Fires Reignited: Armored Core for answer
Today I have something fairly topical for you. This is a project that I completed some time ago, perhaps two or three years ago. However, a combination of the release of armored core VI, the discovery of a new technique during the build and the relative rarity of this kit has prompted me to share it with you.
The project in question is a 1/72 scale kit from Kotobukiya, recreating the “Y01-Tellus”, an interior union craft that appears in one form or another in armored core 4 and armored core for answer. I acquired this from Japan for the very reasonable price of £60 unopened, likely due to the slight damage to the man face of the box. The box itself - shown below- is rather handsome, with glossy images of a professionally painted example of the finished model kit.
Note the top right inset image demonstrating compatibility with other kits from the same line, in this case the “Aaliyah” torso and arms.
I found the build itself to be straightforward enough, with assembly taking perhaps 5 hours. The plastic quality is adequate though tolerances were slightly tight on some parts, something I have seen others mention when reviewing Kotobukiya kits.
At the time I elected to go with a simple spray of matt coat (Humbrol) for the AC itself. However, for the weapons, which are cast entirely in navy plastic, paint was required in order to match the colour scheme shown on the box. At some point I should return to the weapons, as my attempt at colour matching leaves something to be desired.
Applying varnish via spray can can be dicey at the best of times with the following factors influencing the final outcome:
Distance between the can and model
Wind speed during spraying
humidity during drying
Age and integrity of the can
Shaking the can “enough” before use
I have read that a difference in temperature between the can’s contents and the spray environment (outdoors vs indoors) can also impact the final finish, but others say that only the final temperature of the spray environment matters. What I would recommend is that rather than reading round in circles of claim and counter claim, you should spray some test material and see how your primer behaves for yourself.
In any case, when my varnish dried with excessive frosting- a whiteish discolouration like frost caused by uneven distribution of particles that cause light scattering- I was concerned that I’d ruined the model. However, trawling the internet I discovered a post on Britmodeller that prescribed olive oil. Rubbing this on the affected areas and allowing it to sit for several hours before scrubbing with a toothbrush and dish soap removed the frosting effect for the most part.
Looking over these photos I can spot several areas where frosting is still present, so another pass with oil and dish soap is in order.
Panels were lined using thinned black paint and the excess was wiped up using kitchen roll. After drying a second- successful- matt coat was applied.
Though this particular kit is out of print and prohibitively expensive, Kotobukiya is reissuing three kits for early 2024. These are:
The GAEA from third generation
White glint from fourth generation
Malicious R.I.P from fifth generation
Personally, I am looking forward to the GAEA and have also ordered the model kit for “Fascinator”- Zinaida’s notorious AC from last raven.
Though I would definitely recommend this kit, it could clearly benefit from some metallic blue paint in the future, so perhaps this kit will show up again in an article in the future.
