Models have always been sort of an enigma to me as a collector. Being a huge fan of toys and action figures, I love the often intricate gimmicks and details that make them unique. Transformers have their transformations. Figmas have their high quality build. Super Robot Chogokin has its diecast. MonsterArts has its way of making cheap costumes made in the 90′s look freaking amazing. You get the idea. But when it comes down to it, I never completely understood what makes models so special. Sure they’ve got the whole building aspect behind them, but what’s the big deal once they’re built? They’re just cheap, hollow versions of things I could get from other lines. Right?
I’ve always wanted to get into models such as Gundam and Kotobukiya kits, but I was worried that they might go down the same road for me as LEGO. Whenever I built a LEGO set it would just sit somewhere and collect dust on my “shit I don’t really care for but it’s too expensive to throw in my closet” shelf. I loved building them, but afterwards they were just “Meh”. Would models go down the same road? Sure they can be a little more complex than LEGO sets, but in my mind they were still the same concept. That’s what kept me away for so long. Not to mention not having a clue about what I needed to build them.
But after watching Danball Senki, my mind seemed to have taken a different turn. If you’re unfamiliar with the show, there are small, remote controlled robots called “LBXs” (Little Battler eXperience) and they’re used by people in the show to fight. If you’re familiar with Medabots, it’s basically the same concept.
What I liked about the show was that the robots were bought in hobby shops, and then assembled exactly like a model kit you’d find today. I loved the fact that I could grab some of the same models and designs from the show on sites like HLJ, and rebuild my favorite ones in 1/1 scale. Instead of being the stingy model bastard I had been for the past few years, I decided to take the plunge and order a few LBX kits along with some accessories and add-ons (we’ll get to those later.)
I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while now. I thought that instead of doing a standard and typical review like anything, I’d do something a little more special by not only documenting my first model builds with text and pictures, but by allowing fan and community interaction and feedback. I’ve got 3 LBX kits to build, and I plan to update my progress on them each week. That includes my likes and dislikes, pictures, videos, etc., all in the name of giving myself the best chance possible to enjoy and get involved in the plamo game. But I need your help! Experienced modelers and novices alike are encouraged to give me pointers and tips, because I know I’ll need that shit.
I’ll be updating this weekend with the first official update of Season 1 of Model Making, which will be focusing on the LBX kits. Why call them seasons? While it does sound a little bit douchey, I think season best describes the layout that I plan to use for this series. I’ll be updating weekly with “episodes”, which could consist of videos, pictures, questions, complaints, and everything in between, and if things go well I’ll be having a Season 2 a month or so after this one is completed with a whole new set of models! Will they be Gundams? Koto? MG Figurise?
I hope that this can be something enjoyable for everyone who’ll be watching and reading as it is for me. I’m really looking forward to getting into a new, unexplored area of collecting, especially one that I’ve been curious about for years. Once again, your feedback and support make it all worthwhile, so thank you, and enjoy!
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Good choice of kits to start with! I just finished my LBX Achilles and it was a refreshing experience (in comparison to building Gundams). Looking forward to these "episodes"!
Thanks!
I heard the LBX kits were simple enough for a beginner, but complex enough to get the full model experience. Really excited to get started!
I've got no experience with Danball Senki, but those kits look like they might be pretty badass. Looking forward to seeing how you progress on these.
For me, I like model kits as a way to relax during the building process. It's a good way to unwind. A lot of the better kits turn out to be pretty damn solid toys when they're built, too. Just be careful with those stickers. Some of them are hell to apply correctly.
Thanks, guys! I'm actually planning to start tonight, so hopefully things go smoothly!
Sounds exciting! I like building model kits but haven't really gotten into painting or anything. I learnt from experience not too be too 'posey' with them though so be careful.
Darn it DTN I think I'll have to rejig my HLJ order now.
I've built Gunpla for longer than I've been a Transformer collector (which should say something…) – they can be VERY VERY Worthwhile, but also VERY time consuming. Where "toys" have the instant gratification effect, with Gunpla and model kits, they are a very slow, patient process, but the gratification lasts MUCH longer.
These kits look awesome. I can see more of my time being sucked away.