Building the Bandai MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To build the Bandai MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos successfully, follow the manual's order, prep your parts carefully, and take your time with nub removal and panel lining. This guide walks you through each stage so you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a clean, sturdy finish.

Step-by-Step Build Process

1. Prep Your Workspace and Tools: Clear a flat, well-lit surface. Gather your nippers, hobby knife, sanding sticks or files, and a cutting mat. Organize the runners by letter and number for quick reference. Check that your nippers are sharp; dull blades crush plastic and leave stress marks.
2. Cut Parts from Runners: Using your nippers, cut each part from the runner leaving a small nub (about 1-2mm). Do not cut flush against the part. Follow the manual's part numbers and cut only what you need for the current step. Cutting too close can gouge the plastic; leave a nub and trim it in the next step.
3. Clean Nubs and Sand: Trim the remaining nub with a hobby knife, then sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper (400-600 grit) until smooth. For exposed frame parts, use a higher grit (800-1000) for a polished finish. Test the fit of peg-and-hole connections after sanding to ensure they aren't too loose.
4. Assemble Sub-Assemblies in Order: Follow the manual's sequence to build the inner frame, then armor sections. Assemble the torso, head, arms, legs, and backpack as separate sub-assemblies before combining them. This prevents stress on joints and makes painting or panel lining easier. Do not skip the inner frame step; it's the foundation for poseability and stability.
5. Apply Panel Lining (Optional): Use a fine-tip panel liner pen or wash to darken panel lines. Apply to the assembled parts, let it dry, then clean up excess with a cotton swab lightly moistened with lighter fluid or eraser. This adds depth and detail. Panel line before attaching armor to avoid smudging; test on a spare runner first.
6. Final Assembly and Pose: Combine all sub-assemblies, attach the mace and other accessories, and pose your Barbatos. Be gentle when moving joints; if a joint feels too tight, sand the peg slightly. If it's too loose, apply a thin layer of hobby glue and let it dry to thicken the joint. After posing, check that all armor pieces are securely attached and that the kit can stand on its own.

About the Kit

• Bandai MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos Model Kit: This Master Grade 1/100 kit features the ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos from Iron-Blooded Orphans, capturing the mobile suit's raw, mechanical aggression with a detailed inner frame and iconic mace. The detailed inner frame means you'll want to be extra careful with nub removal on exposed parts, as they will be visible in the final build.