My latest build, its a Master Grade Gouf Custom from Bandai. Did a couple of modifications to improve the proportion such as shorten the snout, widen the torso area, the shoulders were also bulked up, dropped the crotch-thigh joints, widen the thigh armors, extended the front crotch armor & widen the front and rear skirts. Minor detailing was also done. Changed the color into a greyish scheme. Weathered using pastels and oils. Kudos to my friend KKK for sharing "Texas Colony's" work as reference.

More photos at -- Mechaion Designs

Weathering time! Added paint chippings, I just used a 000 brush and dark gray lacquer paint. A bit tedious compared to sponge or salt/hairspray technique but it gives you more control on your desired effect.

Wash and filters also applied using pastels, a bit of oils for the rust streaks and discolouration.  

Here's a close-up view of what I did to the crotch area. Did some cuts and lowered the thigh joints by 4mm.

 

Some simple detailing.

Added 3mm of plastic sheets on the front skirt and .5mm on the sides to close in the gaps when assembled.

Another dry-fit to see how it looks before painting.

Painting done. Getting ready for some heavy weathering.

Late post that will be used as reference for the TRMS auction.

 

-(Left) NG Exia dry fit, (Right) Out of the box kit [Photo c/o Dalong]

-Neck joint extended by 2mm using Tamiya Pla-plates.

-Scribed panel line to simulate vents on the cheek piece.

-Cuts on the shoulder armor, will place styrene plate and bars to simulate internals.

-Addition of details on the torso (scribed panel lines, rivet holes and addition of Wave O-bolts)

 

-Lowered the crotch-thigh joints by at least 5mm. Reinforced by Wave C-line and 2mm of styrene sheets.

-Another mock assembly after adjusting the proportion. 

 

-More additional details (panel lines and rivet holes).

-Pre-painting modifications on the thighs to avoid masking.

-Filled the gaps with epoxy putty.

-Sharpen the blades using styrene and CA glue.

-Painted and decals applied, before the final flat coat.

This is my 2nd aircraft build, improved a little bit compared to my first attempt which is the A-10, but still needs a lot of practice. Painted with Gaianotes lacquers, pastels for the wash and weathering, I want the finished model to be a bit dirty like its a workhorse with lots of flight time. I also messed up the back part of the canopy (fogged by spilling thinner) that's why I opted to just paint it. Not that historically accurate, sorry to all flyboys out there. Pardon the photos, its a bit grainy, cant get the right settings for my cam this time.

More photos at -- Mechaion Designs

Here's the result after cleaning the pastel wash. Quite happy with the streaking effects. 

 

Close-up and belly view. Just a final top coat and its all done.

Just showing you guys the gap on the belly side. I always use an epoxy putty to cover and level gaps like this. 

Murphy's Law of Modeling. I accidentally spilled my thinner (while cleaning the puttywork) on several parts including the back canopy causing it to fog. Tried fixing it with progressive sanding and compounds but failed. Next resort is just to paint it. Historic accuracy down the drain. LOL

-Primed and ready for pre-shading

-Freehand the light gray

-Mask the edges using sticky tack

-Apply the second color

Here's the result of the camouflage scheme. I also applied 2 coats of satin varnish to seal the decal work. 

Pastel wash all over the model for that weathered look.

My site, www.mechaion.tk is currently on migration to another host. The old site is still viewable HERE.

Another commission work out of the way. Just finished this 1/144 EX Model Hildolfr. Quite interesting model kit, half tank half mecha. Assembly's fairly simple and got great details. The usual OOTB, changed the scheme into a bluish-green color as requested by the client. Waterslide decals are also provided which is good since the kit is pretty pricey. Painted with Gaianotes lacquers, wash with Tamiya enamels, filters done using Artist's Oils and pigments for the dust effect. 

As of posting time, most (90%) of the dust effects were already removed (good thing I didnt apply any fixative on the pigments). The client finds it to be a bit too weathered for his taste.

More Photos at -- Mechaion Designs

With the EX Model Hildolfr out of the way, I can finally go back to the F16 build which Im really excited to do. Started to seal the body and armaments. Still a long way to go but Im taking my time. I can see now that this bird will receive a lot of putty and sanding especially the belly area.

Painted the cockpit with flat black & did some detailing on the pilot seat by adding belts made out of strips of masking tape.

Satin coat + decals

 

Wash and filters applied

Here's a mock assembly before the flat coat and pigments.

Base coat applied.

After the mid-tones and highlights.

 

Close-up shots of the colour modulation and traditional shading.