Hasegawa Lunadiver WIP

Modeling Subjects Science Fiction
1

Heya, Folks,

Thanks to Gunpla Master’s encouragement and mini-tutorial on posting photos, enclosed are a few low-quality pictures of my Hasegawa Lunadiver… And if the pictures don’t appear (arg!), hopefully the links will work and I’ll just keep on tryin’! [whstl]

Always wanted to paint a spacecraft black — haven’t gotten to the weathering just yet, but here she is. Apologies for the rushed pictures — better pix to follow…

As you can see, there is still Tamiya masking tape on the launch gantry, which I’ve added a lot of detail to… Hope to get that painted over the weekend.

This was a tough build with more than a fair amount of fit issues…something of a pain, but in the end (or at least by the painting stages) it does look cool — great design on the part of Kow Yokoyama (hope I spelled that right).

Although you cannot see it from the attached angles, I added a lot of detail to the already great cockpit tub as well as a fair amount of interior detail, which I am sure will be impossible to see, even with the hatch posed open. I also added twin guns on the tail boom, just aft of the engine/cockpit section… If you ask me, there is a blind spot topside, so these rotating guns would hopefully lessen that vulnerability (which I learned about growing up in the Bronx — always some joker coming up behind you)…

To compliment the aft-facing weapons, I added an aft-facing sensor array on the back side of the main dish. Also added little bits and pieces on the model to add a bit of interest or just to add touches I thought looked cool.

Added tubing in the style seen in the corridors of the Nostromo in “Alien” to the inside of the hatch, along with the instrument panel housing and other bits and pieces.

Yikes, what else? Ah, the inside of the “fins” are hollow, per the original design — on the prompting of a friend, I added greeblies to that area as well.

Lastly, I also added a fair amount of detail to the launch gantry as well — pipes, hatches, a transport mechanism, tanks, ladder rungs, etc. Hoping to get that painted up within the next week or so. Sorry there’s not much to see of it in the pictures. Arg! Kind of a rush job on the pix…trying to coral a four year old and fire off a few pix is not an easy combo!

Must continue with weathering, painting the base, adding decals, pilot figure, etc. etc.

Thanks again for the encouragement, Gunpla!

Comments welcomed of course…

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.

2

Whoops!! Here’s the 4th image I actually meant to post…

Better, more detailed pictures to follow soon…

Thanks again!!

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.

3

Nice Build-up.

I found the cockpit detail very sparse when compared to the Jerry or Fledermaus. Yeah, the fit was a bit of a stressor(not standard Hasegawa quality).

Actually I wanted to build mine with the big hatch open but didn’t feel like adding the missing walls, etc.

Did you already build the 2 small suits? Those were the high-point of the kit for me.

4

Heya, Mad,

Thanks for the kind words — hope to get better pix shot and posted in a week or so so you can see some of the work I put in on the kit…

I thought the detail on the cockpit tub itself was good, but beyond that you were left to your own devices to fill out the rest of the cabin. I added lots of bits you most likely will never see — oh well.

Couldn’t agree with you more that this kit was NOT up to the Hasegawa standard — bit of shocker for me as it took a lot of work to get it together, the many seams sanded, etc.etc. It really seemed to go on forever (been working on this on and off since November), even at my slow pace.

It was to the point where I was wondering: could the kit fit/engineering be this poor or am I just doing a lousy job? It’s good to hear that it was the kit and not me. Given the high price of the kit (even at the hefty discount I got it at) I was expecting a LOT better fit! That being said, a good buddy of mine at my club sold me another one for a price I just couldn’t refuse, so I will definitely tackle the kit again…maybe I’m crazy, but I am looking forward to another shot at this kit. Might even paint it in O.D. if I don’t end up in rehab, first.

Thankfully, it looks very cool and truly unique once it is all together.

I hope the forthcoming Nutrocker/cracker does not suffer from these same fit issues, as I am guessing it will also be over the $100.00 mark (ouch). Given it is a somewhat less complex shape, I’m guessing it won’t have the same issues.

