AMX-009 Dreissen

I kind of like old model kits. They're quaint in thier own way and they have the more interesting designs. Take for example this one: Bandai's 1988 1/144 scale AMX-009 Dreissen from Gundam ZZ. Designed by Yutaka Izubuchi, it's the ultimate evolution of the Dom series of MS and only available in this incarnation.

I know how troublesome Bandai's old kits can be; shitty articulation, massive painting to be done, non-snap-fit construction, but I wasn't complaining. I always liked the design of the Dreissen and this old kit would really test my abilities in airbrushing.



Pleasantly surprising, this was up to Bandai's legendary quality. The parts fit snugly with little reconstrauction work to be done and the mold quality was good, with no pits in the plastic. I also used Gunze's Mr. Base White as a paint primer and this worked exceptionally well, as you can see in the painting on the torso.



I also tried my hand at doing my own custom masking, though this wasn't as good as I hoped for with the letters slightly askew. Glue construction too was weak, with the model breaking apart a few times when it fell to the floor... Still, It's a great, solid classic kit. I'll be getting more from this series. (I apologize for the shittly green-tint pics. Someone pinched my camera.) More here: http://flickr.com/photos/genosider/sets/72157594462892083/

Model number: AMX-009
Code name: Dreissen
Unit type: mass production general purpose mobile suit
Manufacturer: Neo Zeon
Operator: Neo Zeon
First deployment: UC 0088
Accommodation: pilot in panoramic monitor/linear seat cockpit in torso
Dimensions: overall height 23.4 meters; head height 22.0 meters
Weight: empty 36.7 metric tons; max gross 66.8 metric tons; mass ratio 1.50
Construction: gundarium alloy on monocoque frame
Powerplant: Minovsky type ultracompact fusion reactor, output rated at 2380 kW
Propulsion: rocket thrusters: 2 x 21400 kg, 4 x 9800 kg, 3 x 8600 kg; vernier thrusters/apogee motors: 16
Performance: maximum thruster acceleration 1.61 G
Equipment and design features: sensors, range 13100 meters
Fixed armaments: 2 x 3-barrel beam cannon, power rated at 2.8 MW, mounted in forearms; 3 x tri-blade, melee throwing weapon, stored on racks on backpack, hand-carried in use
Optional hand armaments: beam lancer, power rated at 1.7 MW, powered by rechargeable energy cap, can be combined with beam tomahawk; beam tomahawk, power rated at 0.92 MW, powered by rechargeable energy cap, can be combined with beam lancer

Arsenal: Tri-blades and assorted beam tomahawks and beam saber


Front view:












It's the axe murderer...