1/1000 Domelaze III-01

Back in 2015, I completed the Domelaze III kit, but due to the way the old website was set I never got around to sharing the build, now, I’m excited to finally document the process and share what I learned with fellow figure and anime modelers.

Let’s start with the basics: this isn’t a “snap-fix” kit, like other Gundam and anime kits, and while there are some large locating pegs for alignment, most of the main sections and smaller parts need to be glued. The decals are waterslide, not stickers, so you’ll need to handle them with care and plan your application. This makes the build more involved, but also more rewarding for those who enjoy customizing their models.

The standard Domelaze III is grey, but the Zoelguut class also appears in red and blue variants. I decided to go with blue for a more striking look. After experimenting with paint options and using a black primer instead of grey, I found that Vallejo “Model Air” UK Azure Blue (71.108) gave the perfect anime-inspired finish.

Using an airbrush, I will spray areas for the missile parts and other hard-to-paint sections when internal parts are fitted with Matt Black primer, then add a couple of coats of Vallejo “Model Air” UK Azure Blue to start with, then mask off a smaller area before applying the final coats. This approach will make it easier for me to airbrush and hand paint together with helping to blend everything together and ensures a smooth, professional finish.

Here’s where I diverged from the kit instructions: the main front thrusters ( Parts F18 and F19 ) are supposed to have waterslide decals applied over transparent yellow pieces. In my experience, decals don’t adhere well to unpainted plastic and can look too transparent. Instead, I masked off the front and most of the reverse sides leaving a small section to be primed in matt Black. The front side masking was removed and primed with Ammo by Mig transparent primer to give the later acyclic paint a key to bind with the thruster pieces.

then sprayed the front with Vallejo “Premium Color” Yellow and let it cure. After masking the middle section, I sprayed the spray the whole front facing side with Vallejo “Premium Color” Orange and the rear with a subtle coat of Vallejo “Premium Color” Metallic Yellow. This layering adds depth and realism, and while it’s more work than just applying a decal, the result is far more satisfying.

As mentioned at the start of the page I primed the areas for the missile parts and other hard-to-paint sections when internal parts are fitted with Matt Black primer, then added a couple of coats of Vallejo “Model Air” UK Azure Blue.

The small front missiles were sprayed in Satin Black for contrast and glued into position.

AS you can see the missiles do not protrude very far from the model once the covers are on.

Here is a close-up picture of the missiles in position.

It was now time to glue the front thrusters into position that I pre-painted earlier, and I’m really pleased with how the custom-painted thrusters turned out compared to the kit’s original approach, and they do now look similar to what can be seen in the Anime series.

The outer nose cone was painted to match the hull, while the inner section was finished in Satin Black for contrast.

Of course, you don’t have to go to all these lengths to get a great-looking model, but for me, the extra effort made all the difference.

Tips for Fellow Modelers:

• Experiment with different primer colours to achieve different shades compared to what the “norm” says to use.
• Don’t be afraid to deviate from the instructions, as customising your build makes it unique.
• Pre-paint small or hard-to-reach parts before assembly for a cleaner finish.