Bandai PG RX-78 GP01/fb – 03
With the PG RX-78 GP01 destined for a hangar-themed diorama, I decided to take a different approach: some sections of the model will be displayed without their outer armour or extra parts. This not only highlights the mechanical details but also gives me the flexibility to use these components in a future display I’m still brainstorming.
The rear of each leg features an additional thruster unit mounted behind the knee. Following my chosen colour scheme, I painted these with Pale Brass, Stainless Steel, and a touch of Red for the smaller thrusters. For the outer armour, I started with Halfords White primer, while the side thruster panels got an additional coat of Vallejo White acrylic primer. The difference between the two is very subtle, barely noticeable on camera, but it adds a layer of depth in person.
Painting the outer armour and knee side parts in Pale Brass and Stainless Steel was a satisfying process, but once the leg is fully assembled, most of this work is hidden. It’s a little bittersweet to see all that effort disappear under the armour, but it’s also a reminder of the hidden craftsmanship that goes into these builds.
Leaving some armour panels off and extending others really lets the mechanical details—like the pistons and workings of the ankle and lower leg shine through.
Extending the knee armour also gives a much better view of the intricate mechanisms in that area.
With both legs side by side—one fully armoured and one with its frame exposed—I think it really helps illustrate how these machines might actually move, and it’s rewarding to see the engineering come to life.
Moving up to the torso, the RX-78 GP01 has a separate midsection that fits between the chest and lower torso/hip. There aren’t many parts here, and most of the inner details would normally be hidden by armour, so I’m leaving one armour piece off for display. The outer armour was sprayed in the same red as the feet, while the inner sections got the Pale Brass and Stainless-Steel treatment.
Reflecting on the process, I realize that much of the detail work I put into these hidden sections is for my own satisfaction. Even if it won’t be visible in the final display, I enjoy the practice and the sense of accomplishment it brings. It’s a reminder that model making is as much about the journey as the finished product. For now, I’ll keep the finished unit in a plastic bag to protect it from dust until it is ready to be assembled with the rest of the torso.
Every build teaches me something new about technique, patience, and the joy of creating something unique. I hope sharing these steps and reflections helps others appreciate both the visible and hidden artistry in model making.
