MG 1/100 Gundam Barbataurus by @air_ship5

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

Gunpla Custom Build : MG 1/100 Gundam Barbataurus by @air_ship5

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

A 1/100 Scale Custom MG "Barbataurus" Built Using Two MG Barbatos Kits, Plus Scratch-Building and Kitbashing

The builder created a custom 1/100-scale "MG Barbataurus" by combining two MG Barbatos kits, alongside scratch-built parts and various kitbashing techniques.

Key features like the front shin armor, shoulders, and shoulder spikes—elements that couldn't be replicated through kitbashing—were scratch-built using plastic plates and putty. As with the front, the rear includes custom detailing. Unique shapes and overlapping parts were carefully sculpted or scratch-built where mixing parts wasn't sufficient.

The distinctive twin-blade longbow was created using weapon parts from Megami Device Asra Archer, the mace from the MG Barbatos, and connectors from the HG Barbataurus. Some components were scratch-built, including the hand grips. The "Louse Dainsleif" was made by connecting parts from the MG Barbatos' mace, extending its length, and sharpening the tip with brass wire.

The katana was only sharpened and color-separated; no major structural changes were made. A diagram was created to illustrate the mixing points of the build. Some kitbashing, such as the hind legs being used in their original positions, was omitted from the diagram for simplicity. Discovering which parts can be reused creatively is described as one of the most enjoyable parts of the process.

Since there were no existing parts that closely matched the envisioned shoulder shape, the builder considered using expansion part sets to approximate the look. For the distinct leg design, part of the shin armor’s exterior and interior was cut away and reshaped with plastic sheets. In hindsight, the builder noted the curvature could have been more pronounced.

The shoulders were modeled after the HG Barbataurus design, built with layered 1mm plastic sheets to form a 3mm core, which was then carved and shaped. Some areas were finished with putty for final detailing.

Once the general silhouette was finished, the front legs were created by combining parts from both the MG Barbatos and the Full Mechanics Barbatos Lupus in a kitbash fusion. The longbow was crafted using weapons from Megami Device Asra Archer, the MG Barbatos mace, and a Builders Parts beam saber, which was repurposed as the energy string. Some portions were scratch-built for effect.