MGSD Destiny Quantum Build Review: A Detailed Look
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the MGSD Destiny Quantum, a model kit that has been creating quite a buzz in the Gundam community. If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just love a challenging and rewarding build, you're in for a treat. We'll be covering everything from the unboxing experience to the final finished product, so let's get started!
Unboxing and First Impressions
First off, let's talk about the unboxing experience. The box itself is a beauty, featuring some stunning artwork of the Destiny Quantum. Opening it up, you're greeted with a plethora of runners, each packed with meticulously detailed parts. The plastic quality feels top-notch, and you can immediately tell that this is a premium kit. The color separation is impressive, meaning you won't have to do a ton of painting to get a great-looking result. We were particularly impressed with the metallic sheen on some of the parts, which really gives it that extra touch of realism. The instruction manual is clear and well-organized, which is crucial for a kit with this many pieces. Even if you're relatively new to model building, you should be able to follow along without too much trouble. But don't let that fool you, this kit still offers a good level of challenge and complexity, making it a satisfying project for experienced builders as well. The sheer number of parts might seem daunting at first, but trust me, the end result is worth the effort. One thing that stood out to us immediately was the level of detail molded into each piece. From the panel lines to the intricate mechanical details, this kit is a feast for the eyes. It's clear that Bandai has put a lot of thought and effort into the design of the MGSD Destiny Quantum. The undergating is also a welcome feature, which helps to minimize nub marks and makes for a cleaner build overall. This is especially important for a kit like this, where the finish is so crucial. Overall, our first impressions were extremely positive. The MGSD Destiny Quantum looks and feels like a high-quality model kit, and we were itching to get started on the build.
The Build Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the build process. Building the MGSD Destiny Quantum is an experience in itself. It's not just about snapping pieces together; it's about understanding the engineering and appreciating the intricate design. We started with the legs, which are surprisingly complex for their size. The internal frame is a marvel of engineering, allowing for a wide range of articulation and movement. Each joint is carefully designed to provide both stability and flexibility, ensuring that the finished model can hold a variety of dynamic poses. Assembling the legs also gives you a good taste of the level of detail that this kit offers. There are numerous small parts and intricate details to take care of, but the end result is incredibly rewarding. Moving on to the waist and torso, the complexity continues to ramp up. The core fighter transformation gimmick adds another layer of intricacy to the build, requiring careful attention to the instructions. The internal mechanisms for the transformation are cleverly designed and fit together seamlessly. This is where you really start to appreciate the engineering prowess that Bandai has brought to the table. The head unit is another highlight of the build. The V-fin is molded in sharp detail, and the clear parts for the eyes and sensors add a pop of color. The head also features a number of small details and panel lines that really bring it to life. Attaching the arms is a similar experience to building the legs. The articulation is fantastic, and the range of motion is impressive. The shoulders, in particular, are designed to allow for a wide range of poses, which is essential for recreating the Destiny Quantum's signature moves. Finally, we come to the wings and the various weapons. The wings are undoubtedly the most impressive part of the kit, both in terms of size and complexity. They feature a multi-layer design with numerous moving parts, allowing for a variety of display options. The beam rifle, shield, and other weapons are also highly detailed and add to the overall presence of the model. Throughout the build process, we found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow. However, there are a few spots where you'll need to pay close attention to the diagrams to ensure that you're assembling the parts correctly. This is not a kit to rush through; taking your time and paying attention to the details will result in a much better final product.
