GUNPLA BUILDERS EXHIBITION
Selected Interviews

Within the GUNDAM METAVERSE, you can read interviews with members of 5 different GUNPLA clubs, detailing the techniques and interests of these 5 different creators.
We are highlighting one of those interviews here!

Realistic Lighting Effects Using LED Lighting and the Fun of Model Clubs

LED lighting can be incorporated into models to make them glow, making it possible to light up GUNPLA models just like they appear on-screen!
In this article, we spoke to Haruumi, a builder from the RRM model club, about the appeal of LED lighting and how to install it.

What is RRM?

RRM is a model club based in Fukushima Prefecture.
It hosts free GUNPLA-making events once a month, and all members work together to make GUNPLA models based on a set annual theme. Many of RRM's members have won prizes in contests such as the GUNPLA BUILDERS WORLD CUP.

Basic Information about the Piece

Name of work: Mechanic Char's Zaku

Base model: 1/72 Mechanic Model - Char's Zaku

Mixing material: None

Topic 1: Introducing the LED lighting effects used in Mechanic - Char's Zaku

Haruumi's Mechanic Char's Zaku is a highly detailed model with LED lighting incorporated throughout the whole body. The color and brightness of the lighting can be adjusted using various LED layouts and control techniques.

LED lighting used in the work

・The brightness of the single eye on the head can be adjusted with a resistor on its back.

・The effects are controlled by a PIC microcomputer* to make red and blue LEDs flash in turn.

*A microcomputer is a small computer that can control electronic devices without being connected to a PC.

・The LEDs shine in a dotted pattern using optical fiber threaded through the right wrist.

・The shin of the right leg gradually changes color.

How long did it take to make?

Haruumi: About six months. I made it with the idea of incorporating LED lighting, but I tried out different ideas and designs as I went along.

Topic 2: Explaining the appeal of LED lighting

What made you interested in using LED lighting?

Haruumi: I was studying electricity at high school and just naturally became interested in LED lighting.
I started by incorporating LED lighting into the lights of car models, but gradually ended up using it in GUNPLA models.

Could you give us some tips for installing LED lighting?

Haruumi: It's important to make the parts that are lit up look as natural as possible. Personally, I think that the lighting is too assertive if the light source is directly visible, so if I want to light up a large area, I would position the LEDs behind the parts so they're not directly visible. I also recommend sanding the surface of the LEDs to make the light softer and more natural.

Normal LEDs when lit up

Sanded LEDs

Sanded LEDs when lit up

Where do you get information on installing LED lighting?

Haruumi: I often refer to information that other builders have posted online. It's particularly difficult to figure out how to hollow out models like Master Grade that are packed with parts in order to fit in the LED lighting, so I borrow the wisdom of those who have done it before me.

What's the hardest part of installing LED lighting?

Haruumi: The hardest part is choosing where to put the batteries inside the GUNPLA. GUNPLA kits are very stylish these days, so it's difficult to find space to fit them inside the GUNPLA itself, even if you use small button batteries. That makes it quite difficult to decide where exactly to put the batteries.

What type of batteries do you use?

Haruumi: I use button batteries if there are just a few parts to light up. For larger models, I sometimes incorporate a portable battery under the base.

Are there any other types of LED lighting you'd like to try?

Haruumi: I'd like to light up the inside of the cockpit and bring the full cockpit monitor setup to life!

Topic 3: The activities of the RRM model club

How did you end up joining the RRM model club?

Haruumi: I volunteered to help with the maintenance of the RRM website. I was then scouted as a member/website maintenance staff member, and subsequently joined the club.

What are the good parts about being a club member?

Haruumi: You can gain a lot of experience through the club's activities! It's also great being able to participate in exhibitions and have fun with your friends. There are tough times as well, though (laughs).

What's the hardest part of club activities?

Haruumi: This doesn't have anything to do with model making, but updating the website server was the hardest part. It took about three months of hard work to complete.

What are the club's model-making activities?

Haruumi: We used to make models once every three months based on a set theme. However, we now make models once a year based on a number of different themes for the RRM Exhibition, which is a model exhibition organized by the club. Other than that, many members also build whatever they want.

Try your hand at modification!

This article discussed the appeal of LED lighting and how to install it.

Some people may be interested in modifying GUNPLA but think that it's too difficult, but if you know the correct procedures, you'll surely get the hang of it. Start by checking out the technique course on the official GUNPLA Community's Builder's Note to learn how to do the modifications you're interested in.

There are also many original works created by builders posted on Builder's Note! Definitely check it out if you're interested.

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