Universal Century Model Kits

Gunpla Build - High Grade Zaku III Custom (Build) 2024-10-14

Let’s take a look at what’s in the box:

I have two initial observations. First, some of these parts are massive, which … yeah. It’s the Zaku III after all.

My second observation is that this kit is built out of the same extra hard, extra shiny plastic that most old HGUC kits seem to be made out of. I know from past experience that that it still looks perfectly fine after some topcoat, so I’m not really worried about that. What I do find interesting is just how rough this plastic looks under the surface.

Gunpla Build - High Grade Zaku III Custom 2024-10-13

You know, in all my years doing this hobby, I don’t think I’ve ever built a mobile suit from ZZ Gundam. Let’s change that!

I can’t not quote Gundam Youtuber Kakarot197 here - it’s time to build the Always Bulky Zaku III.

Oh, and a disclaimer:

Spoiler Preface!!!

This post contains some mild spoilers for the final episodes of ZZ Gundam. You may want to skip it if you haven’t watched the show.

Gunpla Build - Real Grade Crossbone Gundam (Build) 2024-08-02

Okay, now we get to the mobile suit. The instructions have you build it from the bottom up, so let’s just do exactly that.

Feet

I just want to take this time to say that I love this dark tone of red:

It’s just so rich and deep.

But yeah, there’s not much else to say here. It’s got an inner frame and a toe bend, and everything you’d expect from a foot.

Gunpla Build - Real Grade Crossbone Gundam (Core Fighter) 2024-07-31

Okay, now that we’ve looked at the Crossbone Gundam’s mountain of accessories, let’s now take a look at the Crossbone itself, starting with the Core Fighter.

Prior to building this kit, I had no idea the Crossbone Gundam had a Core Fighter. I don’t think the F90 did, and the F91 certainly didn’t, but for some reason the Crossbone (née F97) does. Go figure.

This is one of two places on the model that uses one of the prebuilt “Advanced MS Joint” parts. Specifically, it uses this cross shaped part as a frame for the fighter’s long, bone-shaped thrusters:

Gunpla Build - Real Grade Crossbone Gundam (Accessories) 2024-07-28

In case you needed to see just how tiny some of the parts are for this kit, here’s a look at the runners:

Take a close look at things like the leg armor, or the red toe armor, and you’ll see that they’re that much smaller than normal. Or you can try and zoom in on some of the excruciatingly tiny orange parts on the A runner.