GBWC 2013 Entry: MS-09F Gross Beil Type B

After last year's debacle (building, painting & submitting an OOB model in less than a week), I tried to start an contest entry ahead of time this year. A few months ago, I started working on 1/100 Strike Gundam, Full Hatch and worked diligently each week for the last few months. Unfortunately, it didn't sink in until the Tuesday before Sakura Con 2013 that there was no way I would finish this piece in time. I had spend the last few months focusing on the foot and leg detail, but had not touched the body, head, arms or weapons.
With only a few days left (less than GBWC 2012), I needed a contingency plan!

Scouring my display case, I found my candidate: MS-09F Dom Gross Beil (GB for short).

Originally I had attempted to submit an entry for G-Shot 2011, an online robot model contest hosted by GG Infinite. I spent my NYE inside, running coats of paint from my porch, scrambling to make the midnight deadline. I finished at 6 AM, and did not get it in time. I used spray paint and was in a hurry, so it's blotchy and rough, with some smudges. There was a lot I still wanted to do with this piece, like build a sheath for the axe, but I just didn't have the time.

Looking over GB, I decided I had just enough time to add some new weapons and touch up the paint in some areas. I didn't have time to work on it at home, so brought my model, tub of spare parts and hobby supplies to the Convention Center. Per my assistant's suggestion, I worked on it during our staff breaks in the back areas and painted in much later that night.

I kitbashed a missile arm attachment called, "Iron Guard Smasher". It's built from HGUC Acguy's 6 tube missile launcher and 1/100 HG Leopard Gundam's shoulder armor.

1/144 HGUC Acguy

1/100 HG Gundam Leopard

Iron Guard Smasher

Using styrene I-beams and milliput, I scratchbuilt a combat knife sheath, which can mount on any of the slots on GB's skirt armor, and the knife can be removed.

I delivered my entry to the Blue Fin vendor stand with time to spare and set a nice pose for my piece. Then I returned to my staff duties.

A few hours passed, and my friend (another contestant) texted me: "You got Best 1/144." I didn't believe him, but he urged me to come to the Exhibition Hall. Sure enough, my Gross Beil Type B had won in the 1/144 scale category!

I didn't expect to win, but I'm very happy with it and that I got some free kits! But more importantly, I still got to put something on display. I know it sounds cheesy, but I wish I had more opportunities to put my robots out on display for public viewing.

I've already started working on my next upgrade for Gross Beil. Stay tuned for new developments!