Time for another quick build from the Gundam Base Tour. This time it’s the Entry Grade Grandaddy in Gundam Base livery:
About the Gundam Base Livery
This is a thing with the Gundam Base. They love making variants of existing models that use the store’s blue and white color scheme (with at least one Gundam Base logo plastered on it for good measure).
Normally I’d say this is a really silly and obvious attempt at creating FOMO and an air of exclusivity, but I have to admit that I find this color scheme to be downright crisp. It’s so clean and gorgeous. That’s why I find this kit so appealing.
The Build
It’s the same as any other Entry Grade Grandaddy, aside from the extra two Gundam Base stickers.
Also, interestingly enough, unlike the clear green Haropla, they actually printed a brand new version of the instruction manual that shows the model in its fancy new colors:
This seems entirely unnecessary, though I suppose it goes to show you just how much they want these Gundam Base products to feel extra special.
The Model
I broke one of the hip joints somehow, so this guy isn’t going to be doing any poses, but I don’t mind. All I need it to do is stand there and look pretty:
And it does look very pretty. Unlike my previous Entry Grade Grandaddys, I didn’t go overboard with weathering or color correction. I just really wanted that color scheme to stand out and take the spotlight. As a result, it looks simple but extremely effective.
Other Thoughts
When I built my original Entry Grade Grandaddy, I wasn’t overly positive on it. Looking back, I think a lot of it had to do with the (lack of) quality of the build:
The panel lining and color correction is sloppy, and I think I messed up something in the head (the eyes look crooked, right? I’m not the only one who sees it?). Whereas with more experience and a lighter touch, this new model looks so much better. I feel like I can finally see why so many people raved about the quality of this Entry Grade kit when it first released. I just needed to finally give it the TLC it needed.