Work in Progress #1: NG Vayeate x HG Leo - Scratch-building and Kitbashing

New project: Leo x Vayeate kitbash

I always hoped that Bandai would make a modern, well-articulated version of the Vayeate and Mercurius. I became a fan of these twin suits after playing Gundam Wing Endless Duel when I was younger. Seeing the release of the Leo, Maganac, and Sandrock HG, it might not be long before the Vayeate and Mercurius receive a revision.

Instead of waiting, however, I've decided to bite the bullet and start on this kitbash that I've been putting off for a year. The objective is to take advantage of the articulation of the modern HG Leo and create the twin suits using parts from the old no-grade 1/144 scale kits. I had purchased 2 Leos a year ago just for this purpose.

Starting material:

The Vayeate is chunky and unposeable, with terrible seam lines. These limitations make it impossible to pose the mobile suit with its beam cannon properly; thoroughly unimpressive. As the first kit out of the two, this would become a learn-as-I-go experience. I'm documenting the process extensively in my notes so that I can develop a protocol for the Mercurius.

Torso Unit

I hallowed out the inside of the Vayeate and fit the Leo's connection sockets, with support of pla-tube and cement. The shoulder joint was fitted by cutting a window in the Vayeate torso, where the long peg connector used to be. I then attached the Leo's shoulder socket to preserve the shoulder's forward articulation. The abdomen area required custom pla-plating, epoxy, and the spare part from the MG Zaku I's foot unit (pink).

Arm Unit

The shoulder armour was widened with pla-plate in order to fit onto the Leo's triceps. I also added an arch with the pla-plate to make it less angular. The Vayeate wrists were hallowed out and placed over the Leo's like a bracelet, supported by epoxy. Some epoxy was used to bulk up the forearms.

Leg Unit

For the calves and feet, I basically cut the Vayeate calves, hallowed them out, and slotted the Leo's calves inside (left). This fortuitously increased the mass of the legs to improve the stability of the model. I used epoxy and a lot of sanding to smooth out the interface. The Leo's ankle armour was also filed down to look more angular, like that of the Vayeat (right).

The thighs were more challenging. Again, I slotted the Vayeate thighs over the Leo's, but to do so, it required significant sawing to get it to fit. I also had to introduce a piece of pla-plate to widen the thighs. For the knee area, pla-plate parts were scratch built in order to produce the required shapes. I also used the Vayeate's original shoulders to make a dome structure for the hip connection (far right). 

Waist Unit

I added side panels from the Vayeate to the Leo's waist unit, the connection socket was scratch built using pla-tube. I took the chance here to add some detail parts. I also changed the angle of the crotch thruster to point forward, and relocated the Leo's butt thrusters to the Vayeate side-skirts. Once the legs are attached, the articulation is well-preserved (right).

Main body

Putting the parts together, the model had excellent articulation. I replaced the Leo hands with Jigen build knuckles. The two hand poses are also well-suited to hold the beam cannon. I attached the backpack and cannon using magnets. 

To assess the surface quality, I did a rough prime using Mr. Surfacer. I am happy with the rough shape, but there was also a ton of surface imperfections that I need to fix. Next up will be repairing the surface flaws, reshaping certain parts, and adding surface details by scribing and pla-plating.

Until next time!