May the injured recover soon.
May the innocent departed rest in peace.
This was originally intended to be my final project for the year, but it was completed amidst such a somber social atmosphere. The fear of train accidents from over a decade ago resurfaced like a nightmare, once again reminding me how fragile life is, like an ant, in the face of unforeseen disasters.
▼Returning to the model itself, this time the Kaiyodo ARTPLA SCULPTURE WORKS series presents the first-generation Godzilla, which debuted on the big screen in 1954. What's different is that biological sculptor Shinobu Matsumura reimagined and reconstructed it based on promotional stills from the original film, adding a more dynamic head-turning pose. This recreates Godzilla's brutal image as it attacked the Yurakucho station area, crushing railway overpasses and biting trains, designing an even more biological and destructive terrifying behemoth.
▼The kit's parts breakdown also demonstrates the exquisite molding craftsmanship of a veteran manufacturer. A simple skeleton forms the torso, with an outer layer of rough, irregularly textured skin applied like a veneer.
▼During this build, only model glue was used for adhesion. Most gaps between parts became less noticeable after firm pressing, and no subsequent filling or sanding was required to achieve a highly complete monster assembly model.
▼Regarding the diorama base, the scene of destruction is incredibly realistic, with the details of the train tracks emerging clearly, which should also facilitate subsequent painting.
▼Once completed, the overall height reaches 17 cm, and the weight accumulated from the rich layering of parts exceeds 300 grams. Even unpainted, the bare Godzilla, with its fierce gaze, already exhibits a terrifying and awe-inspiring presence that can make the world tremble.
▼Below are views of the painted finished product from various angles:
▼First, the "windows to the soul." Compared to the original, the classic design of the 2001 white-eyed Godzilla is adopted, further elevating the terrifying image of the unknown giant beast.
▼For the main body color, referencing Master Matsumura's painting example in the instructions, a reddish-brown palette was chosen for coloring, and dry brushing was used to further highlight the skin texture details.
▼The train, bitten almost in half, with its rear car dynamically depicted as if about to be flung off, is incredibly vivid.
▼Although the model design features separate parts, the train cars could not be painted separately and then assembled because Godzilla's upper and lower jaws needed to be glued together beforehand. Therefore, the train car sections were subsequently brush-painted individually.
▼The first-generation Godzilla's more rounded dorsal fins are presented by dry brushing around them.
▼The sturdy and robust lower body, in contrast to the saggy appearance of the movie suit, exhibits a relatively tighter biological muscle definition.
▼Following the painting example, a hint of the ground's fiery glow is added to the right hind leg.
▼With the lighting simulating raging flames, one gazes upon this god of destruction towering over the burning earth.
▼The deathly gaze in the dark night rings the alarm bell of the apocalypse.
▼Next, let's review the richly detailed diorama base below.
▼For the burning fire effect, red and yellow paints were mixed and casually brushed onto the ground and building exteriors.
▼The scene of collapsed tracks conveys a sense of ruin as if one were truly there.
▼The scorched ruins of broken walls and rubble appear desolate when not presided over by the giant beast.
▼Finally, comparing it with the Aoshima Minus One Godzilla I previously built, although it lacks the dazzling and magnificent dorsal fins, Kaiyodo has a slight edge in terms of height and volume.
▼In terms of presence, the awe-inspiring image of the first-generation Godzilla is truly terrifying. Coupled with the train accessories and the diorama base, the entire model conveys an even stronger sense of storytelling and cautionary warning.
The kin of that Godzilla
may yet appear somewhere in the world...
Disasters are hard to prevent. Stay vigilant. Stay safe.
