1/144 HG Tryon 3 + Airbrush Trial #2

This post might be a bit late.

But better late than never.

So, around 3 or 4 months ago, a hobby shop had an extravagant sale which forced me and my friend to travel around 3 hours and walk around 15 minutes just to avail of the said sale.

From that sale, I was able to acquire 3 kits.

A Wing Gundam Fenice Rinacita, a Wing Gundam Honoo and a Tryon 3 Gundam, yes all HGBF (High Grade Build Fighters) line up.

Well, nowadays, I can only afford HG 1/144 scale Gunplas (unlike when I was in college).

So, I already built the HGBF 1/144 Wing Gundam Honoo and it was a fantastic kit and a must have for a Wing Gundam collector/fanatic like me (see pictures below).

Loading.. 50%

Macho... macho... Man

Form Blazing Guns

And I am saving the Rinacita for a custom paint build.

So since I am itching to build a gunpla, the only remedy is to build one.

Which takes us to building the Tryon 3 Gundam.

For those that doesn't know the history behind Tryon 3 Gundam, Click Here [GundamWikia].

So let's appreaciate the box art for a bit.

HGBF 1/144 Tryon 3 Gundam or Gundam Tryon 3

Now, if you've watched the series or read the article I've liked above or simply a Gundam NERD like me, you would know or notice that this particular Gundam was based on the ZZ Gundam (if you are in the mood to read click here).

So, this Gundam is actually composed of three components, as shown in the box art.

The Sora Tryon which is a derpy eagle/condor of sorts which forms the legs.

The Umi Tryon, which is a manta ray that forms half of the torso and the arms.

And the Riku Tryon which is a bubble headed lion or liger that forms the chest and the back pack.

Combined, they are Voltr-- I mean Tryon 3.

So, I was able to complete the Riku and the Umi tryon a week or two ago.

Yep, I need a trident action base if I were to display these as individual mechs

But then, a friend and a gunpla enthusiast suggested for me to recolor every yellow part to gold.

Which I think is a great idea, but a bit of a hassle as I've already applied the metallic stickers to the eye.

But when I was continuing the build today, the awkwardly placed gates on the parts of the kit are starting to bother me.

Now for those who doesn't know, I don't do sanding.

Then what do you do to remove the nub marks you ask?

Well, I use the hobby knife.

Unconventional, I know.

But we all have ways to do things.

So, again, as I was continuing with my build, the nub marks are starting to irritate me.

Which forced me to recolor the yellow parts to gold.

This is where the newly bought generic airbrush comes in.

But currently, the only part that I've recolored is the Riku Tryon.

Oooohh...Shiny

Subject: Riku Tryon
Paint Type: Acrylic
Brand: Tamiya
Color: Gold Leaf
Ratio: 3:1 (paint to thinner)
Pre-thinned: No

I will paint the other parts as well.

As much of a hassle as it may be, the placing of the gates as well as the nub marks are irritating me.

A closer look at the head.

And I'll form the head!

I've yet to paint the other parts, but my goal is to have the blue and red parts painted as well.

That way I can somehow hide the nub marks.

But for now, I have to first acquire some paint and somehow force myself to work on this.

On the lighter side, I'm glad to report that the Lazada Airbrush is working perfectly and is delivering what it promised.

'Till the next post!

Trial #1 in Airbrushing

So, yesterday, I posted something about the addition to my ever growing arsenal for building a GunPla. Click here

Now, at around 10:30PM Manila time, yes I am the man from Manila, I figured that I should be testing the airbrush, which was dirt cheap, to see if it will deliver according to its description being "professional".

And this post is about the results.

So on the previous post, way below the end, I've added this photo.

These are the tools that I've bought to maintain my airbrush after using it.

Denatured alcohol - $1 (46Php) and disposable spoons $1.32 (66Php)

Funnel - 3 Different sizes for $1.32 (66Php)

Condiments dispenser - 3 pieces for $1.76 (88Php)
You will probably just need one so you can just store the rest somewhere in your house.

Oil and sauce dispenser - $1.76 (88Php)

First off, I've modified the cap of the oil and sauce dispenser, BTW, this was bought from a Japanese surplus shop.

I've cut some plastic from the cap and sanded it to remove the sharp edges using my mini electric drill that has a sanding attachment.

I've done this so that the airbrush can effortlessly be aimed inside the jar so the the denatured alcohol that was used to clean the airbrush can be collected safely.

Then for the filter, I salvaged a DVD storage pouch, ripped off the plastics and cut the cloth like sheet to cover the larger hole.

This will serve as the filter and the whole jar will serve as the cleaning pot for after I've done using my airbrush plus, since it has another dome-like transparent cover, I can close the transparent cover to reduce the fumes (if there's any) from the denatured alcohol.

Now, on to the test run for the airbrush.

Of course, I need several things.

And since I was already doing some hand painting on my GunPlas before, I already have the necessary things at my disposal.

Brushes - multiple if possible

Paint stirrers

Paint thinner - since I am using acrylic based paints, I will also be using thinner for acrylics

Dropper

And of course, the paints.

