1/72 Hasegawa vs 1/100 Wave Battroid (from a Gundam perspective)

[Quagga]

Hi Guys

Recently I posted a request for advice regarding Battroid kits ("Looking for a Gundam-style Battroid kit"). Since I've gone ahead and ordered some models, I'm moving here to continue the discussion

Recap

I recently discovered Gunpla and having loved Robotech as a kid, I wanted a Battroid kit, Gundam-style (fool-proof build, great articulation, decent durability). After considering some options, I ended up convinced that I'd be happy with an articulated display model, despite it requiring more work than a Gundam. The choice came down between the older and bigger Hasegawa and the smaller newcomer from "Wave Corporation". I couldn't choose, so I ordered both from HobbySearch (see links).

• 1/72 Hasegawa - VF-1 Battroid (No.10 - A/J/S)
  
• 1/100 Wave - VF-1S Strike Valkyrie Battroid Ichijyo Hikaru Custom
  

Both have since arrived in good order. They are joined by a HG Gundam AGE-1 "Spallow" for comparison.

Pics to follow in due course

Edited December 14, 2014 by Quagga

[Quagga]

All three came in pretty boxes.

They were adequately documented and supplied with stickers

Wave's 1/100 offering comes with Strike parts and is grouped by sturdy plastic bags, filling the compact box. Only the S variant is covered, which explains the small sticker sheet. It came molded in white, dark grey, strike-parts-blue, clear and rubbery polycap (PC) material.

The 1/72 Hasegawa's stack of plastic was biggest. Three heads are includes, and almost everything was contained in a single bag. Sprues became entangled and a few small parts broke free, but nothing was damaged. Molded in white, red, clear and PC, with an impressive sticker sheet covers three variants (A/J/S).

The Gundam came in a compact box on 5 runners, without any plastic bags. It seems made up of fewer parts than the static models. Molded in white, red, yellow, blue, grey.

Quite a few hours later and here we are: Arms built / dry-fitted.

First I washed everything with some kitchen degreaser, then clipped from tree's with a nail-clipper. Nubs were shaved and sanded. All three went together very precisely, without any glue so far.

Hasegawa: Lovely soft plastic material, beautiful details, what's not to love? Look and feel true to Hasegawa's aircraft model heritage.

Bandai looks and feels like a quality action figure. Hardest plastic. Clicks together securely, unlike the VF-1s which goes together smoothly but gives no "click".

Wave is closest in feel to Bandai. Plastic feels dense. Unexpectedly the smaller model is made up of more little parts (in the arms at least) and feels denser / heavier that the relatively lightweight Hasegawa.

The Gundam features a double-jointed elbow, but it remains to be seen how much (if any) advantage it brings.

So far I'm very happy with all three models and it is interesting to switch back and forth. Sharp as the panel lines on the Wave may be, Hasegawa's Battroid is sized in the popular 1/72 scale and only costs half as much, which may decide it for many.

Next time: The torso!

[mickyg]

Nice start! Really showcases the differences so far. Looking forward to the rest of your build/review.

[Quagga]

Hey mickyg

Thanks for commenting! I'll try to keep up standards

I'm looking forward to the torsos (torsi?) which contain some lovely detailed parts.

Then there is also the matter of choosing paint schemes... My current plan is to build the Wave in Rick Hunter Ichijyo Hikaru's red/white (not that I have much of a choice if you go by the decal sheet) but without Strike Parts (or perhaps I can make the upgrades removable?)

Senpai Hasegawa I'm planning to finish in Roy Focker's colours. Unless I go for the brown Cannon Fodder VF-1A finish, which Hasegawa also has covered... Another option would be to go for two identical VF-1S...

I'd like to hear some suggestions and/or opinions on the matter!

Edited December 15, 2014 by Quagga

[Vifam7]

Hey mickyg

Thanks for commenting! I'll try to keep up standards

I'm looking forward to the torsos (torsi?) which contain some lovely detailed parts.

Then there is also the matter of choosing paint schemes... My current plan is to build the Wave in Rick Hunter Ichijyo Hikaru's red/white (not that I have much of a choice if you go by the decal sheet) but without Strike Parts (or perhaps I can make the upgrades removable?)

Senpai Hasegawa I'm planning to finish in Roy Focker's colours. Unless I go for the brown Cannon Fodder VF-1A finish, which Hasegawa also has covered... Another option would be to go for two identical VF-1S...

I'd like to hear some suggestions and/or opinions on the matter!

The easiest paint scheme to do is the TV Kakizaki VF-1A.

