ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos (2019)
Gundam Barbatos! One of my favorite mobile suites, from one of my favorite series, and the third gunpla I built after a sixteen-year build hiatus. This kit was released in 2019, and it is fantastic! The box art, quality of the plastics, details in the molding, color separation, instruction manual print quality, build instructions, all FANTASTIC!
I was able to finish the initial build, making progress after work, over 2 or 3 days. Single nipped each part and used metal files to knock down the remaining nubs on the parts. This was the first build I used metal files and sanding sticks. It adds more time to the build, but the results are completely worth it. Parts fit together better, and the finished look is so much cleaner. This experience is what made me incorporate sanding and filing into all my builds. I even invest in glass files soon after completing this kit.
The included accessories are the large mace, 200mm smooth bore cannon, katana, 2 closed fist finger sets, 2 open hand finger sets, 2 weapon holding hands, and an action base adapter. Not a single beam weapon in the box; anime accurate.
I checked my receipts, and this was the 2nd kit I applied panel lines with a newly purchased bottle of Tamiya black panel line accent fluid. The deep black panel lines really help the etched and engraved details stand out on the armor parts.
Completing this kit immediately made me want to build more IBO Master Grades. Unfortunately, I have not acquired any yet, but I am excited about the newly released MG Barbatos Lupus. I want those twin maces!
