this post was submitted on 15 Jun 2025
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Ghost in the Shell chopper (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 days ago by Kelp@lemmy.world to c/gunpla@lemmy.world
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So I finished this model a few weeks ago. Struggled with the airbrushing and wasn’t fond of the result. After a while I came around on it. Still idk why my black gloss coat got so bumpy but meh, gotta go practice some more on spoons.

Recently I posted this on r/Gunpla over on reddit only for the post to get removed by the mods. They always let mech plamo in before. I asked for clarification and the mod swears the this isn’t a mech. Anyone have any thoughts on that. I’m pretty sure it meets the def of mech. Noun; Large piloted combat robot.

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[–] JayGray91@piefed.social 1 points 1 day ago

The other posters already said some of what I wanted to say so I won't repeat.

But if I'm being em akshually pedantic, plamo (plastic models) would've been the more open comes name, IMO. but that would be all sorts of plastic models, including the more "traditional" ones like cars, tanks etc.

I'm always amazed at people that took their time painting their models so yours get a thumbs up for me since I've never tried painting my models before.

[–] wirelesswire@lemmy.zip 6 points 3 days ago (1 children)

One could argue a mech is more humanoid. I'm not sure what's robotic about your model as I'm not too well versed in GITS, but it clearly look more like an attack helicopter, rather than what most would consider a mech. In any case, the consensus here seems to be as long as the model is mecha/anime related, it's fine. We don't exactly have an abundance of content here to be super granular with what's allowed. I actually asked the question a few weeks ago:

https://www.lemmy.zip/lemmy.zip/post/39092875

In regards to your paint, what kind of paint was it? Did you use thinner? What kind? When you say bumpy, do you mean like an orange peel?

[–] Kelp@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

Fair enough. The whole robotic abdomen and targeting always screamed mech to me but I get how it’s debatable. Anyway glad lemmy is being more lenient.

On the paint, yeah it was orange peel. It was hobby mio pre thinned gloss black lacquer paint. I’ve used it before with much better results. I tend to use 18-20 psi on mat paints and drop the psi to about 15-16 for gloss and metallic. I usually paint in smaller sections so I think my distance management might have been off. That or I tried to build up the color too fast but I know with gloss and metallic you want to lay down wetter coats of paint

[–] wirelesswire@lemmy.zip 3 points 3 days ago (1 children)

I've used used Hobby Mio paints before without issue. Like you're suspecting, it sounds like your coats aren't thick enough, which is usually the case with the orange peel effect. There isn't enough paint on the piece for it to level out, causing the little dimples. Try practicing on a couple more spoons and you'll be fine :).

[–] Kelp@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Thanks for the advice. I think I’ll go back to my former method too. I usually paint all the pieces while separated, on this model I tried to put it into mostly one piece. I was trying to remove seam lines but meh. More spoon practice here I come. I’m going to have the best most assorted colors of spoons lol

[–] wirelesswire@lemmy.zip 3 points 3 days ago

I paint at least one spoon every time I try a new color or technique. Much cheaper than botching a kit. I keep all the ones with new colors, write the name of the paint on the handle, and keep them as a color guide.

If you want to remove seam lines, you'll want to use putty, sprue goo, or a surfacer like Mr Surfacer 500, then sand prior to painting. Using just paint by itself isn't thick enough to fill in any seams. My process is sand > sprue goo > sand > Mr Surfacer 500 > sand > surfacer and sand again if needed > paint. For things like mold lines, I can usually get away with knocking down the ridge with a hobby knife > sanding > surfacer > sand > paint.

[–] zourn@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago (1 children)

While the difference between a mecha and a helicopter might be obvious, I think the dividing line where they meet is quite fuzzy and then context and intent start to matter.

Do is it need to be humanoid to be mecha? I don't know. But does that mean a Guntank isn't a mecha, since it has no legs or arms? I think most people would agree that the Megazord is a mecha, but are it's component Zords not mecha as well because they are dinosauroid or animaloid or trainoid?

Our community is small enough that we don't need to gatekeep which plastic model robots are allowed to be posted, especially when non-gundam are still in the minority. I've also not seen anyone complain so far. Feel free to DM me if you have opinions you don't want to air publicly.

[–] Kelp@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

That’s awesome to hear! So far I’ve been liking this community much more than the r/Gunpla. Much more understanding imo.

As far as the distinction between mech and vehicle I 100% agree with your point on intent. Either way I normally wouldn’t care; it’s plastic sci-fi models, but I didn’t like how confident the mod team was about this kit NOT being a mech. Like if they were like “hey this is debatably mech so we’re removing it” I’d not complain. Meh, there I go with showing my pedantry. Lol

[–] Akaru88@ani.social 2 points 3 days ago (2 children)

Forget Reddit. I think it’s cool!

[–] Kelp@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

By the way I LOVE your unicorn display you posted! I see the details on those mini figs

[–] Kelp@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Thanks! I thought I was tripping but then I remember how much Reddit mods power trip. I’ve been on there less and less. I appreciate the affirmation!

[–] Akaru88@ani.social 4 points 3 days ago (2 children)

I left Reddit during the Great Migration 2 years ago. Lemmy reminds me of the way Reddit used to be

[–] wirelesswire@lemmy.zip 4 points 3 days ago

I can't believe it's been 2 years since the great Reddit migration. I came to Lemmy (actually started with kbin, but same difference) during that same event. I still keep up with a few niche communities on Reddit, but mostly because that stuff has little to no presence over here.

[–] Kelp@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

I was sooooo on the fence when Apollo was nuked. The adds get worse and worse, the mods trip, can’t hide read posts, and now I keep seeing more and more people using reddit like a ChatGPT. Don’t get me wrong I’ve asked some stupid questions over the years but I try to be pleasant, grateful, and will always do a basic google search before posting. Idk maybe I’m just an old man yelling at kids on my virtual lawn lol

Lemmy feels better. Only thing is it’s still small so engagement is less. Who knows maybe that’s a blessing