Garage Kits
This material is Copyright 1998,1999 by George Robbert.
This document contains the following information:
These kits are small production run kits usualy made from polyester resin
or soft vinyl. The original producers worked out of their garage, hence
the class of kits got it's name.
In addition to the pictures, I've also included some ramblings on
the manufacturers and modifications of these kits.
Pardon the quality of the photos. I'm still working on that skill.
Warning: these pictures are pretty large, so you may want to double check the size
before downloading.
Shinguuji Sakura 1/6 scale (Sakura Taisen)
This didn't come from a kit, but rather is scratchbuilt.
I cast the head from Alumilite.
The rest is built up from epoxy putty around a wire and plastic core.
The cherry-blossoms "printed" on her sleeves were color-copied onto
a sheet of clear, blank, decal film and then applied like ordinary decals.
The sword is made from epoxy putty around a styrene form.
The "table" and sword-stand are from sheet styrene.
The base is from styrene and wood, and the tatami she is sitting on
was printed out from a scan of a tatami picture.
She ended up winning "Best Custom Model" at the Nan Desu Kon 1999 Art and Model Show.
Shinguuji Sakura 1/6 scale (Sakura Taisen)
Built ``out of box'' from the Kotobukya kit.
The cherry-blossoms "printed" on her sleeves were color-copied onto
a sheet of clear, blank, decal film and then applied like ordinary decals.
The fence is made from dowel and wire solder, while
the base is built from styrene and epoxy putty.
The path and groundcover are from model railroad ballast, grass and weed
scenery material by Woodland Scenics.
She ended up winning "Best Anime Girl" at the Nan Desu Kon 1999 Art and Model Show.
Shinguuji Sakura in uniform 1/8 scale (Sakura Taisen)
Built "out of the box" from the Kotobukya kit.
Shugogetten Shaolin 1/6 scale (Mamotte Shugogetten)
This also didn't come from a kit, but is scratchbuilt.
I cast the head from Alumilite.
The rest is built up from epoxy putty around an Alumilite and brass wire
core with the edge-piping on her dress from strip styrene.
The fly-away hair is from shim brass.
The Shitenrin (ring) built out of sheet styrene, and
the background is painted on sheet plexiglass.
The title above her is printed on paper, cut out, and glued to the background.
Belldandy 1/8 scale (Ah! Megami-sama)
Basically built "out of the box."
The kit was missing some parts, so I had to make the various rings
from brass wire and the "fly-away hair" from shim brass.
This one surprised me by winning "Best of Model Show" at Nan Desu Kon 1998.
Nadesico Bridge Scene 1/8 scale (Martian Successor Nadesico)
This diorama is based on two Kotobukya kits.
Misumaru Yurika (running) is built "out of the box".
Hoshino Ruri's pose has been modified from her original one seated on the floor.
The rest of the bridge scene is scratchbuilt from sheet styrene.
Ayukawa Madoka in Kimono 1/5 scale (Kimagure Orange Road)
This is my first figure conversion.
Based upon a vinyl recast of an older Tsukuda kit.
The original had her clad in a bikini and half shirt.
I modified her left arm position and added the kimono
and sandals from epoxy putty.
The fan is a color copy of a real one (reduced).
Ayukawa Madoka 1/6 scale (Kimagure Orange Road)
Built "out of the box" from a Max-Factory vinyl kit.
This was my first vinyl kit as well as my first figure kit.
Ayukawa Madoka in work outfit 1/6 scale (Kimagure Orange Road)
Modified from the above Max-Factory kit.
Clothing changes are with epoxy putty.
Apron strings are from wire solder.
The tray is made from sheet styrene,
and the glasses created from mechanical pencil eraser refill packaging.
Ayukawa Madoka in school uniform 1/6 scale (Kimagure Orange Road)
Built "out of the box" from a Max-Factory vinyl kit.
Ayukawa Madoka in bikini 1/6 scale (Kimagure Orange Road)
Built "out of the box" from a Max-Factory vinyl kit.
Ibuki Maya 1/5 scale (Neon Genesis Evangellion)
Built "out of the box" from a Rettpu resin kit.
The ship beneath her feet is a 1/2400 model of the
Japanese Navy cruiser, Maya, built from a GHQ kit.
The base is from a light-fixture plate.
Katsuragi Misato 1/6 scale (Neon Genesis Evangellion)
Built "out of the box" from a Tsukuda vinyl kit.
The beer bottle genuine, the beer was good.
Misato knows it's not just for breakfast anymore.
Sailor Moon 1/8 scale (Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon)
Built "out of the box" from a G-Port resin kit.
Sailor Mars 1/8 scale (Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon)
Built "out of the box" from a G-Port resin kit.
Sailor Pluto 1/6 scale (Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon S)
Built mostly "out of the box" from a B-Club resin kit.
The key from the kit was replaced by one built from
brass tubing and beads, and the hair was slightly
re-sculpted to better match my taste.
Sailor Pluto 1/8 scale (Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon S)
Built "out of the box" from a G-Port resin kit.
Sailor Saturn 1/8 scale (Bishojo Senshi Sailor Moon S)
Built "out of the box" from a G-Port resin kit.
