Builders Parts Gunpla System Base 001 by Bandai (Review)

Just showing off the System Base 1 of Bandai's Builders Parts series. 

No mods, paint, I've actually left most of the nub marks untouched just to show you where they would be visible. So basically out of the box..

 

Unboxing: System Base 001 : (Gunpla) Builders Parts 1/144

In an attempt to have a substitute to the Unicorn's MS Cage for 1/144 scale.. I stumbled upon this.

It goes retail for 900 Yen, though you can get this for a 20% discount in HLJ. Not bad at all..


First Impressions :

• I'm surprised that the box is as big as the normal HGUCs.
• Photos around the box are pretty straightforward of what it does and can do
• The width of the entire base can be easily adjusted thus accomodating narrow ones like the RG RX-78-2 to wider ones like the HGUC Unicorn. 
• The tilting of the base/ "inner" frame is a very nice gimmick.

Review: HGUC RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee (Destroy Mode)

While still waiting for my HGUC Unicorn in Destroy Mode, I decided to get this off the shelf just to satisfy my UC craving.

Here's a finished snap build

Here are some initial reactions:

• The dark parts are somewhat a black and navy blue mix
• The inner frame is sort of a bright yellow instead of the supposedly golden-orangey color
• Details look great and almost captures the MG version
• The Armor VN (Ill refer to it as the "Claw") and BS (Beam Smart Gun) on both hands can be interchangeable but no articulations.

in 360..

 

 A few more thoughts..

• Knee and elbow joints feel sturdier than other HGUCs (ie. Sinanju) probably because there's no weight issues as well
• Sticker use on the Legs, Side skirts and Traps could have been avoided if they've released these gray parts already in yellow (since they are already individual parts themselves).
• The backpack would really have a lot of nub marks that you'll need to clean up. 
• And speaking of the backpack, the pegs that hold the beam sabers are fragile. SO BE CAREFUL! I already broke one of them, especially since you'll be bumping into those beam saber handles more often than not.

Some display of movements and flexibility

*Flat foot test ^

   * my light failed on me in the middle of this so i had to improvise

Some Random Poses

• Its already a given that the Unicorn Gundams have limited poses. But those few poses that it can produce are really Awesome!

Did I mention that it comes with these extra parts?

* except for the yellow beam saber. (It actually doesn't come with any so you will have to rely on your Unicorn mode gundams for it.)

• Hands have problems handling the beam sabers upright. Bandai didn't seem to provide pegs in the manipulators included, though the beam saber handles do have slots for pegs.
• You can remove the Armor VN and BS and replace them with spare wrist guards (because the other ones have pegs in them for the Railgun and Claw to snap on to)
• Unicorn's shield is cool!
• Beam Magnum is cool too!!
• Did i forget to say that the Beam Tonfa's are cool?!

 The Bottomline...

I got this for roughly 24$ and I must say that its certainly a bang for the buck. Bandai really did great including the accessories from the Unicorn Gundam, like the shield and rifle, and spare parts to make them regular arms for the Tonfas. I can forgive them not including the actual sabers because of this.

I decided to get the HGs just because i don't intend to transform from time to time. So this model certainly does the MG justice as details are certainly "MGish". This looks great out of the box i must say with probably a little Gundam Marker work on some of the dark parts and inner frame (as the two upright yellow parts on the traps/shoulders will need to be sealed with a dark blue sticker) especially the backpack.

Ive already pointed out some issues i have with this kit, but they are pretty much very minor.

So definitely a must buy and addition to your collection!





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Painted: HGUC Geara Zulu (Angelo Sauper use)

Whew! Finally done painting this kit! It has been a long 3 weeks, I had to find time every now and then to finish this up.


Overall I was pleased with the results. My painting still needs a lot of work but just happy with the colors and how it turned out. The pictures don't do it justice and looks much better in person.

Heres a clip for a short review

Detailing:

Initially used the stickers that came with it to partially mask the sleeves and the white lining. Handpainted the rest that wasn't covered by masking.

So what i basically did for the emblem and sleeves and other supposedly white lining was:

1. Black base
2. Chrome silver
3. Mask using the stickers
4. Black gloss
5. Handpainted the rest for touchups and detailing hard to reach parts

 

 Here's a 360 view of the Geara Zulu.

  

Colors Used: 

All Acrylics

Tamiya Gloss Black  - Base coat

Tamiya Chrome Silver - 2nd coat

Tamiya Clear Blue + Clear Red (1:2) - Pink/Red/Purple tone

Tamiya Clear Blue + Clear Red (5:2) - Indigo tone

Tamiya Clear Yellow - on golden parts

Mr. Hobby Metallic Black - Backpack & Gun

Thanks for checking this out guys. Hope I didn't bore you. 

Feel free to leave comments and suggestions.