Got one of the two small SAFS figures supplied with the kit assembled and have been slowwwwly working on seams — yep, much less hassle and more fun than the ship itself… Looking forward to finishing 'em both and getting 'up there next to the 'diver with a floating pilot entering the cockpit. The base, which is another highlight of the kit, makes for a great little vignette (and paint stand!) with some additional detail.

Thanks again, MM. Have a good one.

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.

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Good Golly Ms. Molly, look what da cat done brug home! Man what a nice detailed Lunadiver. Black, who’d a thought that color scheme. Seen many of these done, but not like this’in. Oh you bet you got to do a WIP now. I like period. So now we know you got the talents, and can type to articulate what you are trying to convey in words, and post fine photographs. Now when will we see your next project. No pressure mind ya, but what is in the works. I for one look forward to what you pull out of the hat next. Good clean building, well thought out details and model execution. You sir are a Ma.K build of the 1st order. Thanks for sharing this with us.[Y][Y][Y][t$t][:D[[H]

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PS: I believe I see more than just black used for the main color. I also see what appears to be some rich dark metallic colors as well. I am just floored by the color scheme, just one tip, your photography looks over the top, but try to get just a blue with nothing else sky background and you got a really nice photo as well as model. There is more ways to enjoy modeling than a great build, thought out photography can bring them to life! Man I like this Diver, when you build that deal you got, you just gotta allow us to watch how you pull off such a professional build. [2cnts] worth! GM

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Nice Lunadiver! I have this kit in my stash, but it’s currently waiting for me to finish my Super Jerry…which is taking a while…oh well [:P]

You did an awesome job, congrats.

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I think a lot of the parts fit problem on the Luna-diver are due to the parts-split(don’t make sense in some sections) and they way they aligement markers are set.

Actually think Hasegawa might have outsourced design and production of the kit.

AS for the upcoming Nutrocker not going to get it not going to get it:

1.) Price if it were for a 1/20 kit = Fine.

2.) I already got the 1/20 Plastic and Vac-form kit(IIRC, ModelKasten)

Tend to prefer the 1/20 scale, the 1/35 scale was mostly used for the tabletop game.

HTH.

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Oh, please post more photos! It looks great but make sure the light source illuminates the details. And besides close-up pictures a few where the whole model can be seen would be good too. Don’t be selfish, share your work [:D]

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That would make a great WIP and if not how about some photos of this little beasty.

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Awesome. Congratulations on a great looking kit, especially considering the fit issues. I like the subtle variations in the color, and the work on the base is inspired.

The price on these has been dropping pretty steadily since they were first released, I think because word of the fit issues has gotten around. It’s kind of a hallmark of the series - if you build a MaK, you’re guaranteed a great many hours of sanding, filling, re-sanding, priming and then re-sanding again…

That said, I still really, really, really want one. Maybe if I could trick my local Hobby Lobby into stocking it…

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As far as I have been able to research, Hasegawa is doing the Nut in 1/35th, but boy I would love to see them do it in 1/20. I do not have either size, I got the baby version, 1/76 and that set me back $45.00 and to tell the truth, I was glad to get it. For those of us who are just getting into Ma.K, great kits such as you have listed, are on my wish list. But since you brought it up Mad-Modeler, how about some photos of those most wonderful kits, that would be nice. Even better, what a wonderful WIP??? Anyway, thanks for making me lust for more Ma.K I can not afford. Tell ya what I wish Hasegawa would kit either in 1/20 or 1/35, a Dollhouse, no that would get me going. As for this wonderful build of the Lunadiver, I have ran out of words to express the gratitude for it being posted.

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Will need to pull items from storage to get pics.

I got 3 nutrocker builds(1/76, and 2 1/20 one full resin) also got the 1/20 Dollhouse.

Lots of Event Only kits that are ONLY sold at Japanese shows.

Best way to get hold of those kits is via the M.A.K. Forum, said that many of those kits do come at a price.

HTH.

14

Looks great

And the paint is awsome

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Heya, Folks,

Thanks a bunch! I’m overwhelmed and appreciate the positive feedback… High praise coming from you folks — I recognize names and work from this site, SM, the MK site, etc.

