MODELER: Simon Lam (chessymonkey (IG))
MODEL TITLE: Bond from Above
MODIFICATION TYPE: scratch build
KITS USED: MG 1/100 Guntank, PG 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam
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A Masterpiece of Scratch Building and Kitbashing
Simon’s build features the TOLRO-800 "Torohachi," a large-scale labor unit from Gundam Unicorn. However, what makes this build truly extraordinary is that a Torohachi of this size does not exist as a product. Instead, Simon scratch-built it from the ground up, integrating kitbashed elements with extreme craftsmanship.
Upon closer inspection, parts from the Perfect Grade (PG) Gundam and the treads from the Master Grade (MG) Guntank were used, highlighting his skill in repurposing existing Gunpla components in innovative ways. The cockpit details, the lifelike recreation of Banagher and Mineva holding hands, and the overall scene composition evoke an anime-like atmosphere, bringing the moment to life with an unparalleled level of realism.
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Interview with Simon Lam
Simon has long been drawn to first encounter moments in Gundam storytelling, as they create dramatic tension and highlight dynamic character interactions. Before working on Bond from Above, he had already completed another build under his Encounter series, where mobile suits were the central focus. However, for this project, he deliberately shifted the spotlight from mecha to human characters, emphasizing their emotional connection.
The goal was to create a scene where the audience would immediately feel the significance of Banagher and Mineva’s interaction, with the Torohachi serving as a supporting element to frame the moment. Through his work, he successfully conveyed this vision, ensuring that the human drama remained the focal point.
Overcoming Challenges in Figure Sculpting
One of the biggest challenges Simon faced was the complexity of working with human figures at a 1:20 scale. Given that high-quality humanoid figures are not a typical focus for Gunpla builders, he recognized that achieving the right level of detail would require an entirely new skill set.
To address this, Simon dedicated nearly a year to researching miniature sculpting, painting, and figure-making techniques before even starting on the Gunpla components. He prioritized crafting Banagher and Mineva first, ensuring that their expressions and body language captured the essence of the scene. By completing the figures early in the process, he was able to build the rest of the diorama around them with confidence.
This experience not only allowed him to push his own creative boundaries but also reinforced his belief that a builder’s skill set should never limit the scope of a project. He remains committed to learning and applying new techniques, embracing the vast array of resources available to modelers.
Innovative Techniques and Kitbashing Approach
Scratch-building played a crucial role in the project, as many of the required components simply did not exist in Bandai’s official Gunpla lineup. While one might assume that scratch-building is the most difficult aspect of such a build, Simon found kitbashing to be the greater challenge. Since GBWC rules require a significant portion of the entry to come from official Gunpla kits, he spent countless hours examining over 10,000 Gunpla parts to determine how they could be transformed into new, unrecognizable shapes.
Rather than using Gunpla parts in their original form, Simon prefers to creatively repurpose them in unexpected ways. He enjoys the idea that experienced builders will recognize certain components but be intrigued by how they were reimagined, turning his work into a puzzle for the viewer to decipher.
Painting and Finishing: A Handcrafted Masterpiece
Given that Bond from Above focuses on character interaction, Simon opted for an organic painting approach rather than traditional airbrushing. Every element of the build was brush-painted using water-based acrylics, allowing for precise control over shading, texture, and subtle variations in color.
Another major challenge was the lack of readily available decals for Gunpla-style markings at 1:20 scale. Instead of creating custom decals, Simon decided to freehand all patterns, warnings, and signs. This gave him complete creative freedom while ensuring that every detail aligned perfectly with his artistic vision.
What’s Next for Simon Lam?
Simon’s passion for Gunpla extends beyond competitive building, as he actively explores various styles of model-making. He constantly seeks new challenges, refining his techniques across different disciplines.
However, there is one upcoming project that has him particularly excited. During the GBWC World Final award ceremony, he shared that his bucket-list Gunpla kit is the Psycho Gundam Mk-II. To his surprise, Bandai has announced plans to release a new version of the kit this year. With this in mind, Simon is already envisioning his next major Gunpla project centered around the Psycho Gundam Mk-II—a build that will undoubtedly push his creative limits once again.
Final Thoughts
Simon Lam’s Bond from Above is more than just a GBWC-winning entry—it is a another proof to the artistry, dedication, and innovation within the Gunpla community. His ability to merge scratch-building, kitbashing, and freehand painting techniques elevates the craft to new heights.
As we celebrate Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn’s 15th anniversary, Simon’s work serves as a powerful reminder that Gunpla is more than just model building—it is a form of storytelling. His ability to sculpt, paint, and compose a scene that feels as if it was lifted straight from the anime is truly inspiring, and the Gundam community eagerly awaits his next masterpiece.
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