AUN[RIZE] ARMOR

Bandai AUN[RIZE] ARMOR - a plastic set

A plastic snap-fit set from Bandai carried in the Gundam assortment. The designation ARMOR in a Bandai name refers to armor and equipment sets that are combined with a model of a robot, and a whole group of such sets appears under a similar designation. Whether the set is usable on its own or assumes a base model is stated on the box; check the compatibility against the data on the packaging before buying.

The theme

Add-on armor is the usual way, in the world of Gundam, of turning one basic machine into a variant with a different role. In modeling terms that is practical: a collector can build one figure in two forms, or put the armor parts together into a display composition of their own.

Building and painting tips

With armor sets what matters above all is the color match with the carrying model; one extra part in a different shade of white or gray reveals in a display case at once that it is an added piece. If you do paint the set, therefore, mix the shade to the model already built and make a test sample on an offcut of sprue. Nip the large flat parts off with a margin and trim the gates with a knife, because a mark on a flat area will not be hidden under varnish. Fit the parts dry first and check that the armor really closes on the model and does not block the movement of the joints. Bring out the panel lines sparingly and even the whole out with a semi-matte varnish.

Who the set is for

• Builders of Gundam models widening an existing collection
• Modelers who want to build one model in several forms
• Anyone after a quick build without glue
• Collectors of Bandai accessory and armor sets

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