Double Duty, Part Two: Gundams That Don't Look Like Gundams
This is a continuation of my Double Duty series, using models and figures from other sources that can still pass as 15mm/1-100th scale.
Here's the link to Part One.
I love Gundam models from Bandai. Chances are, if you're a mechahead, you like them, too. But, if you want to use "scale-correct" 1/100th Gundams, you're dealing with an 18 cm/7 inch tall model or larger.
Unless you're fighting Kaiju (which is cool, don't get me wrong), that's usually too big for most tabletops.
Thus, many folks, myself included, use the smaller, cheaper 1/144th scale Bandai Gundam kits, which range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches tall (114mm to 139mm).
The problem is, most folks know the classic Zeon/Earth Federation styling (samurai crests, blue/white/red/yellow patterns, Zaku sensor domes, etc.).
This leads to awkward questions of why you're using 1/144th scale models on a 15mm (roughly 1/100th scale) tabletop. Can't have that, can we? ;)
So, the focus of this article is Gundams that don't look like Gundams, that still fit on your tabletop, that don't break the bank.
First up is the 1/144th scale Jesta Cannon mobile suit. Some serious firepower, there.
A more utilitarian variant, maybe to be used as a main battle mecha or common "soldier" type, is the 1/144th scale Jesta.
A neat mobile suit is the dual-cannon 1/144th scale Kampfer Amazing. I like the sleek, almost aquatic look to it.
The 1/144th scale GM Sniper II Custom has some personality to it, though it has the classic shield and lower legs of a Gundam. The external ammo compartments and sensor visor break up the normal design style, though.
This is a 1/144th scale Hi-Mock Simulator Suit, apparently a training suit used by junior pilots. It's look is just generic enough, to me, that it doesn't scream Zaku or even Gundam. Just a clean arrangement of geometric shapes. I think this would lend itself nicely to customization.
To finish out this article, here's a mobile suit that will probably never be misjudged as the wrong-sized kit on your tabletop: The 1/144th scale Beargguy Mobile Suit, and its yellow (and ribbon-backpacked!) 1/144th scale Beargguy III Mobile Suit.
So, there you have it. Just some variety in your mecha purchases. After all, Destroids, Mortis Leviathans, and L-HACs need someone their own size to pick on.
Best,
JBR
Edit to Add:
Hat tip to Jason Spykerman for suggesting the 1/144th scale Grimoire mobile suit. Very cool look.
I know this list is nowhere near comprehensive, but if you have suggestions, feel free to add them in the comment section.
Here's the link to Part One.
I love Gundam models from Bandai. Chances are, if you're a mechahead, you like them, too. But, if you want to use "scale-correct" 1/100th Gundams, you're dealing with an 18 cm/7 inch tall model or larger.
Unless you're fighting Kaiju (which is cool, don't get me wrong), that's usually too big for most tabletops.
Thus, many folks, myself included, use the smaller, cheaper 1/144th scale Bandai Gundam kits, which range from 4.5 to 5.5 inches tall (114mm to 139mm).
This leads to awkward questions of why you're using 1/144th scale models on a 15mm (roughly 1/100th scale) tabletop. Can't have that, can we? ;)
So, the focus of this article is Gundams that don't look like Gundams, that still fit on your tabletop, that don't break the bank.
So, there you have it. Just some variety in your mecha purchases. After all, Destroids, Mortis Leviathans, and L-HACs need someone their own size to pick on.
Best,
JBR
Edit to Add:
Hat tip to Jason Spykerman for suggesting the 1/144th scale Grimoire mobile suit. Very cool look.
I know this list is nowhere near comprehensive, but if you have suggestions, feel free to add them in the comment section.
Comments