Like the actual weapons for the Veetwo and MarsFour, are both expansion kits rather than packaged WITH the models they're made for... but that's why they both come with variant Core Gundam types instead.
I absolutely love the box art for the grunts recently. While the Leo is still my favorite because of that hilariously grandiose flag in the background, Death Army is looking fabulous in it's own right. Can't wait to see how they'll give us the parts for the variants since we KNOW the legs fold up for Death Navy. Kind of like the IBO weapon option sets having the unique options exclusive to certain suits (including literally whole leg conversions for Landman Rodis instead of simply releasing a complete Landman Rodi retool), but they can charge more for the base kits this time by making Core Gundam color variants.
I love that art. If I ever amass enough Leo's I'm gonna make a display just for them with that in the background.
Question What do you guys/gals prefer and why? Importing model kits (i.e. AmiAmi, Hobby Search, Mandarake, Taobao, etc.) or buying them in the US?
my bad instead of US, replace it with hobby websites that sell them in your continent should you not live in the US if there are any.
I generally try to support my local hobby shops as much as I can. If I know they aren't ordering certain kits, that's when I import.
So after toying around with 1/144 scale High Grades and Real Grades, I built my first Master Grade, the ZZ Ver Ka. I'm really impressed and love most everything about it other than the hands, though they are solid. What would you all recommend for my second? I've seen good things about the Sinanju Stein NT or the Proto Wing Gundam.
I've only ever built three mastergrades, so dont take my opinion as something accurate, but I think my sinanju stein narrative is my favorite mg. It's so much more sturdy due to a lack of poly caps. While not perfect possibility, he can still hold a pose. I'd say the biggest weakness are the unwieldy accessories. Otherwise, go for it!its pretty good for 70 dollars. And if you dont like the nt, the nt has the parts so you can make the original stein. Just saying
I do both. I have a Hobbytown USA that is the center for my city's gunpla scene. Also the two Things from Another World stores sell gunpla. I also buy on various import sites and Amazon.
I prefer to buy in person or at least locally, (from Canadian Gundam) but the bulk of my purchases are still from HLJ or Mandarake. Luckily, it's becoming a lot more half and half.
I prefer brick and mortar. It's exciting to get stuff in the mail BUT nothing quite beats "the hunt" where you find awesome stuff in the wild and can immediately take it home after purchase. For local brick and mortar, there are three places I usually hit: HobbyTown USA, the local comics/gaming shop in the mall, and a mom/pop game/model shop. The first has the largest selection but is a bit out of my way, the second is closest but its stock is extremely limited (it's killing me that they don't have the goddamn Yellow Alto yet, they had the white and blue!), and the third has slightly less limited stock than the comics shop but it's always different from the comics shop and I always prefer to support small, local business when possible. Plus, the mom/pop shop has scratchbuilding supplies out the wazoo like brass rod, which the other two places don't have. If it's something stupid expensive or specialty, ala the 1/100 METAL GEAR REX, then USAGundam is my go-to. I used to rely entirely on HLJ but after their site redesign I honestly find them difficult to use.
I've got a couple of US based stores I go to frequently, but I have a new favorite Ebay source, Jerrytck. That's who I went to for the last couple of exclusives. It all depends on what the stores offer as either with a discount, or inventory. - I'm just about done with painting the Wing's skirts, now I might be able to start assembling this kit. Mixing the right colors finally did the trick, and a few light coats makes it all even. I took this picture before I cleaned up the sloppy edges, but they look just fine for what I wanted. Now to just give them a gloss shine to blend in.
panel lined the chonk. and now, Celestial Being S1 but with 007sword and Qan[T] Full Sabre instead of Exia and Kyrios. I promise, Dynames is visible when you're up close and not hidden by the GN V sword waging their war against war committed by the Union, the AEU, Tekkadan, Teiwaz, and whatever Strike Rouge is a part of.
that QanT Full Sabre addon kit from BTF's back on Aliexpress US $65.55 5% OFF|BTF GN SWORD IV Full Saber for Bandai MG 1/100 GNT 0000 00Q Gundam-in Action & Toy Figures from Toys & Hobbies on AliExpress - 11.11_Double 11_Singles' Day I don't know if I truly want it since the thing is $65, I can't understand Aliexpress' coupon system, and I only really want the green ring for the GN Sword bits