Detailing and Customization: Making It Your Own
One of the best things about model kits is the opportunity to add your personal touch. With the MGSD Destiny Quantum, there are plenty of ways to enhance the already impressive details and make your build truly unique. Panel lining is a great place to start. Adding panel lines with a fine-tipped marker or enamel wash will make the molded details pop and give the model a more realistic look. The MGSD Destiny Quantum has tons of panel lines just begging to be highlighted. Applying decals is another simple yet effective way to add visual interest. The kit comes with a sheet of water slide decals, which are generally preferred over stickers for their cleaner look and better adhesion. You can also find a wide variety of aftermarket decals online to further customize your model. Painting is where you can really unleash your creativity. While the kit has excellent color separation, adding a fresh coat of paint can take it to the next level. You can experiment with different color schemes, metallic finishes, and weathering techniques to create a truly unique look. For the MGSD Destiny Quantum, consider adding some metallic accents to the frame or highlighting the thrusters with a different shade of blue. Pre-shading is a technique where you apply a darker shade of paint to the edges and recesses of the parts before applying the main color. This creates a subtle shadow effect that adds depth and dimension to the model. It's a bit more advanced, but the results are worth the effort. Weathering is another popular technique for adding realism to model kits. This involves simulating wear and tear, such as scratches, dirt, and rust. For the MGSD Destiny Quantum, you might consider adding some scorch marks around the thrusters or some chipping to the edges of the armor. Custom modifications are for the truly adventurous builders. This can involve anything from adding extra details with pla-plate to completely altering the shape of the parts. If you're feeling ambitious, you could even try adding some LEDs to the model for an extra wow factor. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and experiment. There's no right or wrong way to customize your model kit. The goal is to create something that you're proud of and that reflects your personal style.
Posing and Display: Showing Off Your Masterpiece
Once you've finished building and detailing your MGSD Destiny Quantum, it's time to show it off! This kit has incredible articulation, so you can create a wide variety of dynamic poses. Experiment with different stances and angles to find the perfect way to display your masterpiece. The wings are a key part of the Destiny Quantum's design, so make sure to take full advantage of their articulation. You can spread them out for a dramatic, imposing look, or fold them in for a more streamlined appearance. The beam rifle and shield are also essential accessories for posing your model. Try recreating some of the Destiny Quantum's signature moves from the anime, such as the beam rifle firing pose or the shield deployed in a defensive stance. A good display base can make a big difference in how your model looks. There are a variety of display bases available, from simple stands to more elaborate platforms with lighting and effects. Consider using an action base that allows you to pose the model in mid-air for an even more dynamic display. Lighting can also enhance the look of your model. You can use spotlights to highlight specific details or add LED strips to the base for a cool underglow effect. Experiment with different lighting setups to find what works best for your display. Consider the backdrop for your display. A simple, neutral background will help your model stand out, while a more elaborate diorama can create a scene and tell a story. You can use anything from a piece of cardboard to a professionally built diorama base. Dust is the enemy of model kits. Make sure to dust your display regularly to keep your model looking its best. You can use a soft brush or a can of compressed air to remove dust from hard-to-reach areas. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your display. Try different poses, lighting setups, and backdrops until you find something that you're happy with. Your MGSD Destiny Quantum is a work of art, so show it off with pride!
Final Verdict: Is the MGSD Destiny Quantum Worth It?
So, the big question: is the MGSD Destiny Quantum worth the hype? In our opinion, the answer is a resounding yes! This kit is a fantastic addition to any Gundam fan's collection. The level of detail is outstanding, the articulation is incredible, and the build process is both challenging and rewarding. The MGSD line has been impressing us with its combination of detail and engineering, and the Destiny Quantum is a shining example of what these kits can achieve. The build process is engaging and keeps you hooked from start to finish. The clear instructions and well-engineered parts make it a joy to assemble, even though it has a high parts count. The finished product is a stunning representation of the Destiny Quantum, capturing its sleek lines and aggressive design perfectly. The color separation is excellent, meaning you can get a great-looking result straight out of the box, but there's also plenty of opportunity for customization if you want to take it to the next level. The articulation is where this kit truly shines. The wide range of motion allows for a huge variety of dynamic poses, making it perfect for display. The joints are sturdy and hold poses well, so you don't have to worry about it flopping over. The accessories are also well-designed and add to the overall presence of the model. The beam rifle, shield, and wings are all highly detailed and can be posed in various ways. Of course, no kit is perfect. The MGSD Destiny Quantum is a complex build, so it might not be the best choice for absolute beginners. There are a lot of small parts, and some of the steps require careful attention to the instructions. However, if you're willing to put in the time and effort, the results are well worth it. Overall, the MGSD Destiny Quantum is a top-notch model kit that we highly recommend. It's a challenging but rewarding build, and the finished product is a stunning display piece. If you're a fan of the Destiny Gundam or just love a high-quality model kit, this is one you won't want to miss.