For this test, I've used 4 colors, Red, Black, Yellow and Gold.

For the ratio, I've read some articles that we should be using 2:1 paint to thinner ratio when dealing with an airbrush.

However, for this test, I've used 3:1 paint to thinner ration as someone commented that 2:1 ration might make my paint run.

So after mixing the paint and the thinner in the airbrush with the brush I've been using in hand painting, here are the results.

Before anything else, please consider the following:

• The paint used isn't pre-thinned or pre-formulated to be used in an airbrush
• It's already night time when I tested painting these
• It's a bit chilly here
• I am a complete beginner in airbrushing

Yes, this is the purpose for that bag of disposable spoons.

As they are plastic and has a surface almost the same as that of the gunpla's, disposable spoon is the safest testing material you can use when testing to paint with an airbrush.

I think everything else went well except for the yellow one.

And I think it's safe to say that the airbrush works just fine.

Also, always remember that before storing the airbrush, be sure to clean it using the denatured alcohol.

Remember that condiment dispenser?

What I did was to pour some denatured alcohol in to that container with the help of the funnel and I used the dispenser to pour in some denatured alcohol in to the airbrush to rid it of left over paints.

Note that you will burn through the denatured alcohol like you were drinking it as you will be constantly cleaning the airbrush specially if you will paint the model kit with different colors.

Also note that denatured alcohol is flammable and toxic, so be sure to not leave it somewhere where your kid can reach.

With that, I think we're done here. Happy painting and building!

My First Airbrush Kit

After almost 1 year, I finally found some time to post another entry on this blog.

Not sure though when will be the next.

But, I'll think about that later.

So, as a hobbyist, we usually want to take another step to level up on our chosen hobby. May it be boarding, singing, dancing or what not.

It so happened that for my hobby, it's actually collecting toys and building model kits, Gundam model kits specifically.

What are Gundam model kits? [Click Here - From WikiPedia]

Now that you have some idea what Gundam model kits are, or gunpla for short, it's time to show you my latest acquisition for my ever growing arsenal of building these robots.

Ohhh... A white box.

*Drum roll*

What's that in the box you ask?

Well it's a generic compact airbrush.

Now, if you are asking what airbrush is, then, go here, like the previous one, this is from WikiPedia.

So to continue on, again, that thing in the box is a generic compact airbrush.

I purchased it from Lazada Ph, but please note that this post is nowhere being sponsored by the said shop.

So from here on out, I will be showing you pictures of what're in the white box.

This airbrush, according to its description in the website, is intended for make up, art, and tattooing.

It also mentioned craft, cake and model, but no specific information on what kind of model otherwise. So this is clearly a "buy at your own risk" thing.

First off...

The Airbrush

The included airbrush is a gravity feed dual action airbrush.

It also comes with a wrench-like add on for disassembling in case you need to clean the needle.

And of course, a dropper.

A clearer look on the airbrush.

To the right

To the left

Top view

Top view without the cap of the cup

Bottom view

 As you can see, this airbrush already has a fitting in case you want to get a quick release adapter.

For the mean time, I won't be availing of any yet as I am still a complete noob.

It also comes with a braided nylon hose.

I mean, of course it needs to come with that, how on earth will I be able to use this if it misses that.

Next is the air compressor.

Just a tad bit smaller than my wallet

Right view of the mini air compressor.

25psi maximum pressure - good thing we only need 15-20psi for the acrylics

From left to right.

Air outlet. Adjust valve. Power suppy socket.

110-250v Power Supply

 The power supply of the air compressor is an auto volt type so you really won't have any problem of buying a separate transformer.

This actually is a plus for me as I am from the Philippines.

For God made the world and everything else is made in China.

 And comes the other parts that came with these things.

Yes it comes with moisture trap as well as an airbrush holder.

The thingamajig that you need to dismantle the airbrush to maintain it with the dropper.

And of course, the manual.
I will read the manual.-says no man ever

So that's everything that came with the box together with the plastic wrappings and the bubble pouches.

And I present to you.

My very first airbrush kit.

Right side

Left side

Top side - which was taken when the kit arrived.

So I tried this using distilled water to see if it works,

Drop by drop

It actually works and for something that is less than $40 (1,965 Php) for both the compressor and the airbrush, I am pretty satisfied with how it blows the liquid out.

And since this will be my very first airbrush, and will learn from it, I think this will help me understand how to mix and apply the paint to the kits that I will be making.

So for those like me who are looking for an airbrush so that they can somehow level up in this hobby, and for those who will be asking me for the link, check below.

Again, this is in no way sponsored by Lazada nor am I being forced to post this.

Link: This way to Lazada's 1965 Php Airbrush

Also, since I'm already at it, I bought some necessary things in learning airbrushing.

Funnels for pouring in the liquid to those condiment containers.

Denatured alcohol for cleaning the airbrush.

An oil and sauce dispenser to be re-purposed and modified as an airbrush cleaning pot.

And disposable spoons to try spraying or airbrushing paint.

For these 5 things, I actually managed to shell out just a bit over $15 (308 Php).

That's everything for this! As I need to start learning as soon as I can for my future project.

'Til next time!