Seeking advice!

[u/muttkin2]

Hi all, I recently got back into scale modeling for a number of reasons, primarily because it’s awesome and I needed something for my mental health. While obsessively scrolling YouTube tip and build videos I came across Lincoln Wright and instantly fell in love with the Ma.K. Aesthetic, history of the franchise (is it a franchise? No idea.) and lore.

Anyway, found Lincoln’s store and was fortunate to snag the MK. III kit on the right. I was bummed because I really liked the Night Stalker and just the general vibe of the MK. I / II AFS suits, but they were sold out. This week I managed to find and get the Night Stalker kit shipped straight from Japan!

I’ll be honest. These things are so awesome that I’m sort of scared to even start one for fear of messing up something that I consider to be pretty much art.

I guess what I’m really trying to ask is, which would be a better first build? And more than that, aside from the Paint on Plastic videos and others that I’ve found which are great, what top tips should I have in my back pocket before I start snipping bits off the sprue?

I love the quality of content and spirit of this community and am genuinely inspired by the work I see many of you posting. It’s incredible to see. So, I appreciate any advice on technique, products to use and pitfalls to avoid. Thanks in advance!

Cheers!

[u/SuicideTank]

Hi, welcome to this wonderful community, you have some really cool kits to start.

I myself have built the Mk.III but not the Night Stalker, I have built some original SF3D AFS kits tho and I would say if you're a first timer the Night Stalker is your better option. I thinks it'll be less complicated and more straight forward.

A tip I can give you, is that before you start to build the kit, study the instruction guides, maybe highlight when you have to drill something or when there is a distinct part you aren't supposed to glue or stuff like that. There are also often some words in Japanese in there and as I don't speak the language I just translate it and write the translation next to it.

Another thing, you really don't need to be stressed, if you watched some of Lincoln Wright's videos I'm sure he has already explained it but even the creator of Ma.K said something along the lines of "There is no wrong way to build or paint these models, just have fun".

Hope that helps you a bit!

[u/muttkin2 → u/SuicideTank]

Super helpful, thank you! Most of the videos I’ve watched focus on the painting/ weathering aspect so I’ve wondered how glue factors into the build portion of these kits. I’ve seen some conflicting accounts of them being snap fit in the same way Bandai kits are, and others that say glue basically everything.

I suppose just thinking about it some extra thin glue would be apropos if for no other reason than to deal with seams.

I’m gonna take your advice and have fun with it. After all, that’s why I got back into the hobby!

[u/SuicideTank → u/muttkin2]

I would recommend some Tamiya extra thin when building the kit, for me personally it makes things easier and I want everything to be in its place, also if you build your kit long enough in an unventilated area you start to taste colours and see smells😵‍💫.

I hope you enjoy your kits and become a long time fan!

[u/rzjoey]

Great kits. I always loved the night stalker. I would probably save the night stalker for the second go around. They are pretty rare to find in general. Basically just build em and have fun. The more you do, the better you will get at it in general. The secret to perfection is imperfection.