HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam: Build & Battle Guide

Hey Gundam enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the epic world of Gunpla with the HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam? This is the ultimate guide to assembling and appreciating this magnificent mobile suit, covering everything from the box opening to the final posing. Get ready to transform plastic into a powerhouse! Let's get started. The HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam is a remarkable kit, a true testament to Bandai's engineering prowess. This isn't just any ordinary Gunpla; it's a statement piece, a model that commands attention and respect. As you build, you'll witness the evolution of the V2 Gundam, evolving into its Assault and Buster forms, each packed with unique weaponry and a distinct visual flair. So, grab your nippers, embrace the challenge, and prepare to bring this legendary mobile suit to life. This guide will be your trusty companion throughout the build process, offering tips, tricks, and insights to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. This kit is a must-have for any collector, and the satisfaction of building it is unparalleled. It's more than just a model; it's an experience. We're going to break down the entire process. Get ready to unleash the full potential of your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam!

Building the HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam is a journey, a voyage of discovery into the meticulous world of Gunpla. From the moment you open the box, you're greeted with a collection of intricately designed plastic runners, each holding the components that will eventually form the iconic mobile suit. As you examine the parts, you'll begin to appreciate the level of detail and precision that Bandai puts into their kits. The colors are vibrant, the molds are sharp, and the engineering is simply outstanding. The assembly process is a delicate dance of snipping, fitting, and snapping, each step bringing you closer to the finished product. Pay close attention to the instructions. The illustrations are clear and concise, guiding you through each stage of the build. Don't rush; take your time. This is not a race; it's a labor of love. Assembling this kit will require a bit of patience, but the result is a rewarding experience. The HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam is a showcase of design and engineering. As you put the pieces together, you'll see how the various components integrate. Each piece fits perfectly with the next. The build is an exciting process, and the final result will be something you'll be proud of, a testament to your patience and skill.

Unboxing and Preparation: Setting the Stage

Alright, guys, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the build, let's get prepped! First things first, carefully unbox your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam. Inside, you'll find a bunch of runners (the plastic frames holding the parts), an instruction manual, and maybe even some stickers or decals. Take a moment to inventory everything, ensuring you have all the pieces. Trust me, it's better to know if something's missing now rather than realizing it halfway through the build! Next, you'll want to gather your tools. You'll need a good pair of nippers (side cutters) to remove the parts from the runners, a hobby knife for cleaning up any nub marks (those little bits of plastic left over), and maybe some sanding sticks or files for smoothing out surfaces. A cutting mat and some lighting will be helpful too. A good work surface is key! Make sure you have plenty of space, and consider using a cutting mat to protect your table from scratches. Good lighting is also essential so you can spot those tiny details and nub marks. Now is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with the instruction manual. Flip through it, get a feel for the different steps, and identify any tricky areas that might require extra attention. This will help you plan your approach and avoid any potential headaches later on. Prepare a small container for parts. As you remove parts from the runners, put them in a container to prevent loss. You can even sort them by runner letter to save time later. Taking the time to prepare properly will make the whole building process smoother and more enjoyable. It's like setting the foundation for a skyscraper; a solid start ensures a successful finish. So, take your time, get organized, and let's start building this awesome Gunpla!

Essential Tools and Materials for Your Build

Before you start, make sure you've got your toolkit ready. The right tools can make or break your Gunpla experience. Here's a rundown of what you'll need:

• Nippers: These are your primary weapon for removing parts from the runners. Look for nippers designed for Gunpla; they have thin blades that allow for clean cuts and minimize stress marks.
• Hobby Knife: Use a hobby knife to trim away any remaining plastic after you've cut the parts from the runners. A sharp blade is essential for a clean finish.
• Sanding Sticks/Files: These are used to smooth out nub marks. These are the small imperfections left behind by the nippers. Use varying grits, from coarse to fine, to achieve a perfect surface.
• Cutting Mat: Protect your workspace with a cutting mat. It's a non-slip surface that will prevent scratches and keep everything neat.
• Tweezers: Tweezers are your friends for handling small parts, stickers, and decals.
• Optional - Glue: If you are planning on panel lining, you might want to use some glue to enhance the details.

Assembly: Step-by-Step Guide

Let's get down to business! The assembly process can be broken down into several key stages, mirroring the progression of the instruction manual. Follow these steps, and you'll have your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam ready for action in no time. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s all worth it in the end!

Building the Core: The Frame and Body

The foundation of any Gunpla is the inner frame. Start by building the core components: the torso, waist, and legs. Pay close attention to the joints; they're critical for poseability. The legs are generally the first thing you want to assemble. Carefully follow the instructions, snapping the pieces together, and ensuring they fit flush. Pay attention to any small details, like the vents or armor plates. These often give the model its distinctive look. Once the legs are complete, move on to the torso and waist. The torso usually has a more intricate build, with multiple layers of armor and internal mechanisms. Again, take your time and make sure everything is aligned. The waist is the connection point to the legs, so ensure it is secure. Don't force anything; if a part doesn't fit, double-check the instructions to make sure you have the correct orientation or have removed any necessary nubs. The body is the most integral part of the Gunpla, so take care, and don't rush. The torso and waist will eventually connect to the legs to form the main body. The construction of the body is often the most enjoyable part of the build, as you start to see the mobile suit take shape. It's at this stage that you'll begin to appreciate the impressive design of the V2 Assault Buster Gundam, and the engineering of the kit. The core build provides you with the overall mobile suit shape, and it will be time to add the final details and weapons!

