The first series of Gunpla Chronicles entries detailed my attempts to build the Real Grade Char’s Custom Zaku II. While I didn’t do a very good job of updating my progress down the stretch, I did get manage to finish the kit. I found the experience to be challenging, educational, and ultimately rewarding. While I made more than a few mistakes (and nearly broke one of the leg pieces permanently), I still think the Zaku came out better than I expected for a first try. To this day I cannot work in my office without stopping to admire the thing.
I don’t know how much farther I plan to take Gunpla as a hobby (I lack the time, money and space to build kits on a regular basis), but ever since last spring I knew I wanted to build at least one more kit to tide me over for the foreseeable future. Now, almost a year later, it’s time.
After doing more research on Gunpla, I decided I wanted to stick with the Real Grade line. The kits are reasonably priced, their small size is perfect for my office, and they are incredibly detailed and well articulated. I also knew that the choice of which kit to build would not be easy. After building the Zaku, there aren’t many models in the Real Grade line which I care about, not when it is so heavily represented by mobile suits from Gundam Seed. But of the remaning options, I still had to decide between two of my favorite mechs of all time - the original RX 78-2 Gundam, and the Gundam Mark II. I like the look of the Mark II better, but the nostalgia factor of the RX 78 was undeniable. Ultimately, the choice was driven by an overwhelming feeling of obsessive compulsion; Char’s Zaku would look out of place standing next to the more advanced Mark II. Indeed, it had to be paired with its nemesis, the RX 78. And so it was done.
It may be old school, but it still can’t help but look badass
Wish me luck folks.