MG 1/100 Gunbarrel Dagger by @air_ship5

MG 1/100 Gunbarrel Dagger is a gunpla custom build by a builder with name エア with x.com account @air_ship5.

Gunpla Custom Build : MG 1/100 Gunbarrel Dagger by @air_ship5

The MG 1/100 Gunbarrel Dagger, masterfully customized by the Gunpla builder @air_ship5, stands as an exemplary model of unique modification and intricate detailing.

Based on the MG Strike Noir, a custom 1/100 scale Gunbarrel Dagger was created. The modeler began serious work on this project at the beginning of the year, and after several months of effort, the first completed work of the year was finally unveiled.

Finding the size of the Gunbarrel Striker in 1/144 scale to be somewhat small, the creator decided to upscale and redesign it. To match MG standards, the transformation mechanism of the Gunbarrel Striker was faithfully reproduced. Unlike the HG version where the pod lids required part-swapping, this version features functional lids without the need for replacement. However, for the wired deployment of the Gunbarrels, a separate part was made to connect the lead wires, making only that section require part-swapping.

The Gunbarrel Striker unit was modeled referencing the standalone 1/144 scale version. For comparison, the creator also looked back on a previously built 105 Dagger + Gunbarrel setup, which included the HG Gunbarrel Striker.

The railguns at the pod tips were modified for easy attachment using embedded neodymium magnets in both the railgun and the pod. The visor section was painted with fluorescent paint, enabling it to glow under blacklight. When viewed from the side, the eyes are visible, but from the front, the visor’s shape conceals them.

Work on the project actually began in November of the previous year, starting with shaping the 105 Dagger. Compared to the Strike Noir, most of the parts — including the collar, front armor, torso, rear arms, and shoulders — were altered using plastic plates. The side armor was modified by relocating the saber rack from MG Strike Freedom, and the armor itself was thinned and reshaped.

The ankle guards incorporated joint parts from MG Destiny, including its internal cylinders. The shield used was from MG GM Quel, which was reshaped to match the new build.

The rifle was almost entirely scratch-built using plastic plates, rods, and putty, with only the grip retained from the original. Additional detailing was added even after the initial photos were taken.

The Gunbarrel Striker was constructed using parts from various kits: the nose section from Mebius Zero, horizontal stabilizers from Lightning Striker, four wings from Build Strike EG’s Core Fighter, and weapon base parts from the Kyokai Senki weapon set. For the transformation mechanism, a movable joint from the 1/100 Akatsuki (Oowashi) was used. The rest of the parts were created from plastic plates, putty, circular plastic, and supports for the Gatling guns, which were 3D printed.

The distinctive curved thrusters of the Gunbarrel Striker required five units. As such, 3D data was created and printed. Since these parts aren’t commonly used, the process took considerable time.