[Quagga]

From I what found on Google, Kakizaki's scheme looks very similar to how TwoBad finished his Hasegawa VF-1A (see Hobbyfanatics and PhotoBucket). Posted by electric indigo in my original thread, I was impressed enough to ask permission to repost. This level of build is obviously far beyond my abilities, but it is nice know that it can be done (and out of the box too).

This thing looks great

Just look at those panel lines and the teensy "Don't step" stickers... WOW

And here we have electric indigo's fabled "dusting technique" blending in the decal. Check out the transition between the brown and creme: I suspect that this is the work of a highly experienced modeller. While TwoBad's work is inspirational, check out JET7's build to see how good a straight-forward build can look.

Anyway, tonight I've assembled some of the Wave's torso, just enough to connect the arms. It was quick and painless and I can report that I am very pleased with the results

Assembling the "Body" as described in step 2, leaves you with a loose-fitting collection of bits.

I despaired at the thought of a wobbly Valkyrie

Not solid at all

To make life easier I'd suggest to rather stick the polycaps (PC23 and PC24) into A2 (the chest plate featuring jet intakes) before assembly.

With front (A2) and top (A8) plates fitted, the torso is rock solid

Of all the possible shoulder joints in the world, Wave chose a wee little plastic rod with balls on the ends

This is starting to look like a robot..! The little rods fit firmly into both arm and shoulder sockets and yield good articulation

Brotherly love. Wave impressed me with a combination of a good solid feel and decent articulation

The Gundam has amazing casting and clever design. It feels as if more effort went into it... Not to knock the models, being Valkyries they push all the right buttons for me, but Bandai did a great job ensuring that I end up with a perfect end-product. Wave and Hasegawa left more responsibility with me. Time will tell whether that was a smart move...

Next time it is back to the Hasegawa!

Edited December 16, 2014 by Quagga

[milhouse]

Looks good! And I like your write-up too! I hope you love the Wave models, those are my favorite!

Cheers Quagga!

[Quagga]

Thanks man. Your advice was part of the reason I tried the Wave

[Quagga]

I've been looking forward to tackling the Hasegawa all day! Bolstered by the smooth ride so far, I expected more of the same. The 1/72 had other plans though: assembling the torso proved rather tricky. To be fair, it cost nothing more than some careful sanding and I am left chuffed with the results, if slightly worried about durability... Can't say I wasn't warned, but this was my first personal encounter with the famously fragile nature of this model.

OK, this doesn't look too hard

Goodness me, what are those supposed to be?

Time to grab the tweezers...

Not something that you are likely to come across in a Gundam:

Little bits of ill-fitting (though admittedly fantastically detailed) plastic veneer

Note to future Hasegawa Battroid builders: Respect the fragile bridge!

A bit of judicious sanding and voila!

Since this piece isn't structural, I took the easy way and mainly sanded the male connectors

Hasegawa trusts ME to remove this nub?!?

I'm going to have to be extra careful...

This nub is perilously close to some fine surface detail...

Care is called for!

Just look at that surface detailing, perfectly spanning pieces

B9 (white chest bit) and E1 (red) fit precisely and brought some much-needed stiffness to the party

The shoulder-tops are some of my favourite bits, of this particular kit and of VF-1 Battroids in general

I'm worried about the connection with the nose of the plane / waist of the Battroid. As far as I can tell, that is where the little plasticy bits in the poly-caps come into play (see photos 2, 3 and 4 in this post). I fully expect them to break as soon as I attempt to pose this guy. Please someone, tell me I'm wrong

Despite my misgivings, this is a lovely sight

Next time I aim to complete enough waist to attach the legs.

Edited December 16, 2014 by Quagga

[mickyg]

Still watching with a great deal of interest! Your photography and writing style are very easy to follow. Nicely done!

In fact, I've held off on getting any battroid kits for quite some time and now think I might want to take the plunge on a Hasegawa kit.

[Quagga]

Thanks MickyG! For me half the fun is in sharing the experience. I can only encourage you regarding the Hasegawa: it is a lovely bit of kit and great value too.

Edited December 16, 2014 by Quagga

[mickyg]

And starting to become a little harder to find, unfortunately. I have a few of the fighter mode kits and they are indeed, lovely and great value. Where do you hail from, by the way?

[EXO]

Nice... keeping an eye on these.

[Quagga]

And we´re back to Wave! I briefly considered assembling the legs first, but a look at all the little parts was enough to convince me to stick with the announced program.

Doesn't look very hard, but I'm slightly wary after last night

Snip snip snip and we're ready to go!

