Thrusters
The Wing Zero’s thrusters are the biggest “backpack unit” I’ve ever assembled for a model kit, and naturally it is also the most complicated. This isn’t to say that it is difficult to build, merely that it is more involved than usual.
They begin with an actual backpack unit, which is quite large. It also boasts two “arms” which can expand out to the sides (presumably for flight mode) or fold back in. I spray painted it with the last of my Testor’s paint, and while there wasn’t enough in the can for a full coat, I actually like the worn, semi-unfinished look it gives to this part of the kit.
Next up are the thrusters themselves. Each one is made up of two wings that are connected on a hinge. This allows them to either open or close depending on what mode the unit is in. Below the hinge is a fairly large rocket, which makes up the center of the piece. I decided not top topcoat these “inner frame” sections, as it doesn’t really seem worth it.
Next up is the armor. The photos on the box make it look as if the armor pieces are fairly intricately woven together, but in reality it their assembly is straightforward.
Detailing them, however, is not. Each piece boasts a ton of decals. This is great, except for the fact that each pieces is very angular, but none of them use a very large range of angles. When applying seals, it isn’t always obvious that you’re working with the right piece, or that it is in the correct orientation. On more than one occasion I had to remove a decal and place it somewhere else. I didn’t manage to destroy any of them, but a few look a bit jankier than they’re supposed to.
The last of the dry-rub decals are used on the thrusters, and the pieces in question are so small that it was difficult to get them on straight. In fact, I’m just thankful I got them on at all.
Once I get these pieces painted up, the model will be ready for final assembly.
Other Thoughts
I tried painting on a morning that was misty and slightly cold. Big mistake. Immediately the blue pieces began to get that cloudy, crusty look. I ended up solving it by doing something I’ve never done before. Normally I paint while standing outside, or in the case of colder weather, by standing indoors and leaning my arms out. This time I actually kept the piece indoors as well, and simply sprayed towards the open door. The paint still went outside, but the piece was mostly shielded from the elements. It worked perfectly, and the pieces all turned out very nicely. There’s still a bit of crustiness near the top of two of the pieces, but it isn’t enough to worry about.
Perhaps there’s something to do with the moisture in the air that makes the paint dry so oddly. Whatever the cause may be, I’ll avoid repeating this mistake in the future.