I’m pretty much a “ham and egger” (as Rocky Balboa once said) when it comes to it all…I’m never really scientific about modeling (no left brain here!) I just sorta jump right in and go for it! I’m also lucky enough to have a great club, the Los Angeles Miniaturists, where i get to hang with and learn from some of the best!

Here’s a link to some of my other work, most of which you can see is, in progress — whenever I hit the paint stage, things tend to grind to halt for me… Only because I never have the energy to airbrush at ten or eleven at night.

http://www.laminiaturists.com/john_brosnan.htm

Back to the Lunadiver… Yeah, the pictures were something I literally shot quickly in a couple of free minutes — really had no intention of posting them, but Gunpla M. is force ta be reckoned with! Again, I’ll shoot better detailed pictures where the contrast is lower and you can see the detail, etc.,

Gunpla is right about the metallics… After priming with Tamiya surface primer, I hit the body with Alclad gloss black base — the problem with this is: IT NEVER DRIES! Or at least, it “dries” sticky, like taffy, which is not conducive to handling the model… Despite the great gantry-type stand (which doubles as a paint stand), I still ended up with a fingerprint on the model (kind of like a C.S.I. episode) which I need to take care of. Arg!

Next I added the contrast/striping/overspray with various shades Gunze metallics, which are great and act to seal the sticky Alclad black base… Also added some Alclad clear Sepia and Blue to try and add interest. Also added some Model Master and Alclad Jet Exhaust to simulate overheated panels (especially on the two panels on the sides — I am trying to make it look like an F-100 where the panels routinely overheat and discolor — still not there yet)…

Might try to paint the gantry safety yellow after trying out the salt method to allow the metalics to poke through. Given it’ll be acrylic yellow over the metallics, I might also try experimenting with windex to pick away at the paint. Will try varying shades of faded, discolored yellow as well.

Once I have the fingerprint removed I’ll touch up the black and metallics and go to work with pigments… Was also thinking of clear coating and then doing some oil weathering Also gotta add more heat damage to engine bells — what I did just disappeared…

I can see why the price is coming down on the kit — the original $120.00 price tag was a lot to ask for the amount of work you had to put into the kit… I think the design looks cool and truly unique when done, but marone-a-mi! what a road ta get there (started this bugger in November and still working on it!) If you can get it for “cheap” and you’re cool with the extra work, go for it! A movie is done and over in two hours — your time and enjoyment on this project will be a LOT longer, I can guarantee that! :wink:

Right now I’ve got a fair amount of projects in various states: started the Snake Eye for the GB — flies together! Just working on the seams… Got a Trumpeter LCAC, Hobby Boss AAVP-7 I’ve barely started, got the Bandai Hardgraph M61A5 tank (see link above) to mask, along with the rest of the kits in that line, got a Dust Models Gunther to re-paint, a resin Luther, Tamiya Challenger 2, oh and a Cyber Hobby USS Independence (the new, Darth Vader-looking ship) to finish as a belated birthday present… And of course, NO TIME to work on any of the above! :slight_smile: Too many kits, too little time!

Thanks again for all of your kind words and feedback! I hope to have more for you soon!!

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.

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Hello my Island friend, I sure would like to see a photo of your next project f/the Ma.K Group Build posted on the Group Builds Forum of FSM. Just an idea of what you might be building, you know the box photo, if you want to build something else latter, that is fine. But I sure do need people to post, looks like I might have jumped the gun, seems all the ones that said they were interested have cold feet!!! What ya say, just post sum tang peassss[H] I have a few that are posting, but as many are not.

Hope your trip went well. GM

17

Heya, Gunpla,

I hope that all is well with you, amigo! All is relatively well here on the West Coast…not much time to model, but what’s so new about that?

That being said, I’ve already started on my Group Build kit, so no cold feet here! Due to severe time constraints, I haven’t posted photos yet, hopefully in the next day or so. The kit is the Wave Snake Eye… Goes together MUCH easier than the original, groundbreaking Nitto kits us old timers are used to. Currently working on all of the suit’s seams with Tamiya putty so I can get it together (so to speak).

