The GAT series were some of the kits that really defined me as a builder, I’ve always wondered – What would they look like if I built them today? Ever since I upgraded to lacquers and a DSLR I’ve always been meaning to build them with the skills and tech I’ve learned since then. So six years later and thanks partially to the downtime I’ve gotten from the whole COVID situation, I’ve finally decided to embark on this project to recreate the four SEED GAT-X models.
People who have been following me during the time when I first built the Blitz may recall that I actually botched some of the parts on the Glepnir back in 2014, resulting me in purchasing a replacement kit for parts. Now that I’ve managed to acquire extra replacements to cover those that I pinched 6 years ago I’m glad to say that I managed to complete the build this time avoiding any major dramas.
For this rebuild, I used almost exactly the same colour mixes as the original build, except this time I’m using the lacquer line instead of the acrylics. The most obvious difference is the purple, with the lacquer version being much more vibrant and darker, while the acrylic version leans towards the bluish side. It’s hard to say whether how much of this can be attributed to jump from a compact camera to a DSLR, but having seen the final product now I kinda prefer the way it looked on my original. I also changed the frame to metallics as per my style nowadays.
I’ve been using Mr Color GX 114 Super Smooth Flat as my topcoat for about one year now, and while it’s awesome if you want something to be dead flat, I didn’t think 100% matte would look good on the black of the Blitz. I experimented this time by mixing in a little bit of gloss and the result is just a very slightly satin finish, which is something I might carry forward to future builds.
For the decals I used the official Bandai sheet that came with the Providence special edition. While the quality of the print is leaps and bounds above any 3rd party decals, I wished the various Phase Shift markings were a bit brighter so they’d be a bit more legible when placed on the black surfaces.
Painting
Black – Mr Color GX Ueno Black (100%) base coat added white for highlights, then postshaded with black to blend
Red – Shine Red (70%) + Red Madder (30%) base coat, added yellow white for highlights
Yellow – Orange (100%) base coat, starter white technique, followed by light coat of Orange Yellow (80%) + Yellow (20%). White is added for final highlights.
Purple – Purple (100%) base coat, Purple (80%) + White (15%) + Neutral Grey (5%) for highlights.
Inner frame/weapons grey – Neutral Grey (95%) + Black (5%) followed by Neutral Grey (90%) + White (10%) for highlights.
Inner frame metallic – Gaianotes Starbright Iron
