1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

Discuss models, figures, Blu-rays and more.
Post Reply
User avatar
Kokopelli
Posts: 94
Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:28 am
Location: I am here
Contact:

1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

Whew, this one was a trial to make. I first got the kit used off Ebay, but when it came in, I discovered it was missing the two rear fins. However, I don't know what it was about this suit, maybe it was the Ferrari red color, the unique curves, the huge boosters, or the massive gun, but I immediately wanted to build it (probably because I haven't built a Zeon suit in a while). So I ordered another kit, but it turned out to be a blessing, as I used the 2nd kit's thrusters to add some detail to the inside of the Gerbera's huge nozzles.

This is a straight build with a few modifications. I backed a few area that had gaping hollows, like the back of the calf, the boosters, and the big rear fin. I used the last of my Mecha Skunk metal beads putting some details in, replacing the cannons in the forearms, and giving the beam machine gun a metal tip. I also grabbed a bunch of leftover decals to trick it out GFF style.

I replaced the antenna on the booster with a brass wire and was going to do the same to the head antenna, but I thought the original looked fine. Finally, I found my Aurora stickers and added them to the monoeye, scope, and rear sensor.

All and all a very good kit for its time. Like the Alpha Azieru in the CCA line, this is a stand-out kit that produces very good results. I recommend picking it up.

http://th05.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2 ... 3e0981.jpg
http://th07.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/f/2 ... 3e0a9m.jpg
http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/ ... 3e0afr.jpg
http://th04.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2 ... 3e0and.jpg
User avatar
Wedge14
Posts: 1946
Joined: Fri Jan 05, 2007 7:23 pm

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

I like the gloss finish. You don't see a lot of gloss coats in gunpla. It really brings out the uniqueness of the GT. Gebera Tetra....Gran Turismo....G....T. It kinda is a lot like a high performance sports car. The gloss really works. Nice kit!
RPG Trinary:Creepy Zeon Magician

I'm cool, just ask anybody.

Oh and check out the RPG Section!
User avatar
G-Slayer
Posts: 644
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 4:40 pm
Location: In the fridge, behind the mayonnaise, next to the ketchup, and to the left of the coleslaw.
Contact:

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

I look at this again and again, and I can't get over how fantastic the paintjob is. How exactly did you pull it off?
"That's it! I'll never Gundam the pilot again, Bright!"--Amuro Ray

My YouTube Channel!

My Photobucket Album!

My Gunpla Blog!
User avatar
Kokopelli
Posts: 94
Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:28 am
Location: I am here
Contact:

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

Its just Testor's dark red thinned and airbrushed on. I still use the cheap paint and have no real problems with it. There's several layers of Future on it, that might be the key.
User avatar
prince_of_zeon
Posts: 106
Joined: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:33 pm
Location: Evanston, Il
Contact:

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

Awesome job man!

I'm still going to wait on that HGUC...it seems that Bandai's been on a bit of a 0083 kick recently, so it may come sooner than I think. But then again, perhaps not.

It's just one of those holy grails of hopers and dreamers.
Twat me: http://twitter.com/#!/Podsyboy

Subscribe/comment me: http://www.youtube.com/user/AlphaAeizeru

Did Fats Goodman really die at the end of "Fats' Counterattack?"
Gundamium Alloy
Posts: 130
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 12:52 pm

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

Kokopelli wrote:Its just Testor's dark red thinned and airbrushed on. I still use the cheap paint and have no real problems with it. There's several layers of Future on it, that might be the key.
The kit looks great. Nice work.

I'm new to painting Gundam models and have couple questions:
-I have a Iwata airbrush but have yet to use it. It is a dual action siphon feed. I see you use Testor's paint. Is that acryllic? I only like acryllics due to other paints that have harmful fumes. I would like to pick up some Testor's paint after seeing this finished kit. Where is a good place to purchase them?

-What is 'Future' that is used as a sealant and where can you purchase it?

