V2 Assault Buster Gundam: HG 1/144 Deep Dive

Hey there, fellow Gunpla enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam – a kit that's all about pure firepower and a whole lot of awesome. This kit, based on the iconic mobile suit from the Mobile Suit Gundam Victory Gundam anime series, is a real showstopper on the shelf. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from the build process to the final look, and even some tips and tricks to make your V2 Assault Buster Gundam the best it can be. Get ready to have your Gunpla-loving hearts explode!

Unboxing the HG V2 Assault Buster: What's Inside the Box?

Alright, guys, let's start with the basics. The HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam kit comes packed with a ton of goodies. When you first crack open the box, you'll be greeted with a plethora of runners – those plastic frames that hold all the parts. This kit is known for having a significant number of runners, which is a good indication of the level of detail and customization options you're in for. You'll find runners filled with various colored plastic, including the primary white, blue, red, and yellow parts of the V2 Gundam. Then, there's a good chunk dedicated to the Assault and Buster parts that give this mobile suit its name. Expect to find a whole bunch of weapons, armor pieces, and the core components of the Gundam itself. The box will also include a detailed instruction manual – your bible for building the kit. This manual is filled with step-by-step instructions, clear diagrams, and often, some basic color guides to help with painting. You might also stumble upon some stickers, usually for smaller details like sensors or markings. Now, I know some of us might be sticker-averse, and that's totally cool. You can always opt to paint these details instead, which is something we'll touch on later. But don't underestimate the power of a well-placed sticker to make your kit pop! The whole unboxing experience is like Christmas morning, especially when you're a Gunpla fan. So, before you even start building, take a moment to appreciate the sheer amount of plastic goodness that awaits you. Trust me, it's a satisfying feeling, and it builds the excitement for the project ahead.

Now, let's talk about the parts breakdown. The HG V2 Assault Buster is a bit more complex than your average HG kit, so the runner count reflects that. You've got the standard V2 Gundam components – the core body, head, arms, legs, and backpack. These are the foundation of the build, and the parts are generally well-molded, with crisp details and a good level of articulation. The real stars of the show are the Assault and Buster parts. The Assault part adds extra armor, which gives the V2 Gundam a more imposing silhouette. It includes additional shoulder armor, chest armor, and leg armor, making the mobile suit look ready for some serious combat. The Buster part, on the other hand, is all about firepower. This kit comes loaded with a Buster rifle, beam smart gun, and several beam sabers. These weapons add a whole lot of visual impact and playability to the kit. The runners themselves are typically made of high-quality plastic, ensuring a good fit and ease of assembly. Bandai, being the master of Gunpla, usually does a great job of minimizing visible seam lines, so you won't have to spend too much time sanding and filling. The colors are generally accurate to the source material, but, as always, you can always enhance them with some painting.

Building the V2 Assault Buster Gundam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, builders, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: putting this bad boy together! Building the HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam is a rewarding experience, but it requires a bit of patience and attention to detail. This isn't a build you can rush; taking your time will pay off in the end. First things first: always refer to the instruction manual. Bandai's manuals are generally clear and easy to follow, but it's important to double-check each step. Don't be afraid to take breaks if you feel overwhelmed – Gunpla building is supposed to be fun! The initial build focuses on the V2 Gundam core, and this is where you'll get familiar with the basic structure of the kit. The arms and legs will come together first, then the torso and head. The articulation on HG kits has improved over the years, and the V2 Assault Buster is no exception. You can expect a decent range of motion in the joints, which allows for some cool posing possibilities. The core V2 Gundam build is relatively straightforward. The parts fit together well, and the details are pretty sharp. Once the core is complete, the real fun begins – adding the Assault and Buster parts. These parts are what really transform the look and feel of the kit. The Assault armor goes on first, adding the extra bulk and protection to the V2. This is where you'll be attaching the shoulder armor, chest armor, and leg armor. These parts add significant volume to the kit, making it look much more formidable. The Buster parts, of course, are all about weapons. You'll be assembling the Buster rifle, beam smart gun, and beam sabers. The rifle and smart gun are particularly impressive. They have plenty of details and look fantastic. You can customize the beam sabers with different beam effects, making them even more visually appealing. The whole process will take some time, but trust me, it's worth it. When you're snapping the parts together, make sure you use a proper nipper to cut them from the runners. This will minimize stress marks and ensure a clean finish. Also, don't force any parts together. If something doesn't fit, double-check the instructions and make sure you're using the correct pieces. Sometimes, a tiny bit of trimming with a hobby knife can help improve the fit. After the build, you can optionally apply the included stickers. They will enhance the detail on certain parts. Finally, you can add panel lines to highlight the details and make your kit look even better. We'll delve into the painting, panel lining, and other advanced techniques in the next sections.

