Written by 2:32 pm On the Bench

WIP : Wave 1/20 Rapoon Pt. 1 – Construction

Next up is (what I hope to be) a more relaxing build than the Fujimi RF-4C. This is another powered suit from Maschinen Krieger. This time, it’s a recon version of the standard SAFS.

Fit as usual is so-so with fairly obvious gaps. I went with the 2-armed option instead of a laser for the left arm.

Unlike the older SF3D/Ma.K Nitto kits, the PC joints are stiff and allows the kit to keep a fixed pose. I decided to go for a more dynamic running pose.

The kit can be broken down into subassmeblies for easier preparation.

To attach to the base, I need to insert a rod through the left foot. To make the rod more secure, I added a 0.5mm plastic plate inside the foot so there are more layers for the rod to go through.

The PC joints are as usual a material that doesn’t take paint well or easily trimmed so they need to be replaced with epoxy putty.

I haven’t found anything to replace the hoses but since they are so thin I will deal with them using weathering and washes instead.

I use a local 2-part epoxy putty called ‘Epoclay’ which is used for sculpting figures by hobbyists. Instead of replacing the PC joints I just wrap epoxy putty around them.

The joint folds were added by randomly pressing the flat end of a Tamiya stirrer into the still soft epoxy putty. Once dried, I’m left with a fixed posed kit.

THe newly wrapped partds fit back into the sockets with some trimming. Checking it with the base, I’m not sure if I want to add a bit of incline to the pose of the Rapoon. Doing so will give a clearer view of the front but I think it might look a bit unnatural.

For detailing, I added hoses from the back of the feet to the lower legs. The wires are from soldering wire and I added housings on the lower legs using Wave U-vernier option parts.

I also added details to the shoulder sensor (?) pod using Kotobukiya MSG option parts.

And I’m more or less done. Next is to fix the gaps (which there are quite obvious ones) and I can start painting.

Build Log
Pt. 1 – Construction | Pt. 2 – Painting & Finishing

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