If you're into Gunpla, you've probably dabbled in all sorts of customization techniques—painting, cutting, weathering, you name it. But the real magic happens when you blend in other themes, unleashing boundless creative freedom with your plastic kits.
Today, we're diving into an incredible custom build from the YouTube channel "ぷらばん Plaban," a hub for all things Gunpla. The star of the show? The HG 1/144 Gundam EX from the Netflix anime "Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance." Taking a cue from the iconic "Terminator" film series, the creator transformed it into a full-blown "Terminator Edition."
Why the Gundam EX from "Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance," you ask? According to ぷらばん, this particular RX-78-2 Gundam's debut in the series had a "terrifying presence, like an enemy appearing for the first time," which immediately brought the "Terminator" vibe to mind. So, the creator decided to lean into it and make a "Terminator Edition."
The process began with disassembling, trimming, and sanding each part. Next, a fully articulated T-800 action figure from "Terminator 2" was prepped, destined to become the Gundam's internal skeleton, complete with exposed endoskeleton.
To fit the T-800's face inside the Gundam EX's head, the creator meticulously shaved down the head parts. Holes were drilled in the back for the backpack, and the T-800 body itself underwent further modifications as needed.
▼ The original "HG 1/144 Gundam EX" 
▼ The "T-800" articulated figure also required extensive modification
After modifying the limbs, the parts were thoroughly cleaned with dish soap, dried, and then secured with clips for painting. The entire exterior was first primed with "Evo Black" to ensure a consistent base color. Softer parts, like the Gatling gun's ammo belt, received a clear primer first to boost adhesion and prevent paint chipping.
Once the primer dried, all parts were sprayed with "chrome silver," followed by a clear coat. This created a glossy, heavy, and shimmering metallic finish. Weapons, shields, beam sabers, and other equipment were painted in the same manner.
Then came assembly. The Gundam's chin was attached to the T-800's head with super glue, then secured with an instant hardening spray. Finally, rust and weathering effects were added across the body, and the T-800's eyes were painted red with acrylics. After 131 hours of meticulous work, the "T-78EX" Gundam was born!
The finished product looks genuinely metallic. Because the Gundam EX model and the T-800 figure were almost identical in size, the integration of the two was even better than the creator expected, resulting in a model that boasts both a weighty feel and an intimidating presence.
▼ Watch the full video
The YouTube channel "ぷらばん Plaban" also runs an Instagram (@plaban_gunpla) and X (@plaban_gunpla), where they share various Gundam painting techniques and creative processes. If you're looking to check out their skills or spark some inspiration, we highly recommend it!
via： X 帳戶ぷらばん