Nubs are often placed out of sight

This positioning makes cleaning them up much quicker and easier

This looks pretty sturdy, certainly if you consider the size of the model

One of the polycaps proved imperfectly cast and required some careful trimming to fit

This tip I got from a Gundam book. The book was in Japanese but I thought I saw a picture suggesting you support a polycap from inside when called for

Close-up the fit isn't perfect, but it looks and feels pretty darned decent

The waist assembled

If anything is getting filler...

Or perhaps not as it turns out this isn't really visible when assembled

Please learn from my mistakes and don't bend your battroid too far over backwards: it gets stuck

Why didn't they just center the pin?

Just as well I'm not planning any poses with the waist rotated 90 degrees

Ladies and Gentleman: GERWALK mode!

[Quagga]

Hi Guys!

Tonight it was the turn of the Hasegawa´s nose / waist.

In contrast to the Wave battroid, who's hip joints are molded as part of the "fuselage", Hasegawa saw fit to use a separate part, one that felt pleasingly hefty. All the bits felt and looked good and went together precisely, without any need for sanding besides the nubs.

Sadly I got too enthusiastic with the Stanley knife and damaged the nose

Looks better in real life, but I don't know how good it will look once painted...

I've resigned myself to second round of sanding (and a first of filling)

The work of a n00b. Looks good from far, but far from good.

It is amazing how precisely these little bits of plastic fit together.

Treat the little tabs on the hip joint cover (B6) with care!

We're getting there...!

As it turned out, the little polycapped plastic bits I was concerned about, are not much more than guides. I guess they were supposed to hold the waist / nose firmly to the torso, but mine aren't doing much. It feels as if the lower body might drop off at any moment! Perhaps I should give the waist a firmer push, it certainly looks as if something should go "click", but I don't dare to apply much force. I'll take another look tomorrow

The size difference is considerable, not to mention design and level of detail

Hasegawa's detailing is awesome. Very shallow, but pin sharp. Any coat of paint will have to be very thin... It also appears to be as fragile as its reputation suggests. I've never heard anyone criticize a model aircraft for lack of durability: I guess you need to apply the same criteria when judging the Hasegawa.

That Wave can't compete with Hasegawa on level of detail is certainly understandable, given the scale difference. Wave make up for it by having deeper panel lines, which gives their battroid more of a anime look IMO. The Wave feels totally different, closer to the Gundam than the Hasegawa in fact. I also expect the 1/100 Valkyrie to end up very close in size to a 1/144 Gundam (with a 1/100 Gundam almost 50% taller). To someone who doesn't know any better, this would look better in a mixed display.

I must be close to half-way through assembling the (basic) models and judging by my original criteria, the Wave is ahead.

Edited December 18, 2014 by Quagga

[Jefuemon]

Don't worry too much about losing the detail on the Hasegawa kit.

[Quagga]

Hi Jefuemon!

I appreciate you (and other experienced modellers) chiming in

Your example looks nice and dirty! If you don't mind me asking: how did you get that finish? I've been reading up in the Beginner's Model Building Construction BASICS thread and my guess is that you've used some kind of a "wash" to pick out the panel lines..? I've been pondering how I should finish my models: I'm a bit hesitant in investing wads of cash into an airbrush, compressor and extractor setup, though it certainly seems like the best option. I'm keeping an eye on my local second-hand market though.

Edited December 19, 2014 by Quagga

[Jefuemon]

I use some of the easiest stuff around, Flory's Promodelers Wash. I use the black. What's nice is that it'll go over a properly set decal no trouble. I don't know if an oil or enamel wash will do that.

[Quagga]

Ah, thanks for the tip! I've checked out your link and it looks very interesting. I did not see any reference to the chemical base of the wash though... Sticking with the beginners' thread terminology: how "hot" or "cold" is this wash? I have a colleague, who is an experienced modeller, and he advised me to try "Vallejo Air" paints, which are apparently "polyurethane / water based". If I understood your post (in the beginners thread) correctly this is would be a relatively "cool" paint...

Edited December 19, 2014 by Quagga

[mickyg]

Definitely "cool" paint, vallejo. The promodeller wash is also about as "cool" as you can get. I think its clay based, if I'm not mistaken and is mixed with water to apply it. I know of nothing that you'd hurt by applying it.

[chyll2]

I guess I was using my Vallejo washes wrong

[Jefuemon]

Definitely "cool" paint, vallejo. The promodeller wash is also about as "cool" as you can get. I think its clay based, if I'm not mistaken and is mixed with water to apply it. I know of nothing that you'd hurt by applying it.

Yes, the Promodelers wash is nothing but finely ground clay in a water suspension. Nothing toxic or caustic at all.