Detailing and Customization: Taking Your V2 Assault Buster to the Next Level

Okay, builders, once you've assembled your HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam, it's time to take it to the next level with some detailing and customization. This is where you can truly make your kit unique. First off, let's talk about panel lining. Panel lining is a simple but effective technique that involves adding lines to the panel to highlight the details. It really brings out the features and adds depth to your kit. There are several ways to do panel lining: you can use a fine-tipped marker, enamel paints, or even Gundam markers. The goal is to add a thin, clean line that separates the different panels and gives the kit a more realistic look. The choice of panel line color depends on your preference. Black is a common choice for darker-colored parts, while gray or brown can work well for lighter colors. Experiment and see what you like best. One of the popular methods is to use a panel line accent color. Apply the color along the panel lines and let it settle in. Once the paint is dry, you can use a cotton swab dipped in thinner to clean up any excess. Next up, we have stickers. Bandai usually includes a set of stickers for small details. While stickers are a quick and easy way to add detail, they can sometimes be problematic. They can peel off over time, and the edges might be visible. If you're looking for a more durable solution, consider painting the details instead. You can use fine-tipped paint brushes or even airbrushes to add the details. This gives you more control and ensures a lasting finish. One example would be to paint the sensor details on the head or the vents on the armor. For painting, you'll need the right tools and materials. Start with some high-quality acrylic paints. These paints are easy to work with and come in a wide range of colors. You'll also need some paintbrushes or an airbrush, depending on your preferred method. Before painting, make sure to clean the parts thoroughly to remove any oils or dust. Use a primer to help the paint adhere to the plastic. After the primer dries, you can apply your base coat of paint. For small details, you can use fine-tipped brushes and steady hands. Use a magnifying glass for extra precision. Also, don't forget to seal your work. After you're done painting, use a clear coat to protect the paint job and give your kit a professional finish. This will also give a consistent look. Customizing the weapons is also an area you can get creative in. You can add extra details to your weapons with paints, or even modify them with pla-plates and other materials. The possibilities are endless! Ultimately, the key to detailing and customization is experimentation. Try different techniques and see what works best for you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – they're part of the learning process. The more you work on your kit, the better you'll become, and the more unique your V2 Assault Buster will be. Remember, the goal is to create something that you're proud of. So, have fun, and let your creativity shine!

Posing and Displaying Your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam

Alright, guys, you've built your HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam, you've detailed it, and now it's time for the fun part: posing and displaying it! This is where you get to show off all your hard work. The V2 Assault Buster is a dynamic mobile suit, so you'll want to take advantage of its pose-ability. The kit has a decent range of motion, allowing you to create some cool action poses. When you're posing, make sure to consider the kit's weight distribution. The Assault and Buster parts add a significant amount of weight, so you'll want to find poses that are stable. Use the included beam sabers for dynamic poses. You can create some amazing scenes with your mobile suit wielding its beam sabers. The best thing to do is to experiment with different poses until you find something you like. Try to recreate iconic scenes from the anime. A few things can help you with posing. Consider using a display stand. This will allow you to pose your kit in mid-air and create more dynamic scenes. The HG V2 Assault Buster has a designated point to attach to the display stand. A good display stand is essential to making your Gundam look amazing. There are many options available, from simple action bases to more complex stands with multiple points of articulation. Make sure to choose a stand that's compatible with the size and weight of the kit. Another consideration is your display space. You'll want to choose a display area that's safe from direct sunlight and dust. A glass display case is ideal, as it will protect your kit from the elements and allow you to show it off. A simple shelf will also do the trick, but make sure to dust your kit regularly. Lighting is also important. Good lighting can really make your kit pop. Consider using LED lights to highlight your kit's features. There are several options available, from simple spotlights to more elaborate lighting setups. The key is to experiment and find what works best for your display. Ultimately, the way you display your kit is a reflection of your own creativity. Don't be afraid to try different things and see what you like. The goal is to create a display that showcases your kit in the best possible way. Have fun, and let your imagination run wild!

Conclusion: Is the HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the HG 1/144 V2 Assault Buster Gundam worth the purchase? Absolutely, guys! This kit offers a fantastic building experience and a stunning final product. It has a great balance of detail, articulation, and playability. The build itself is a satisfying challenge, and the final result is something you'll be proud to display. The Assault and Buster parts add an amazing visual presence, and the weapons are cool. This kit is a must-have for any fan of Mobile Suit Gundam Victory Gundam or any Gunpla enthusiast looking for a unique and impressive kit. It's also a great kit for those who are interested in improving their detailing and customization skills. The price is reasonable for what you get, making it a good value for your money. You will get a good-looking model, with plenty of detail, and weapons. If you're on the fence, go for it! You won't be disappointed. Happy building, and may the Gunpla gods be with you!