1:500 [Walker Machine Xabungle] IRONGEAR

Irongear from the Walker Machine Xabungle range in 1:500 scale

An injection-molded plastic kit of the Irongear machine from the Walker Machine Xabungle range, issued by the Japanese firm Hasegawa. The 1:500 scale by itself reveals how large the subject is: while the same manufacturer treats the Xabungle machine itself in 1:72 scale, the Irongear only comes down to a reasonable model size once reduced to one five-hundredth.

What the model represents

The subject is a large mobile machine from the setting that gave the range its name. Further machines of the range are also offered in the same 1:500 scale, so they can be built as a group comparable in size.

Building and painting tips

Compared with small robots, the model has large continuous surfaces, and it is precisely those that decide the result. Fill and sand the seams after gluing, otherwise the finish will show through them. Apply the primer in a thin coat, so that it does not flood the engraved lines, and build the base color up gradually; a large surface forgives little. A panel line wash running into the engraving and slight lightening of the centers of the surfaces suit bringing out the layout. Be sparing with weathering and rather use several light coats, because in this scale a coarse effect reads as implausible. Given the size of the finished model, work out the space in your display case in advance.

Who the model is for

• For collectors of the Walker Machine Xabungle range who want the large machines in a uniform scale.
• For modelers who want to try working with large continuous surfaces.
• For fans of Japanese kits by the Hasegawa brand.
• For builders looking for a pronounced centerpiece for a display case.

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.