u/RaveLordeNito

As the title says, I'm trans and I want more trans friends. I also want to learn Warhammer 40k, and it seems like combat patrol is the way to go there. I plan on buying actual models somewhere down the line, but TTS is ideal for the time being. I'm leaning Death Guard but i'm pretty open to trying a bunch of different armies before settling on something I like to eventually buy, build and paint up. I have tried putting out this sentiment on other platforms and have been met with some "why do you need to learn from trans people?" kind of responses. I appreciate that you're willing to help/teach but that's simply not what I'm after at the moment. If my search for trans warhammer friends is entirely fruitless I'd be happy to hang out with some cis folks.

Hi Folks!

I recently got back into Gunpla and I'm looking for some advice.

So far I've built four kits: MG RX-78-2 Ver Ka, HG Mighty Strike Freedom, MG Deathscythe Hell EW, and RG Wing Zero TV in that order. I panel lined them all and added the sticker decals to the Wing Zero (looks great).

I built a couple HG kits back in 2014, but wasn't patient and did a terrible job and didn't stick with the hobby. At the time I was enamored with the Sazabi Ver Ka, and it's lived rent free in my head ever since. Well I got one the other day, and I'm extremely excited to build it, but also terrified. I've wanted this kit for so long, and I really don't want to fuck it up. Since I don't have any experience with water slide decals, I figured I'd ask the community for advice.

I have a few questions:

1. Is it necessary to do a gloss top coat before applying the decals even if I plan on using Mr Mark Setter? I've seen a few decal tutorials that don't mention a gloss coat, but in some looking I've done online it seems like it's a big help. I'm worried about adding another step that could I could ruin 😂

2. What stage of the process is the best time to apply the decals? I’ve seen a few different approaches. For the RG Wing Zero TV I applied the decals at the very end, and it worked out fine, but those were stickers. Should I panel line and then apply the decals before doing any assembly?

3. I want to do a matte top coat after the decals, I love the look of the sazabi with a matte finish. Is that something I should do before assembly as well? I don't want to mess up the coating while building it. Obviously i'll let it dry for an appropriately long amount of time, I'm just worried about pieces scratching each other as they fit together.

4. Sanding. With a top coat, I've heard that I don't have to go super high, but is something like 1200 grit enough? Too much? Where do y'all usually stop on a kit you're going to do a matte top coat?

5. Is there any other advice you can give a beginner who wants a nice showcase piece? I have really enjoyed taking my time with the kits I've built so far, but this kit is on another level in my head. I want to do everything I can to make this kit as good looking as I can with my beginner skillset. I really appreciate anything you're willing to share.

sorry for the long post!