Bandai 1/12th scale BB-8 and R2-D2 combo kit

[micahrogers]

And a Full Build Thread, The Bandai 1/12th BB-8 and R2-D2 combo kit.


the instructions are nice,



6 multi colored sprues in 3 bags,


and Bandai's signature 2 sets of decals, both waterslide, and pressure type,


That's what's in the box, next assembly starts...

 

[micahrogers]

Building starts with BB-8...
he starts with his "head"


the upper dome/ head is in multiple multi colored pieces,

 

[micahrogers]

and final of the upper dome / head,


The antenna will be saved for last as they are so small, but at least Bandai gives you 2 of each...

 

[Revell-Fan]

The Force is strong in this forum. You have it, I have it, maybe other members have that power, too..!

 

[Cybergrinder]

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6c39x184576wtvr/f5p0dj90ehilag1oaqfslkn786_1.mp3?dl=0

 

[micahrogers]

The Body Ball consists of a more or less cube core,


six 3 piece circular detail pieces that attach in different locations to the core,



the next stip finishes "skinning" the core.

 

[micahrogers]

The Core skin gives you a choice of two options, 5 white covers are used, but 6 are supplied,as the final one has 2 options


The 2 options are for your choice of display, the clear stand has 4 parts, a round base, a double jointed, curved arm, and the head adapter,


Using the whole stand gives you posing options,


The 2nd option is a skin sections with the head adapter molded in, which lets you sit your BB on the disk, and not use the support arm.


The next step will be detail painting, weathering, and deciding on my display options...

 

[micahrogers]

And the last post on BB-8,
These are the posing options the kit offers for BB,


Adding the details of the "equipment" bays


Details added and antenna's attached to the "head"


I chose the "Thumbs Up" pose...




The beauty of these kits is that it gives you the extra parts to "change" the pose


Next week I'll start on R2...

 

[Revell-Fan]

THUMBS UP!

 

[micahrogers]

I started R2 sunday, and the first thing I decided was to paint the "silver" metal sections with a silver paint, to get a better effect than the colored plastic.



I used my standard Vallejo Acrylics for the silver color, in this case Game Color "Chainmail Silver"


The blue looks spot on to my Old Mk I Eyball.

 

[Cybergrinder]

Looking good

 

[Revell-Fan]

Are you going to eliminate the seam on the head?

 

[micahrogers]

Are you going to eliminate the seam on the head?

Yes, the seams will be filled, sanded, and then touched up... BB-8 didn't have such a glaring seam...

 

[Cybergrinder]

When I used to do plastic kits I always used to paint every visible surface, regardless of what colour the mold and finished product was

 

[Revell-Fan]

Bandai plastic needs to be handled with care when it comes to painting and weathering. Use acrylic colours only. Thinner and oil-based colours make the plastic brittle and may melt it down.

 

[Cybergrinder]

Good point, I only built Airfix, Heller & yes, Revell Those handled the enamels I used quite well

 

[zathros]

Great job Micah!! Really nice looking, and big too!

 

[Revell-Fan]

Good point, I only built Airfix, Heller & yes, Revell Those handled the enamels I used quite well

Apparently it is part of Bandai's credo: Don't let the customer poison him-/ herself in order to assure a long-time relationship.

Micah, I have noticed that the latest combo feat. C-3PO and R2 has a shinier silver with a metallic sheen instead of that dull grey. That proves that Bandai is constantly improving its products. I have the first editions (the ones with R5 and BB-8). I was a bit disappointed with my R2s because there were a lot of swirls in the plastic. For that reason painting is imperative, not only to get rid of the seam. The blue does look a bit "plasticy", too, and needs some paint, too. I have seen a few guys who painted the blue parts silver and then used transparent blue on top in order to achieve a metallic blue finish. I haven't tried that before but the results were not bad.

BTW, you have to get their C-3PO and Captain Phasma. The chrome finish is so breath-taking that I would not add some weathering to it in order to keep it nice and shiny. thumbsup

 

[micahrogers]

started that nasty seam on R2's dome... just have to see what it looks like


sanding files first, next step will be filler... then more sanding

Oh Joy...

 

[micahrogers]

seam filled and re sanded, then repainted


that seam is now gone, and on to the legs...

okay well, leg... the tubing that came with the kit for the power cables on the legs snapped on the sprue...

I cut thin copper wire and replaced the power cables, but they will need to be painted.