Completed Build: HGUC RX-0[N] Banshee Norn [UM] - Char's Custom Colours

Description:

This was my entry for Zakuaurelius' unicorn contest that won first place in the advanced category. I was awarded a pair of GodHand nippers and two MG kits (Unicorn and F91) by the generous host and his sponsor at USA Gundam Store. This was my first contest and I entered on a whim to see how well my modeling skills have developed. The experience certainly motivated me to continue with this hobby.

I snapped up the kit near the beginning of the contest in September but I had obligations the whole month of October and didn't have a chance to start any real work on it until 7 days before the deadline. I did all my painting from the 20th-23rd where I did not sleep very much and got the submission in right before the deadline. Because of the time constraints, I didn't take many work-in-progress pictures. I'm hoping starting this blog will remind me to take more progress photos in my future builds. I went with a Char-themed colour scheme used in the MG Sazabi Ver. Ka. The articulation isn't the greatest on an HG kit, and the poses I could pull off are limited.

Methods summary:

• Snapbuilding, nub-cleanup, seam-line removal
• Custom surface details:
• Panel line scribing
• Surface plating with styrene sheets
• Kotobukiya vent parts
• Primed with Mr. Surfacer 1500
• Painted by airbrush with Mr. Color lacquers thinned with Mr. Color Thinner
• Main body - light red: (95% MS Red, 5% Hull Red, pinch of white, pinch of grey)
• Main body - dark red: (65% Hull Red, 35 % MS Red, pinch of white, pinch of grey)
• Rifle, backpack, joints - dark grey: (50% Grey, 50% Black)
• Joints/details: Burnt Iron
• Thrusters: MS Yellow
• Gloss coat: Mr. Super Clear gloss
  
• Panel lining: Mr. Weathering color black
  
• Dalin waterslide decals
• Final Topcoat: Tamiya TS80 flat
  
• Custom metal parts glued with superglue