MC Vincent (Guilford Ver.)

Let's take a break from Gundam and look at something a little different; like the Knightmare Frames (KMF) from Code Geass. KMFs are a lot smaller than Gundams, standing between 4 and 6 meters (or 13 - 20 ft) tall, whereas Gundams are around 18 to 25 meters tall. Knightmare Frames derive their name from a "knight's mare" (e.g. a horse) which a knight rides into battle. KMFs started out as emergency survival cockpits, and were later developed into military weapons.

Vincent Commander Type, w/Float Unit

This post focuses on the RPI-212A Vincent, which is the commander version of the RPI-212 Vincent, a seventh generation KMF. Going back a bit further in it's lineage, the Vincent was a mass production design based off of the Lancelot, which is one the main KMFs of Code Geass.

Z-01 Lancelot

There are a lot of great KMFs in Code Geass, unfortunately, only a few models were actually released: Lancelot, Gurren Mk II, and the Vincent. Variations were made of the Lancelot, adding on different types of float units, or making some armor changes. The Vincent was re-colored into the Commander Type, featuring, Guilford as the pilot, but the model remains the same. I really wish they released models of Guilford's original unit, the Gloucester, which wielded a jousting lance.Recently, I saw that HobbyLink Japan is offering the 1/35 scale MC Vincent, Commander type on SALE, for $8! A little known fact about my spending habits is that I often buy models (that I already want) on sale, rather than pay full price. Sometimes, I have to balance whether it is worth the shipping, but in most case, it is. Anyways, I've always wanted the Vincent, but I'm not a fan of either of the color schemes (gold w/red trim, or off white w/purple trim.) Plus, the Commander type doesn't feel very--Guilford, not like the Gloucester. Why not combine the best parts of the Gloucester to make the Guilford's Vincent like one worthy of a knight, not just a solider.

Here are the parameters of this project:

1. Add a Jousting Lance
2. Add  a Cape
3. Change the color scheme--new colors, playing with different purples?  

There is also a range of standard equipment that the Vincent should have, but isn't featured on the model:

Deployed Slash Harken

Factspheres

Shoulder Landspinners

My goal for this project is to make minor modifications, but mostly leave the original Vincent model intact. Even adding the jousting lance will make a huge difference, but a cape would also be a nice touch. So let's take a closer look into each addition.

I. Jousting Lance a.k.a A Conical Dilemma

Unlike some of the other KMF weapons in Code Geass (e.g. slash harken, maser vibration swords) the jousting lance is a simple design. Basically, it's two stacked cones, a pole w/ a small cone on the end, and four expanding prongs that are scattered around the bottom cone. Ideally, the prongs can be displayed collapsed or deployed. I haven't decided on whether this will be two static pieces (showing each form), or if the prongs will move...or if I settle on one form.

Prongs collapsed

Prongs deployed

Before I look into the prongs, I have to figure out what to do about the cones. Surprisingly, it's difficult to find styrene cones for scratchbuilding. Some companies offer alternate styrene part options, like cones, but because those companies focus on train station builders, the cones aren't usually that big. Styrofoam doesn't have the right texture, and I'm afraid that paint will eat right through it. I've been racking my brain this past week for a solution. Here is my list of ideas:

• HG Providence Gundam's dragoons (on sale at HLJ for $6)

• MSG Option parts
• Plastruct or Evergreen
• Jet plan missiles or shuttle rocket booster
• Model rocket nose cone

I think my best options are the model rocket cone, or custom ordering from TAP plastics. I don't even know if TAP makes cones, and I don't want to spend too much. 

To be continued!

II. Can't Argue with a Cape

Scheherazade and Escaflowne

It's amazing how much a cape adds to the medieval feel of a figure. Escaflowne, Aura Battler Dunbine and Panzer World Galient merged medieval themed armor with robots. Even beyond robots, think of superheroes, like Batman and Superman.Now imagine them without their capes. Kind of naked looking, right?

In some cases, cape like substitutes also work, like wings! In Aura Battler Dunbine, the Aura Battlers (AB) are organic 'robots', made from the carcasses of the local beasts. ABs merge knights, insects and fairies into a unique design motif. All ABs have wings, regardless of their size and shape.

AB Sirbine

Not many of the KMFs in Code Geass wear capes; these are usually reserved for select KMFs piloted by knights. Remember how I mentioned that KMFs originated from emergency escape pods? Well because of this, the cockpit sticks awkwardly from the body, hanging off the back. If I draped a traditional cape on the back of a KMF, it'd look strange because there would be a big bump popping out from the cape. Luckily, the Gloucester has a work around for this. The cape is pieced on with three separate sections, but leaves the cockpit part exposed.

Cornelia's Gloucester, rear view

It shouldn't be too difficult to hang a cape piece from the cockpit, but I need to add shoulder clips for the other two pieces.

There is also the matter of WHAT to make the cape out of. Cloth can be a little too--whimsical for a plastic model. But if I had a wire frame to fabric, it may cooperate more when posing. I need to explore light weight, but solid looking alternatives. If it is too heavy, it will make the shoulders sag and mess when the overall stability of the model. I considered asking one of my friends to custom make a cape, since fabric art isn't really my area, or my forte.

To be continued!

III. Picking Colors

Figuring out color schemes can be difficult sometimes, especially when robots are designed with a trim motif. In general, Purple and White are two of my favorite color combinations, but for some reason, the way they executed it for the Vincent seems off and ugly. To be fair, the original gold and red trim didn't look much better.

MC Vincent manual

I haven't quite cracked this puzzle yet, but there is plenty to do in the meantime before painting. Now here is an example of good balance! But the colors are kind of dreary...it's no wonder they dub this Shadow Vincent.

Shadow Vincent

IV. The End of the Beginning

Technically, I haven't started executing this project, but I have started ruminating on the idea and planning out the project needs. Right now, my primary dilemma is resolving the CONE issue and maybe deciding on the color scheme.

Stay tuned for updates!