Votoms build spree(4 kits)

[PACinT]

Going to be embarking on a 4 kit spree of V.O.T.O.MS(Vertical One-man Tank for Offense and ManeuverS) kits.

Fun older anime that with Gundam & Dougram really created the real robot genre. Originally it didn't do well but later developed a cult following with Game and OVA releases.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armored_Trooper_Votoms

All 4 kits are 1/20 scale and released by Bandai(Japan). The kits are highly detailed with lots of articulation and Figures(Pilots, etc).

I will be doing cleanup & test assembly of 2 kits/month and paint them later during final assembly.
Later I will be making 2 sets of display/bookends for them.

Next months kits will be the Scopedog RSC(Red Shoulder Custom) and Fatty Ground type(Pailsen Files). After that a Brutishdog and a Scopedog Berkoff Squad(Pailsen Files).

Have been building Votoms kits for many years from 1/60 - 1/8scale, toughest was the 1/60 Operation Sunsa(Wave) kit that upgraded their styrene kits with resin and PE parts(moveable).
The 1/8 Scopedog(Volks) resin kit set me back $1.200 as I also got the Round Mover upgrade.

Right now still working on a Bandai 1/12 SW Speeder Bike & Scout Trooper model.

1st pics and updates should come middle of next week.

[PACinT]

I am set over here but will busy shopping for a few days so updates will be delayed.
Photobucket albums are created.

Local kits use a lot paints as they give you the mixing ratios for a local paint range.

Due to financial constraints I will have to delay buying paints for this spree.

I know most Bandai kits are molded in colour but they are not that accurate and many parts would still need details to be painted or use the supplied stickers.

Bit of a rant:

The 1st kit I will be focusing on is the RSC Scopedog which will showcase of many of the good and bad points of Bandai kits and why they need to be painted fully, voids that need to be build(SD etc kits) and more.

It being one of the main characters Robots/mecha(japanese short for mechanical/mech overseas).

Mech was coined by FASA for their Battletech/Mechwarrior games which initially used japanese anime designs without permission.

During the spree I will also provide other explanations/details/trivia.

[PACinT]

Just checked the weather T-Storms in the afternoon.

Can do the Unboxing today as shopping is delayed(no car).

Over here weather is a big factor as humidity and temps can be hell like during rainy or typhoon season or mid-summer.

Should have an update in 13hrs.

[PACinT]

Hi.

Took some quick pics with my old cellphone
Bit sgueezed for space here so excuse the backdrop.
Actually my coffer table doubles as my Workbench(no AB).

Fatty Box:


Scopedog RSC Box:


Parts 1:


Parts 2:


Parts 3:



The can is a 500ml one for size comparison


Will try to take better pictures soon. Still new do the Photobucket app on Android.

[PACinT]

Really need to get a new phone with better camera.

Assrmbled the 3 figures that come with the kit

[tay666]

Actually my coffer table doubles as my Workbench(no AB).

Same here. It has it's advantages and disadvantages.
Biggest downer for me is having to pick everything up and put it away after a session.

Looking forward to watching this project progress.

[PACinT]

Hi.

Thanks Trevor. I use a large cutting mat, so easy to pickup and store on shelf.
Yeah I miss my deficated workbench with Spraybooth and more.

The next update will take a bit.

Bit of background info.
The Robots are called AT(Armored Troopers) and Pilot sits inside the chest. Very modular and easy to configure/upgrade a basic Scopedog into Marshydog, Brutishdog and more.

AT can also operate under water and in space.
They can walk or extend wheels from their feet for high-speed gliding movement.

Articulation is mostly hydraulic, backpacks carry extra fluid as well as ammunition and mission specific gear/supplies.

[PACinT]

Next will be legs.
Most AT can go into 'down form' which lowers the cockpit for easier getting in/out in the field.

Can be done on the kit too.

After that backpack and weapons, arms, mainbody(cockpit).

Not going into
all the details like internal frame. Kit is very detailed and everything that moves in the anime does on the kit.

Thinking of doing the bookends for this and the Brutishdog as in a hanger.

For the 2 Pailsen File kits in a Desert fighting.

Base for the bookends will be as seen below, with the kit being plastic there is just not enough weight(wood base/backdrop + kit).

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/imag ... CM23VqLjk5

Not much of the metal bookends will be visible in my design.

Learned a lot from doing the Moebius Spidey and Green Goblim as bookends for a friend

[PACinT]

Hi.

Sorry, been in the Hospital and going back later today.
Current estimate is 2-3months more.

I stopped this thread because of it. Had planned to show the supplied Jewel Eyes vs ones I make myself.

Got the Scopedog assembled, started on the Fatty but fluffed the build.
Replacement will arrive with the 2 missing kits.

I can build at the Hospital but no cameras allowed.
Also able to leave the Hospital/ward for short walks, day-trips and overnight stays.

Current stay is again due to my Suicidal Drepression(recurrent) having gotten worse
Like the Hospital, great ward, food, etc with own garden and all rooms are private with TV.

I can access my cel outside the ward to get updates.
Plan on redoing this thread later on with pics from the ogher 2 dogs and the Fatty to show all the inner and outet details(up to 3 layers) difference in downform Fatty vs Dog, etc).

Mods clean or cancel this topic as you see fit.

[LOBOREX]

Look forward to seeing your work, but for now get yourself better. Sending good thoughts your way.