Thanks again. Great build.
User avatar
G-Slayer
Posts: 644
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 4:40 pm
Location: In the fridge, behind the mayonnaise, next to the ketchup, and to the left of the coleslaw.
Contact:

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

I'm new to painting Gundam models and have couple questions:
-I have a Iwata airbrush but have yet to use it. It is a dual action siphon feed. I see you use Testor's paint. Is that acryllic? I only like acryllics due to other paints that have harmful fumes. I would like to pick up some Testor's paint after seeing this finished kit. Where is a good place to purchase them?
It seems that Testors has started churning out their own acryllic paints. You can get them on the Testors website for cheap. I'd like to try these out myself:

http://www.testors.com/category/425530/Acrylic_Paints
"That's it! I'll never Gundam the pilot again, Bright!"--Amuro Ray

My YouTube Channel!

My Photobucket Album!

My Gunpla Blog!
User avatar
Kokopelli
Posts: 94
Joined: Mon Apr 17, 2006 10:28 am
Location: I am here
Contact:

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

Gundamium Alloy wrote:
Kokopelli wrote:Its just Testor's dark red thinned and airbrushed on. I still use the cheap paint and have no real problems with it. There's several layers of Future on it, that might be the key.
The kit looks great. Nice work.

I'm new to painting Gundam models and have couple questions:
-I have a Iwata airbrush but have yet to use it. It is a dual action siphon feed. I see you use Testor's paint. Is that acryllic? I only like acryllics due to other paints that have harmful fumes. I would like to pick up some Testor's paint after seeing this finished kit. Where is a good place to purchase them?

-What is 'Future' that is used as a sealant and where can you purchase it?

Thanks again. Great build.
I use enamels because I like how they cure hard and glossy. I can always dullcoat them afterward. The fumes aren't bad since I work in a ventilated area and wear a respirator. You can get them at any model shop.

Future is a brand of Pledge floor polish. You can get it at any supermarket. You add it right to your airbrush without diluting and it works just fine.
User avatar
Zanna
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri May 27, 2011 6:36 pm

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

I've always read that use of enamels isn't recommended for plastic models because it weakens the plastic and could cause cracking - but then again I've never used it.
South Burning
Posts: 117
Joined: Mon Jul 24, 2006 1:46 pm
Location: Roanoke, VA

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

I used enamels for years before acrylics came out. I think you can do so much more with enamels. I have never experienced any weakening of the plastic. And not only do enamels come in a variety of finishes on their own, you can combine flats and glosses when you mix colors and come out with a (naturally) semi-gloss finish. Too, as was mentioned, you can clear coat your finished product as you wish. The edges of water-release decals vanish when applied to gloss enamel and then clear coated with flat.
User avatar
prince_of_zeon
Posts: 106
Joined: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:33 pm
Location: Evanston, Il
Contact:

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

That candy red makes it look like it just rolled out of the dealership :)

But seriously, fantastic job man! I never get tired of seeing the Gerbera Tetra...especially if in the future we get a Master Grade (PLEASE BANDAI?)
Twat me: http://twitter.com/#!/Podsyboy

Subscribe/comment me: http://www.youtube.com/user/AlphaAeizeru

Did Fats Goodman really die at the end of "Fats' Counterattack?"
User avatar
Zanna
Posts: 12
Joined: Fri May 27, 2011 6:36 pm

Re: 1/144 Gerbera Tetra 0083 kit

prince_of_zeon wrote:That candy red makes it look like it just rolled out of the dealership :)

But seriously, fantastic job man! I never get tired of seeing the Gerbera Tetra...especially if in the future we get a Master Grade (PLEASE BANDAI?)
Somehow I doubt that a Master Grade is going to happen - the Gerbera Tetra appeared for a grand total of like... 15 minutes before it got blown out of the sky in 0083. Bandai's also mentioned things like focusing more on RG and HG lines because of general economic difficulties and people not being able to afford as many MG-level kits. Honestly I'd be happy with a good HGUC version.
Post Reply