If you're into Gunpla, you've probably dabbled in all sorts of customization – painting, cutting, weathering, you name it. These are all awesome ways to make your models truly unique. But what about building a mobile suit that hasn't even gotten an official kit release yet? Now that's next-level!
Recently, Japanese Gunpla builder Haiyamatsubaki (@tsubakipaint) blew everyone away on X with their latest creation. They took the "Zickrogga," piloted by Charion Bull in "Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX," and crafted it using existing Bandai Gunpla kits as a base. The finished product is so slick, you'd swear it was an official Bandai release, and it's been making serious waves on X.
The "Zickrogga," piloted by Charion Bull, is a Newtype-exclusive Mobile Armor (MA) developed by the Principality of Zeon. It's equipped with a psycho-communicator system, allowing for all-range attacks. After the One Year War, its internal structure was heavily modified to adapt to diverse tactical situations, gaining the ability to transform into a Mobile Suit (MS) form.
Since Bandai hasn't released any model kits for the Zickrogga yet, Haiyamatsubaki decided to piece one together using various Gunpla kits. They focused on recreating its transformation between MA and MS forms, complete with water decals and a custom paint job.
According to Haiyamatsubaki, their build incorporates parts from the "HG 1/144 Immortal Justice Gundam," "HG 1/144 Graham's Union Flag Custom," an old-school 80s "1/550 Braw Bro" kit, and various option parts sets.
After painting, applying water decals, and assembling the various components, Haiyamatsubaki managed to recreate both the MS and MA forms through part swapping.
For the transformation, the shoulder parts are first removed and replaced with dedicated shoulder components and connecting lines. Magnets are cleverly integrated at the front end of these connecting lines and on the back of the orange exterior parts of the MA form, allowing them to snap together securely. And just like that, the transformation is complete!
You can also remove the rear MA components for a lighter, more agile look.
The whole concept behind this build was to create the Zickrogga using only existing Gunpla kits, so naturally, some details aren't 100% identical to the original design. However, Haiyamatsubaki is super happy with the result, especially noting how fun it is to spot the different Gunpla kits used in various sections – a great source of inspiration for future projects!
▼ They even made a custom HG-style box art for it!
Seriously, Gunpla masters are on another level! Before Bandai even thinks about releasing an official kit, someone's already built it themselves. It just goes to show that with a little creativity and effort, anything is possible. If you're into Gunpla customization, take a page from Haiyamatsubaki's book – you might just find your next big idea!