Custom Build: RG 1/144 Gundam Astray "Cyber Noir"

MODELER: Thanh Nguyen - Instagram: @akio0504
MODEL TITLE: RG Astray Cyber Noir
MODIFICATION TYPE: kit bash, custom color scheme, custom details, custom decals
KITS USED: RG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame, RG 1/144 Freedom Gundam

Creativity and innovation serve as the foundations that transcend simple kits to works of art. 

Thanh Nguyen, known on Instagram as @akio0504, has emerged as an artistic beacon with his current project, the RG Astray Cyber Noir. This masterpiece is more than simply a model; it is a story of love, inspired by the sleek and enigmatic aesthetics of the Gundam Strike Noir. Thanh's version of the RG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame, which incorporates parts from the RG 1/144 Freedom Gundam, outperforms the original by adding a distinct noir flair and a slew of upgrades that set it apart.

The Inspiration Behind the Design

The road to creating the RG Astray Cyber Noir began with a spark of inspiration from the Gundam Strike Noir, a mobile suit known for its dark, captivating design and combat abilities. Thanh picked the RG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame as the canvas for his design, hoping to capture the essence of the Strike Noir while pushing the limits of traditional Gunpla building.

Thanh's approach to the Astray Cyber Noir involved a multi-faceted modification strategy, ensuring that every aspect of the model was touched by his vision:

Kit Bash: Thanh ingeniously merged components from both the RG Astray Red Frame and the RG Freedom Gundam, crafting a hybrid that maintains the grace of the Astray with the dynamic elements of the Freedom Gundam. This blend showcases his ability to see beyond the confines of individual kits to a cohesive, innovative whole.

Custom Color Scheme: Instead of using the original palettes, Thanh created a unique color scheme that reflects the noir genre's murky allure, giving the custom model a hint of complementary colors, purple and orange. These selections not only accentuate the model's distinguishing qualities, but also pay tribute to the project's thematic inspiration.

Custom Details and Decals: With an eye for detail, Thanh added custom panel lines and decals, enhancing the model's depth and personality. These touches breathe life into the Astray Cyber Noir, making it a vivid representation of Thanh's artistic vision.

Customized Backpack: A standout feature of the Astray Cyber Noir is its newly designed backpack, derived from 30mm kits. This modification not only serves as a testament to Thanh's ingenuity but also significantly contributes to the model's distinct silhouette and functionality.

Thanh Nguyen used Instagram to share his work on the Astray Cyber Noir, providing insights into the precise and often tough world of custom Gunpla making. These work-in-progress posts not only engaged the Gunpla community, but also served as a source of inspiration and knowledge for other enthusiasts.

Thanh's message on the Astray Cyber Noir is one of dedication and inspiration. The model represents the culmination of his abilities, inventiveness, and the delight obtained from bringing a concept to life. He has created a model that is not just a tribute to its origins, but also a signature piece that represents his particular style and inventiveness, using influence from the Gundam Strike Noir and pieces from other kits.

The RG Astray Cyber Noir is a magnificent work of Gunpla modeling that demonstrates the hobby's limitless creative and expressive possibilities. By combining GunPla parts, unique coloring, and intricate customization, Thanh has not only preserved the essence of the Gundam Strike Noir but also expanded the possibilities of what can be achieved with hard work and creativity. Admiring the Astray Cyber Noir, we are excited to see what Thanh will create next because it is a striking reminder of the creativity and passion that exist within the Gunpla community.