Building Log: MegaHouse Realistic Model Series 1/144 Archangel Catapult Deck & HGCE Freedom Gundam (Phantaci Edition)

5 August 2026

There are modelling projects that come together quickly, and then there are those that test one’s patience from beginning to end. The MegaHouse 1/144 Archangel Catapult Deck proved to be the latter.

Although the display is largely pre-painted from the factory, I wanted to reinterpret it with a darker, more industrial appearance. A majority of the parts were airbrushed with Mr. Hobby Mr. Color Gloss Black (No. 2), requiring slightly more than three 10 ml bottles of paint. The original grey sections were then weathered with Mr. Hobby Mr. Color Gold, giving the launch deck a worn metallic finish while preserving the intricate moulded details.

The distinctive 120-degree “L” runway markings received a different treatment. After allowing the gloss black base coat to cure, I carefully masked the surrounding areas before airbrushing Mr. Hobby Gundam Color Char’s MS Pink (UG10). Once partially dried, a light mist of diluted Mr. Hobby Mr. Color Wine Red (No. 100) was applied to tone down the pink and create a richer, weathered red that better suited the overall atmosphere of the display.

One of the most time-consuming stages was the panel lining. Tamiya Panel Line Accent Color Grey was applied to the gloss black surfaces, while the gold and pink sections received black panel lining to enhance depth and definition. Cleaning the excess with X-20 thinner and cotton buds required patience, but it was this final stage that brought the surface details to life.

For the side walls, I decided against airbrushing the grey-green moulded components. Instead, I used a gold permanent marker to add subtle metallic shading. This approach preserved the transparent light windows, allowing the integrated LED lighting to shine through without the need for extensive masking.

Assembly was an undertaking in itself. The runway, support frame, protective cage, side plates, rear cover, access gate and illuminated wall sections all came together piece by piece. Wiring beneath the main structure had to be routed carefully before the installation of two AA batteries and final testing of the lighting system. Seeing the launch deck illuminate successfully made the many hours of work worthwhile.

To accompany the completed display, I revisited an HG Cosmic Era 1/144 Freedom Gundam that I had painted several months ago. After cleaning away any remaining panel line residue, I assembled the kit and applied custom Phantaci waterslide decals. The decals were lightly misted with diluted Wine Red to harmonise them with the colour palette of the mobile suit, while the loose head crest was permanently secured with Tamiya Cement.

This project was not always enjoyable. There were moments during assembly when frustration set in, and I genuinely questioned why I had chosen this hobby in the first place. Large-scale display pieces demand concentration, patience and perseverance, especially over several late nights. By the end of the project, I was physically tired and in need of a break.

Yet, standing back and seeing the completed Archangel catapult deck with the Phantaci Edition Freedom Gundam docked on the runway made the effort worthwhile. The finished display represents not only a scene from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, but also the many hours spent painting, weathering, wiring, assembling and refining each component.

This project is dedicated to 5 August 2026, commemorating the release of Jay Chou’s Children of the Sun in Super High Material Compact Disc (SHM-CD) format. As with every modelling project, the finished display tells only part of the story. Behind it are countless small decisions, repeated adjustments, moments of frustration, and ultimately, the quiet satisfaction of seeing an idea become reality.