The world of Gunpla is vast and vibrant, attracting enthusiasts from all walks of life. We had the opportunity to chat with a passionate hobbyist, known on Instagram as takatschun, about their journey into Gunpla and miniature painting, their techniques, and what keeps them inspired. Here’s a glimpse into their fascinating story.
Beginnings in Miniature Painting
takatschun's journey into the world of miniature painting began at the young age of eight. "It all started with the Games Workshop LOTR miniature game," they recalled. The game came with small booklets containing a few minis, rules, and paints, sparking a lifelong interest. Visiting their first Games Workshop and falling in love with the Eldar solidified their passion. However, a significant setback occurred when all their minis were stolen at age 15, causing them to lose interest in the hobby for a while.
Rediscovering the Hobby with Gundam
Years later, after moving out from their parents' home and trying new games like A Song of Ice and Fire tabletop, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a renewed interest in Gundam. "This is the time I started getting into Gundam and ordered my first RG Zaku 2. Now I’m addicted to Gunpla," takatschun shared. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in their hobby journey, combining their skills in miniature painting with the intricate world of Gundam models.
The Appeal of Painting Gundam Kits
For takatschun, painting Gundam kits is like working on a blank canvas. "With all my experience from mini painting, painting Gunpla kits is like cheating because of the scale," they said. Their favorite series to paint is "War in the Pocket," reflecting their deep appreciation for the detailed designs of Gundam.
Painting Process and Techniques
takatschun's painting process is meticulous and detailed. After building the model, they start with waterslides before moving on to physical weathering with knives and files. Acrylics are used along the hard edges to simulate wear and tear, followed by adding color to damaged parts with black primer and steel or silver paints. "Chipping takes ages," they noted, mentioning how one leg of the MG RX-78-2 Ver 2.0 took eight hours alone. Additional details like oil stains, rust, and dirt are added with acrylics, and oil colors are used for tinting parts and creating shadows.
Essential Tools and Materials
The tools of their trade are a mix of old and new, cherished and practical. "My old no name hobby knife and nipper together with files and a soldering iron for battle damage and physical weathering," they listed. For paints, they rely on Vallejo game colors for acrylics and 30-year-old oil paints from Schmincke, a legacy from their mother. Brushes from DaVinci and Rosemary & Co. are essential for detail work.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in their painting journey has been maintaining motivation. "Losing motivation is my biggest nemesis," they admitted. However, they push through day by day open that they have yet to find their definitive solution to this challenge.
Advice for Beginners
For those just starting, takatschun's advice is straightforward: "Paint them how you want. Go crazy with the weathering. Oil paints are your best friend and feel like entering a cheat code, use them asap." Emphasizing the importance of personal expression and experimentation, they encourage beginners to embrace the learning process.
Favorite Projects and Inspirations
Among their many projects, the Real Grade Nu Gundam stands out. "The build was just perfection and it's the only kit where I fully painted his inner frame yet," they shared. This particular model also marked their first attempt at object source lighting (OSL) for the eyes and other lights.
Inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including real-life rust spots, dreams, and war reports. "I wanna make my suits look like they were actually used for war and try to keep them as realistic as possible with dirt and mud," they explained, showcasing their dedication to realism and detail.
Community and Future Projects
Engaging with the Gunpla community has been a rewarding experience for takatschun. While it hasn't significantly influenced their style, it has provided a platform for "nerd and paint talk" and connecting with like-minded individuals. Upcoming projects include a finished MG RX-78-2 Ver 2.0 and an intriguing Zaku creation.
Storage and Display
Proper care and storage of painted models are crucial. takatschun stores most of their models in a cellar and de-dusts them every two weeks. For hard-to-reach spots, an old brush comes in handy. Displayed models are kept in a vitrine to ensure they remain in pristine condition.
The Joy of Gunpla
The most rewarding aspect of painting Gundam models for takatschun is the duality of the process. "The 'I hate myself' part while chipping and then the 'I am a god' feeling once it's done," they said, capturing the rollercoaster of emotions that come with intricate work.
Looking Ahead
As for future aspirations, takatschun's dream project involves building the Perfect Grade Unleashed RX-78-2 and creating a diorama set in the Thunderbold sector with the Psycho Zaku and Full Armor Gundam.
Follow Their Journey
While takatschun primarily shares their work on Instagram, their dedication and artistry continue to inspire the Gunpla community. Keep an eye out for their amazing creations and upcoming projects, and be sure to follow them for more insights and inspiration.
For more Gunpla-related content and products, visit Artrovo Gundam.