Hope to post photos in the next day or two. Might even try to dig up some photos I took for the GB when I started a few days ago. If I can find 'em I’ll post 'em tonight!

Again, despite no time at all to do anything but work or look for work, I am trying to balance the mere seconds I have to model (when I do) on three or more kits: finishing the Lunadiver ASAP (at this rate, it’ll be some time in September), the Snake Eye (most likely Sept), and the Trumpeter LCAC (realistically, November, maybe 2011).

Also want to finish my Tamiya Challenger II, my Bandai Semovente gun tank (trying to mask digital camo half blind), and a host of other half- or nearly-finished builds…

The M61A5 Semovente is something I am dying to get done, but masking that digital camo with my middle-aged eyes is a bit of a goat rope. Instead of embossing Tamiya tape on Evergreen waffle styrene, I am going to try “freehanding” the patterns with Gunze pre-cut masking tape. This tape is very similar to the Tamiya tape but is pre-cut into long strips…great for someone like me who can’t cut a straight line. Have to get this one done for a show in the New Year.

Okay, enough yapping on my part. Let me do some digging on the Snake Eye photos, GM. And what are you up to on the modeling front, Gunpla…? :slight_smile:

Take care, amigo.

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.

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Looking good…Please send more pictures…:slight_smile:

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Hello Johnny B, glad to hear from you and I understand, I too have more than one poker in the fire. Man alot of projects going @ once, I do good to keep one going! I look forward to the Wave Snake Eye WIP f/the GB[:D], and please feel free to post the others for our enjoyment as well. I am a BIG Bandai fan, just purchased for a future project something I have been looking to build for many years, 1/500 Starblazers Yamato (Bandia), wanted the 1/350 version, but I just can not let go of $800.00 + of my hobby funds for that one, let one slip through my fingers @ the 1st of the month: $450.00[:@] man I wish I had of just went for it after seeing what this thing cost full price. Anyway, keep the sun out of your eyes, and the wind in your hair! I hope to get a coat of paint on the AFS tonight. Cheers my friend.

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Thanks, Guney! Somewhat better and more detailed pictures to follow in (hopefully!!) a few hours… I shot some more now the trick is getting 'em downloaded to the wife’s computer, sized, then onto mine, etc. etc.

No additional work on it (worked a little on my LCAC instead :slight_smile: but I am going to try some grey Detail Master washes on the Lunadiver in a short while if I have the time (and if the apsrins and coffee kick in)… Did a little wash work around the pipes with the DM grey — a little dark for my tastes, but we’ll see how it dries. Might try their white wash as well.

Gunpla, I gotta say, while I was raised on precise-fitting Tamiya armor kits, Bandai’s kit engineering takes “precision” to a new level! I’ve built a couple of their 35th scale Batmobiles and all of the 35th U.C. Hardgraph kits and they have to be seen (er, I mean, “built”) to be believed! Looking forward to getting some of these projects completed (projects always die off at the paint stage for me — getting out to the garage late at night is tough these days)!

Things are difficult to say the least in this economy, especially with a mortgage, wife and kid, and next to no work… I bet it’s a killer to see something like that Yamato and nearly half off and have to pass on it or miss out on it, especially knowing you might not see it ever again or at least at that price… That is truly a drag!

The older you get the greater your responsibilities increase, which usually means less time and money for the hobby… And this on top of all of the great new sci fi, armor and aircraft kits, figures, and accessories being released! Despite my absolutely wanting ta by every cool new kit or tool I see, even in the best of times, for me it just ain’t possible…especially with work being so spotty. So until I hit the lottery, for now I will save what I can and buy up what I can, when I can. AAAARG!

Ya never know, Gunpla, that Yamato might still end up on your shelf, dude! By the way, I’ve always wanted to take a WWII U.S, battleship kit and give it the Starblazers Yamato treatment! One day, after I get through the countless other projects rattling around in the recesses of my hobby brain…

Okay, back to it…like I said, fingers crossed that I’ll some new pix up soon-ishly of the L. Diver and hopefully the Snake Eye, too.

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.