HG 1/144 Armed Armor Gundam (GQ) by @akasaha1124

HG 1/144 Armed Armor Gundam (GQ) is a gunpla custom build by a builder with name あかさは with x.com account @akasaha1124.

Gunpla Custom Build : HG 1/144 Armed Armor Gundam (GQ) by @akasaha1124

The HG 1/144 Armed Armor Gundam (GQ), masterfully customized by the Gunpla builder @akasaha1124, stands as an exemplary model of unique modification and intricate detailing.

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: "Red Gundam" Reimagined in Full Armor Gundam (Thunderbolt Ver.) Style

This custom build transforms the Red Gundam from GQuuuuuuX into a Thunderbolt-style Full Armor Gundam through creative mixing and a custom paint scheme.

Although some time had passed since the kit's release, the builder was glad to finish it with a unique take that hadn’t been done before—especially given how often themes can overlap in the community. (Ironically, just two days before publishing, they came across another Thunderbolt-color Gundam... but thankfully, it was just different enough!)

The concept behind this creation is a Gundam operating in the Thunderbolt sector of the GQ universe. Equipped with twin quad-barrel arm-mounted cannons capable of deploying I-Fields, and beam sabers and cannons at the arm tips, it charges forward while projecting the I-Field—"you can almost hear the jazz playing!" They noted the head can tilt upwards, making flying poses easy to recreate.

Although the GN Drive was initially intended to be omitted, the builder decided to leave it due to the complexity of replacing it. A radome or vernier thruster might’ve been a better thematic fit. But with new kits constantly being released, it’s hard to spend too much time on just one build.

Even without the add-ons, the core body looks absolutely stunning.

They hope to do a G-3 color version someday, once they get the parts. Collecting six bits (funnels) was particularly difficult, and they’d like to eventually make their own using a 3D printer—though they haven’t used one recently.

Despite combining a Federation-style angular body with Zeon-style rounded bits, the design still came together seamlessly. Typically, they try to keep aesthetics consistent when mixing (e.g., edge-heavy with edge-heavy, or curved with curved), but were happy this cross-style combination stayed within an acceptable “creative dissonance” range.

Mixing Parts Used

Base: HG 1/144 Red Gundam
Backpack: HGBD:R 1/144 Gundam GP-Rasetsuten

The backpack-mounted Armed Armor is connected using a joint originally meant for mounting a shield on the back, making it easy to attach or remove. However, since the connection relies on just that joint, care is needed when moving the arms. Still, the joint is sturdy enough for posing and display.

Up through the base paint stage, the builder wasn’t confident—thinking it may have been overdone or unnecessary. A mistake during antenna painting led to it melting slightly in thinner due to poor masking, so a spare Moon Gundam antenna from the junk box was used instead.

As detailing with hand painting and decals progressed, the build started coming together nicely, boosting morale.

They’ve been uploading short videos of recent builds to Instagram and TikTok, where engagement has been surprisingly high—more so than on X (formerly Twitter), which motivated them to focus more on video content.

Paint Used

Main body (navy): Mr. Color Navy Blue (45%) + Indigo Blue (40%) + Red (15%)
White parts: Gaia Color Steel White
Red parts: Mr. Color Maroon (80%) + Red (20%)
Weapons (black 1): Mr. Color Blue-Black
Weapons (black 2): Mr. Color GX Metallic Black
Joints: Mecha Surfacer Heavy
Top coat: Mr. Color Super Smooth Clear (Matte)

The original goal for GQ kits was to finish them quickly—in about 1–2 weeks without overbuilding. However, due to falling ill with a high fever mid-project, completion was delayed.

They expressed amazement at how fast other builders are—some managing to fully paint and photograph finished builds in under a week!

The bits were ultimately passed on, but even the core build looks great on its own. The head articulation is especially impressive. This is the kind of kit that, once seen, makes you want to build it again.

With only one episode of the GQuuuuuuX anime left as of June 23, 2025, the builder was glad to publish this project in time for the finale.

Looking ahead, the Light Cannon and Gyan kits are set to release on July 5, which will keep things busy. This piece will also be listed on Mercari, and interested buyers are welcome to reach out regarding this or other builds.