WIP on 1/48 Billvine anime kit

JD
Never seen this one before, looks like an awesome fun kit. I like the texture effects, more pics please!

entophile
Thanks for the comment. It is a pretty decent kit, just made more challenging by the fact it was pretty poorly put together when I bought it (no sprue point cleanup, too much glue used, and unpainted). I am quite happy with how the texturing turned out. These mecha are supposed to be part mechanical and part organic (insect), so I figured the armour should have some texture like lots of insects do (I'm an entomologist).
I think I'm still up to the challenge of completing it, and I will post some more pictures as things progress. Cheers.

JD
Ah, it's a rescue mission then.. cool!

entophile
Definitely a rescue mission! I wish I had taken more "before" photos, but you can see that I basically took the whole thing apart to deal with all the sprue attachment nubs, and to clean up seam lines and paint it. It is transformable, but I am going to make it a static build on a diorama base. It is nothing compared to the newer Gundam kits, which I see you have built some of. They are a dream to build, with few seam lines to clean up, and way easier to paint. I have a few of the MG kits in my stash, but I have lots of the older kits too. All fun, as you can let your imagination run wild.

JD
Yeah, you can definitely get spoiled on Bandai kits, they're so fun and easy to build, it makes my other projects seem much more difficult..

entophile
I think I might need to do a newer Bandai kit after this one.

JD
This is the way..😉

StarshipTrooper
Any updates? I'd really like to see the completed model...

entophile
It's coming along. I will post some more in progress photos soon. Thanks for the interest!

entophile
Just posted a few more photos.

StarshipTrooper
Cool! Thanks

Torsten
Interesting project, like it 👍

entophile
Thanks all! The diorama base will be a challenge for me, as I haven't really done one before. Got to keep challenging myself.

StarshipTrooper
Keep up the great work! I wish i had half the modeling talent and skill as you.

entophile
Starship Trooper, thanks. I have been modelling, on and off, for about 45 years. Big gap when I went to University for seven years. I don't consider myself that great a modeller, especially when I see some of the other stuff posted these days. As another modeller said, it's all about practice, and trying new techniques. These days, there is so much information available online to help, but nothing is as good as doing it yourself. I have made (and still make) lots of mistakes, but that's how we get better. If you haven't yet, you should check out Jon Bius on YouTube. He is pretty great, in my opinion. So is ZakuAurelius. They have lots of tutorials that have given me lots of tips. Modelling is such a great creative outlet for me, and I find it incredibly relaxing. That's why I like it so much.

StarshipTrooper
45?!?! That's almost three times as long as I've been alive! No wonder you're so good at models! Thanks for the advice, and I'll be sure to look up those guys on Youtube.

entophile
Yeah, I am really old ?. I started building models when I was 11 or 12 years old. I used to build tank kits with my Dad and brother. My Dad always encouraged me to do my best at everything, including model building. It was good advice that has helped me a lot. You can't always be the best at everything you do, but you can always do your best. Keep building and having fun. Post some photos, ask for advice, take some helpful criticism - all these things will help you get better.

StarshipTrooper
ANy major progress? I'd really like to see some pictures, but no pressure!

entophile
Had a short hiatus due to sunny weather keeping me outside. I will post some more photos soon. Thanks for the interest!

StarshipTrooper
Lucky! Where I live, we have wet, dreary winters followed by about a two-week period where the weather is perfect. Cool breezes, beautiful sunsets, and the scent of flowers in the air... But once those two weeks are over, it gets hot! And humid! Average high of 93 degrees with a dewpoint of 75! (I live just outside of Charleston, SC btw)

entophile
Pretty much calling this one done. I need to do a few minor touches, and take some better photos, and it's on to my next project!