[Quagga]

Sounds good! What do you guys use for extraction? I plan to paint in room already fitted with an air outlet for the tumble-drier. There is a second pipe that is currently blanked off. I imagine myself spraying towards a ventilator blowing into the outlet, while wearing some sort of gas mask...

@chyll2 Please explain for the benefit of this n00b

Edited December 19, 2014 by Quagga

[chyll2]

Sounds good! What do you guys use for extraction? I plan to paint in room already fitted with an air outlet for the tumble-drier. There is a second pipe that is currently blanked off. I imagine myself spraying towards a ventilator blowing into the outlet, while wearing some sort of gas mask...

@chyll2 Please explain for the benefit of this n00b

based from the video Jefuemon has posted, the wash is applied through out the model. The Vallejo washes that I tried has similar consistency. It is like a dirty water with very little acrylic suspended on it.

I have a hard time using it since I was doing panel wash while by focusing on one panel line and moving the kit around to let the Cappiliary action to do its thing. (just like how an enamel panel line wash)

The thing is, it does not behave like an enamel wash, so next time, I will follow the way it was shown in the video.

[Quagga]

Live and learn!

OK, last question before I try and do something productive on my last work day of 2014:

Can anyone point me in the direction of a tutorial on space weathering?

I'm also looking for (and not finding) reference pics of damaged mechs... Valkyries would be awesome, but anything would do. I'm in the process of re-watching the Western adaptation of Macross ( ) and I'm looking out for scenes where damage occur. The obvious scene would be the first episode where the arm holding Minmay is shot off, but I'd prefer my model to be sporting all its limbs...

I've watched international scale modeller's series on model airplanes (see youtube) and Steezy's Gundam weathering video (also on YT) and I'm working through WM Cheng's excellent step-by-step guides.

I'd like to go for a well-worn and dirty look, possibly adding some scrapes and/or battle damage if I'm feeling brave.

Edited December 19, 2014 by Quagga

[modelglue]

My advice to you regarding weathering is that less is more. If you think you have weathered too much then you probably have. The thing about weathering and damage is that it does get repaired and cleaned. Sometimes excluding an area from weathering or repainting a spot on a model with new clean paint can go a long way in adding realism and also variety. Often, I find that I have over done my chipping and exhaust staining. Stepping back from your work after each section you do will help your overall process.

[Quagga]

My advice to you regarding weathering is that less is more. If you think you have weathered too much then you probably have. The thing about weathering and damage is that it does get repaired and cleaned. Sometimes excluding an area from weathering or repainting a spot on a model with new clean paint can go a long way in adding realism and also variety. Often, I find that I have over done my chipping and exhaust staining. Stepping back from your work after each section you do will help your overall process.

Thanks for the advice modelglue! I've since procured some cheap models on which to practise before attacking my battroids with the Dremel.

I've been trawling the internet and I haven't found too many shops with either the Wave or Hasegawa battroid in stock. I hope that this is simply due to the holiday buying frenzy and not a permanent situation

As far as my own battroids are concerned, I hope to finish building both over the coming weeks and to conclude my comparison (you know, from a Gundam perspective ). After the completing the initial dry build, I plan to shift gears and take things quite a bit slower: I first need to learn some new skills and invest in equipment in order to do them justice.

As you might gather, I'm back to being hooked on model-building, following a twenty year break spanning ages 16 to 36.

Is this an early sign of an oncoming mid-life crisis?

[modelglue]

At the risk of seriously affecting my regular supply of Japanese kits; here is where I get my Macross stuff from, amongst other goodies. Very reputable seller and always gets me a decent shipment rate.

http://www.ebay.ca/usr/tokyo-hobby?_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2754

I just bought the 2nd last Hasegawa VF-1 (A,J,S) in 1/72 so act fast!

[Vifam7]

As you might gather, I'm back to being hooked on model-building, following a twenty year break spanning ages 16 to 36.

Is this an early sign of an oncoming mid-life crisis?

Looks like you're in the same boat that I was in 5 years ago. I posted my first Macross kit build here at MW back in March 2009. Like you, it was a twenty year break between age 16 and 36.

BTW, don't get it too frustrated when the build doesn't quite go well. We've all been there. Heck I still make countless mistakes and my builds are still nowhere near some of experts here. But it's all good fun.

[modelglue]

Looks like you're in the same boat that I was in 5 years ago. I posted my first Macross kit build here at MW back in March 2009. Like you, it was a twenty year break between age 16 and 36.

BTW, don't get it too frustrated when the build doesn't quite go well. We've all been there. Heck I still make countless mistakes and my builds are still nowhere near some of experts here. But it's all good fun.

It can be heart breaking and wallet shattering when you mess up that nice, expensive kit. But persist.