For this second batch of photos, we’re going to take a look at all the remaining weapons. And rather than keep it until the end, let’s cut to the chase and start with the sniper rifle:
Okay, so real talk, the reason I’m leading with the sniper rifle is that it turned out to be quite uneventful. It looks amazing, but it’s heavy and awkward.
Even before the fingers broke, it was extremely difficult to get the model to keep a grip on it. Either it would fall out (even with sticky tack), or it would pull the entire hand out of the wrist socket:
By far the easiest, safest pose was to replicate the firing position of the GM Sniper I from 08th MS Team:
I wanted to adjust the arms and the rifle for a standing shooting pose, but it wasn’t meant to be. I couldn’t get the precision adjustments I needed without the fingers falling out.
So yeah, that’s the sniper rifle. Looks great in the hands, and is the perfect accessory for a simple standing shelf pose, but it’s potential for action poses is limited at best.
It wasn’t until near the end of the final photoshoot that I realized that I forgot the magazine on this machine gun, but the fact that it still looks good without it is a testament to this weapon’s design. And even though it was intended for the Ground Type and the EZ-8, it’s a natural fit here too.
Have I ever mentioned that the Action Base 1 is a pain in the ass for action shots? It’s really hard to get it low to the ground, which is a problem when you’re trying to pose your model running (or maybe taking the tiniest of jumps)
I’ve always imagined the GM Sniper II quickly whipping out a beam saber and rushing its opponent, and that was the energy I was going for in these shots:
In fact, I’d go so far as to say that this thing looks like a natural with a beam saber in hand, which is not something I can say about all mobile suits.
The feet are positioned a little awkwardly in these next two photos, but I was doing the best I could.
And of course it looks great with the shield alongside it too:
This bazooka was originally designed for the MG EZ-8, so featuring it here with the GM Sniper first almost feels scandalous:
Like many Gunpla bazookas, it’s really big and bulky, and there’s not much you can do with it:
I thought I did at least one firing pose, but I can’t find it, so I guess not!
Finally we get to the beam rifle. Back in the day, this was my favorite weapon on the Ground Type and the EZ-8, but I’m starting to lose interest in it. I still think it’s a phenomenal design, but it doesn’t feel right in the hands of these ground-based, grunt-adjacent mobile suits:
Video
I finally got off my lazy butt and took another video on the turntable. It was a lot easier this time around, so maybe I’ll get into the habit of using it more. Maybe.
Finished
I admit that I was skeptical of this build throughout, but in the end it delivered. This is the White Dingo Custom as it appeared in my daydreams ever since I was a wide eyed high schooler. And while it may be glued in place forever more, I’m glad I was able to capture it in all these shots. This was a labor of love, and it was worth the effort.