Arming Up: Arms and Head Construction

Once the core is done, it's time to build the arms and head. The arms often include complex joints for articulation, so take extra care with these. The head is where the character of the mobile suit truly comes to life. Be extra careful with the head. The arms are often designed with intricate joints, such as the shoulder and elbow joints. These joints are vital for the mobile suit's poseability, so make sure they are assembled correctly. The head is usually the last part to be assembled, as it is a crucial part of the Gundam. The head often has small details like cameras and sensors, so be careful and use your tweezers. As you construct the arms, keep in mind the arm weapons and armor they will attach to. The head is the face of your Gunpla. The head is usually the most detailed part of the build, with all the camera sensors and other detailing. Take your time to get it right. Also, don't forget to remove the nub marks. It's important to do this step to keep your kit looking fresh. At the end, once the head is done, the entire unit will come together. Then you can add the weapons and armor. Once completed, your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam will start to look like the real deal!

Assembling the Assault and Buster Units: Adding the Firepower

Now, for the fun part: the Assault and Buster units! The HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam is known for its incredible firepower. The Assault unit is usually comprised of the chest armor and shoulder armor. The Buster unit is the weapon system, and comes with a mega beam rifle, beam cannons, and missiles. Carefully construct the chest and shoulder armor, paying close attention to any details. This armor will add an impressive bulk to your Gundam, giving it a powerful appearance. Add the buster unit and weapons. The most exciting part of this assembly is the weapons. There are a variety of beam rifles, beam cannons, and missiles. The Assault unit will greatly enhance your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam's defense. The Buster unit adds incredible firepower to your mobile suit, making it a formidable force. Once these are attached, your Gundam is ready for some serious action! As you assemble the different components, be careful with the smaller parts. Double-check your instructions, and don't hesitate to take a break if you feel frustrated. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process and create something awesome!

Final Touches: Stickers, Decals, and Panel Lining

Once the main build is complete, it's time for the final touches! This is where you add the finishing touches. You'll have stickers and decals to apply, which will add detail and enhance the overall look. Some kits may also include dry transfer decals. If your kit includes stickers, apply them carefully, using tweezers to ensure a perfect placement. If you are going for a realistic look, you can add panel lining. Panel lining is a technique where you accentuate the panel lines of your Gunpla, which will highlight the details of your Gunpla. Use a panel line marker or a fine-tipped pen to draw along the panel lines. After panel lining, you can use a cotton swab dipped in thinner to clean up any excess ink. Stickers can add a lot of detail, but the panel lining will provide the kit with a more realistic look. Once these are done, you're ready for posing! The stickers and panel lining will add the final finishing touches to your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam, and make your kit stand out. Take your time, and enjoy this final stage of the building process. It's what really brings your Gunpla to life.

Posing and Display: Bringing Your Gundam to Life

Alright, guys, you've built the HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam; now it's time to bring it to life! Posing your Gunpla is where the fun really begins. The HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam is highly poseable, so you can create some dynamic and action-packed displays. Start by experimenting with different poses. Try out the iconic poses from the anime or create your own unique action scenes. Get creative. The V2 Assault Buster Gundam is a powerhouse, so make sure you show off its firepower. There are different poses, and each of them can bring out a different character in your Gunpla. Adjust the joints and make sure the pose is stable. Balance is key. Make sure your Gunpla can stand on its own, or use a display stand for more dynamic poses. Display stands allow you to create amazing action scenes that you wouldn't be able to do otherwise. Display your Gunpla to show off your hard work. You can create a diorama or place it next to other Gunpla. Choose a display location. Find a spot where your Gunpla can be showcased. You can choose a shelf, a glass cabinet, or any other place that will make your Gunpla stand out. Take pictures and share them with your friends. Once you're happy with your poses, take some photos and share them with fellow Gunpla enthusiasts! It's always fun to show off your creation. Use this guide and tips to create a dynamic pose that will impress everyone. Remember, the best pose is the one you enjoy the most! Get ready to take some fantastic pictures of your mobile suit!

Posing Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you pose your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam like a pro:

• Joint Flexibility: Take advantage of the kit's articulation. Experiment with different arm, leg, and waist positions to create a natural and dynamic pose.
• Weaponry: Use the included weapons to create action-packed scenes. Position the beam rifles, cannons, and missiles to give the impression of an intense battle.
• Display Stands: Use a display stand to add some action scenes. These stands are particularly useful for dynamic flying poses.
• Balance: Make sure your Gunpla is well-balanced to prevent it from toppling over. Check the center of gravity and adjust the pose as needed.
• Photography: Use good lighting and a clean background when taking photos. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the best shots of your mobile suit.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level

Want to take your Gunpla skills to the next level? Here are some advanced techniques you can explore:

• Panel Lining: Panel lining adds depth and detail to your Gunpla by accentuating the panel lines. Use a panel line marker or a fine-tipped pen to create these lines.
• Custom Painting: If you want to customize your kit even more, consider painting it. This involves priming, painting, and sealing the model.
• Weathering: Weathering is the process of adding wear and tear to your Gunpla, giving it a battle-worn appearance. Use weathering powders, washes, and dry brushing to achieve this effect.
• Modifications: You can customize your Gunpla to suit your specific taste. This includes cutting, gluing, and adding custom parts.

Conclusion: Your HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam Awaits

Congratulations, you've made it to the end of this guide! You've successfully built the HG V2 Assault Buster Gundam, and you should be proud of your accomplishment. Enjoy your magnificent mobile suit. Now, it's time to display your model proudly. This is more than a kit; it's a testament to your patience, attention to detail, and love for the Gundam universe. Enjoy your new addition, and get ready for the next Gunpla adventure! Don’t hesitate to explore additional techniques. Now go forth and conquer the Gunpla world!