This project features a custom build of the popular Astray Red Frame, a fan-favorite mobile suit from the "Gundam SEED Astray" side story, reimagined in the MGSD scale.
Lining up the donor kits for this build, we have various scales from left to right: MG, HG, RG, and SD.
Essentially, while the head uses an SD kit, the main body primarily utilizes MG parts. Similar MGSD-style custom builds can be found online. After some research, I found that building with the length of an HG (1/144) and the width of an MG (1/100) yields the best proportions and synergy. I find cutting easier than adding, so the core theme for this project was "subtraction." The goal was to shorten the MG proportions to an HG length.
For a detailed look at the modification process, check out the blog post.
The upper body before the "subtraction" process (HG on the left, MG on the right).
After applying "subtraction" in the image below, the MG's length is visibly reduced.
The left image shows the original MG length.
The right image showcases the result of a mixed "addition and subtraction" approach using both HG and MG parts.
After cutting, the length was shortened to approximately what's seen on the right.
The beam rifle arguably saw the most extensive application of the "subtraction" technique in this project. Each section within the blue circles was shortened by 2-3mm. Achieving precise cuts, secure gluing, and seamless joins alone required considerable skill.
[Primer & Surface Check]
This build utilized a highlight and shadow painting technique, followed by hand-painted touch-ups and finished with a matte coat for a uniform look.
[Main Body Overview]
The Astray Red Frame boasts a very muscular and well-defined physique.
[Detail Close-ups]
The internal details of the shoulder cooling vents are incredibly rich, and the hand-painted finish brings out these details beautifully.
[Armament Showcase]
The Red Dragon equipment boasts a rich array of armaments, with the three massive swords being particularly distinctive.
The entire Red Dragon equipment is massive, requiring a display stand to maintain stable posing.
[Basic Armaments]
[Dynamic Posing]
Despite the reduced size, the arm articulation still maintains MG-level quality.
[Gerbera Straight & Beam Saber]
Due to the shortened arms, it's impossible to achieve a drawing-the-sword pose with the Gerbera Straight, no matter how it's positioned.
[Red Dragon Equipment]
The massive swords are heavy, and the small body can barely support them.
It's impossible to wield the massive swords with one hand; a display stand is absolutely necessary for support.
