporated various mechanical details into the exterior armor. While it may not have the same level of articulation as a Master Grade, the GINN is still quite posable. I was able to achieve a variety of dynamic stances, and it looks great on display. The color scheme is another aspect that I appreciate. The GINN's primarily green and gray color palette gives it a realistic, military feel. I decided to stick with the stock colors for this build, as I felt they really suited the design. This build was a great opportunity for me to practice some basic modeling techniques. I focused on clean parts separation, careful nub removal, and precise assembly. These are fundamental skills that are essential for any Gunpla builder, and I felt like I made good progress in these areas. Building the GINN 1017 has definitely piqued my interest in other mobile suits from Gundam SEED. I'm already looking into some of the other Zeon-inspired designs, and I can see myself adding more of these kits to my collection in the future. For anyone looking for a solid and enjoyable build, I highly recommend the GINN 1017. It's a great kit for both beginners and experienced builders alike.

Detailing and Painting: My Approach

Alright, let's get into my detailing and painting approach! When it comes to Gunpla, detailing and painting can really take a kit to the next level. It's the process of adding extra touches and personalized finishes to make your model truly unique. For me, detailing is all about enhancing the existing features of the kit and adding subtle touches that bring out the mechanical realism. Panel lining is one of the most basic and effective detailing techniques. It involves tracing the recessed lines on the kit's surface with a fine-tipped marker or pen. This helps to define the individual armor plates and add depth to the overall appearance. I've been experimenting with different panel lining products, including pour-type markers and enamel washes. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's all about finding what works best for you. Another detailing technique I enjoy is adding small details with pla plates or styrene strips. These can be used to create extra armor panels, vents, or other mechanical elements. It's a great way to add your own personal touch to the kit. When it comes to painting, I'm still relatively new to the hobby, but I'm eager to learn and improve. I've been using a combination of spray cans and hand-painting techniques. Spray cans are great for applying base coats and achieving a smooth, even finish. Hand-painting is useful for smaller details and areas that are difficult to reach with a spray can. Surface preparation is key to a good paint job. This involves cleaning the parts thoroughly, sanding away any imperfections, and applying a primer coat. Primer helps the paint adhere to the plastic and provides a uniform base color. I've been experimenting with different types of paint, including acrylics and enamels. Each has its own properties and requires different thinning and cleaning methods. I'm still learning about the nuances of each type, but I'm enjoying the process of experimentation. Weathering is another painting technique that I find fascinating. It involves simulating the wear and tear that a mobile suit might experience in combat. This can be achieved with techniques like dry brushing, washes, and chipping. I haven't tackled weathering on a large scale yet, but it's definitely something I want to explore further. Detailing and painting can be time-consuming, but the results are well worth the effort. It's incredibly rewarding to see a plain plastic kit transform into a highly detailed and personalized model. I'm always looking for new techniques and ideas to try, and I'm excited to see how my skills progress over time.

Posing and Displaying My Gunpla

Now, let's move on to posing and displaying my Gunpla! Once you've finished building and detailing your Gunpla, you'll want to show it off in the best possible way. Posing and displaying your models can really enhance their visual appeal and tell a story. Posing is an art in itself. It's about finding the right balance of dynamism and stability to create a pose that looks both natural and impressive. I often spend a good amount of time experimenting with different poses before settling on one that I like. A good starting point is to think about the character and role of the mobile suit. Is it a close-combat fighter? A long-range sniper? A support unit? The pose should reflect the suit's capabilities and personality. Dynamic poses are great for capturing action and excitement. This might involve bending the limbs, angling the torso, and positioning the weapons in a way that suggests movement. However, it's important to make sure the pose is still stable and doesn't look awkward. Static poses can also be effective, especially for showcasing the details and proportions of the model. A simple standing pose with the weapon held at the ready can convey a sense of power and authority. Lighting plays a crucial role in how your Gunpla looks on display. Good lighting can highlight the details and colors of the model, while poor lighting can make it look flat and lifeless. I prefer to use a combination of natural and artificial light. Natural light is great for showing off the colors accurately, but it can be inconsistent and vary throughout the day. Artificial light, such as LED spotlights, can provide a more consistent and controlled lighting environment. Display bases are another important consideration. A good display base can provide stability for the model and add to the overall visual presentation. There are many different types of display bases available, from simple plastic stands to elaborate diorama bases. I've been experimenting with creating my own custom display bases using materials like foam board, plaster, and paint. It's a fun way to add a personal touch to your display. Displaying your Gunpla is not just about showing off your models; it's also about creating a miniature world. By arranging your models in different poses and settings, you can tell stories and create scenes from the Gundam universe. I enjoy arranging my models in dynamic battle scenes or creating dioramas that depict specific moments from the anime. Ultimately, the way you pose and display your Gunpla is a matter of personal preference. There's no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to have fun and create a display that you're proud of. I'm constantly experimenting with new ideas and techniques, and I'm excited to see how my display evolves over time.

Feedback and Future Projects

So, guys, that's a wrap on my 2nd MG and GINN 1017 builds! I'm really happy with how they turned out, but I'm always looking for ways to improve. I'd love to hear your feedback on my builds. What do you think of the detailing and painting? Are there any specific techniques I should try in the future? Do you have any suggestions for posing and displaying my models? I'm all ears! Your feedback is incredibly valuable to me, and it helps me learn and grow as a Gunpla builder. I'm also curious to hear about your own Gunpla experiences. What are some of your favorite kits to build? What techniques do you enjoy using? What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? Sharing our experiences and knowledge is what makes the Gunpla community so awesome. Looking ahead, I've got a few exciting projects in the pipeline. I'm planning to tackle a new Master Grade kit soon, and I'm also interested in exploring some of the Real Grade and High Grade lines. I'm also eager to try out some more advanced painting and weathering techniques. I've been watching a lot of tutorials and reading articles, and I'm feeling inspired to push my skills to the next level. One of my goals is to start entering Gunpla competitions. I know it's a big step, but I think it would be a great way to challenge myself and get feedback from experienced builders. I'm also planning to start documenting my builds more thoroughly. I'd like to create build logs and tutorials to share my knowledge with others. I believe that giving back to the community is an important part of the hobby. Gunpla building is more than just assembling plastic models; it's a creative outlet, a learning experience, and a way to connect with other enthusiasts. I'm so grateful to be a part of this community, and I'm excited to continue my Gunpla journey. Thanks for joining me on this adventure, and I can't wait to share my future projects with you all!