Showing posts with label Battlestar Galactica Cylons New Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Battlestar Galactica Cylons New Series. Show all posts

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Darkmoonspirit take on JTGraphic's 1/48 Scale Razor Raider

You know, I am probably going to end up making Darkmoonspirit my resident scale modeler. I have already highlighted a few of his "out of this world" builds and he's still producing more amazing stuff each month. His recent achievement now entails the 1/48 scale Razor Raider Resin kit, superbly produced by JTGraphics.

And what is a Razor Raider? You can read all about it HERE and HERE, hence I'm not going to elaborate anything more on this Cylon ship here, but rather showcase what Darkmoonspirit has achieved with her. And this beautifully amazing build up now adds on to his already long list of beautiful creations. Presenting the Cylon Razor Raider triumphantly fly over a wrecked Battlestar Solaria ... or what's left of her.




More after the jump.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Coming Soon : Moebius Cylon Raider 1/32 scale

With the release of the Mark VII Viper kit in 1/32 scale from Moebius, next in line will be the Cylon Raider slated for the month of Aug 2011 as well. Exactly when is anyone's guess but just as a precaution, be prepared for her.

This Raider is the advanced raider seen in the later season of the re imagined Battlestar Galactica and will have a Centurion's head in place of the otherwise ordinary head seen in the Mini Series. Hobby Search managed to get some images of the parts sprues as well as some excellent build up shots



More images after the jump.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

JT-Graphics 1/48 scale Cylon Razor Raider and 1/4105 scale Battlestar Pegasus from JTGraphics

Ok, its been a while since I was blogging diligently. I'm still on my Magnum PI Marathon until I got news of a few spectacular kits coming our way. Yup, this is going to be Heaven sent for all the New Battlestar Galactica Fans out there.

Its the Cylon Razor Raider in 1/48 scale and the Super Duper Secret kit Jeffrey Waclawski was working on. And anything from JT-Graphics, well, you can expect top notch quality, super detailed and highly accurate resin kits.

Referred to as the Razor Raider by BSG fans, this version of the classic Cylon Raider shows a more advanced model used against the Colonies during the Cylon Wars. The bulky and somewhat slow fighter craft most often became easy prey for the Colonial Viper fighter squadrons, and she was piloted by 3 Cylon Centurions. This Raider appeared first in the episode called "Flashback" and later on in the BSG Razor movie.

The kit has a wing span of 12.5" and is 10.5" long from nose to tail.








As for the Super Duper Secret kit Jeff was working on for the coming Wonderfest in the US, he told us this is going to be an awesome grail kit from JTGraphics. We were kept in the dark for over 2 months, anticipating and guessing away like crazy. His announcement was made via his Facebook and man, was I impressed.

It was the Battlestar Pegasus. He did already informed all of us much earlier about coming up with a Battlestar Pegasus kit coming out in scale with the Moebius and Timeslip's Galactica kit, in 1/4105 scale. The new Pegasus kit will measure  about the same length as the Monogram's Classic Galactica.












You can see the level of details on this kit, and its definitely a worhtwhile catch if you can get her among the first batch issued - when she's available. I'm definitely in for both these kits.

The Cylon Razor Raider is currently available at a special price for the moment and I was told the price will increase after Wonderfest. Don't wait too long to get yours. The Pegasus on the other hand will also be made available but at a later date. Wait for it guys ...

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Reviewing the 1/48 Scale Cylon Raiders Resin Kits

Alright, you have seen those awesome 1/24 scale Cylon Raider kits. Now let's touch on the 1/48 scale version. As far as I know, there are only 2 available source for these, and one of them unfortunately is already out of production (unless a decision is made later on to reissue her).

Yup, I'm referring to Bad Azz's version of the Advance Raider, and Fantastic Plastic's version (which was sculpted by Alfred Wong). One of the reason why 1/48 scale kits are more popular with most modelers is because of price - they are indeed more affordable. But you have to take note that the problem with a smaller scale version is that the level of details you often find on larger models are sacrificed. This is why I was very impressed with Bad Azz's kit. It was literally an exact duplicate with its 1/24 scale cousin.

Lets take a look at what these two has to offer:

Fantastic Plastic Advance Cylon Raider (Left) compared against Bad Azz's Advanced Raider (Right)


The retired kit here refers to Fantastic Plastic's version. The wings are casted in one piece requiring very simply assembly of the main fuselage. There are quite a few resin stubs to trim off on the kit, and the panel details are nicely embedded unto the kit. 11 resin parts are included.

Bad Azz version on the other hand is an exact miniature of its 1/24 scale variant. The curves are more pronounced and minute details are visible even though they are very small. Casting is very well done using high quality resin and the kit comes with 22 resin parts. Some minor sanding is required just to clean of some resin flashes and I didn't see any stubs on the kit


Closer look at the 1/48 scale Bad Azz Raider - check out the detailed panel lines on this kit
 
Fantastic Plastic's kit on the other hand offers an easier assembly mode and retained some of the details. You can see the resin stubs clearly which require some careful trimmings
 
Side profile of the Bad Azz kit revealing more of the details casted on the kit
 
Side profile look on Fantastic Plastic's kit

And for those who are wondering how big the 1/24 and 1/48 scale kits are, here's literally an apple to apple comparison - Bad Azz's versions for both kits since they are exactly similar except in size. You can see how much a mere half difference make when the 1/24 scale kit literally dwarfs the 1/48 kit. You can even use the images below to see how every single details are captured from the bigger version to the smaller kit.





Another thing I wish to note. When I handled Fantastic Plastic's kit, there was a smooth oily feel to her texture. I'm guessing that's the mold release agent used to prevent the resin from bonding with the mold. Bad Azz's kits had no such sensation. Nevertheless you will need to wash ALL resin kits thoroughly before starting work on them. These release agents will prevent anything, primer, paint and glue, from sticking to the resin surface. A hastily washed kit may result in disaster, so be warned.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Received 1/24 Scale Cylon Raiders from Bad Azz and Howling Wolf

The Cylons. They're really a misunderstood lot, looking at the new series. Evil at the start, then flip flop to become their own victim. And of course the Colonial Military, representing all that is good, eventually becoming all that is left, the underdog.

Its no wonder ships from the good guys often sells better than the baddies. But if you stop and think about it, the Cylon technology do have some inspiring merits. Imagine if you will that you want to have your own army, you create an air force that are specifically specialized for their work, living beings that will obey your whims and fancies, self sufficient, self generating (with a Regeneration Ship). No wastage.

That was what inspired me to look more closely at the Cylons, what they represent, how they function in a group and as a unit. Its incredible how they can be part machine, part organic, and fully functional. Whoever thought of giving the Cylons these attributes really did a good job. Hence my sudden interest with them and their ships. Since there isn't much in terms of kits for the Cylon Centurions yet, let me touch on the Raiders.

So as promised, here are my highlights for today: the 1/24th scale Bad Azz and Howling Wolf Cylon Raiders. They're both available from JTGraphic's site, abet a bit pricey but when you see the level of details done and the sheer size of these kits ... they're really worth it.



1/24 Scale Howling Wolf Standard Cylon Raider

Saw a lot of them during the mini series and season 1-3. The initial design lacked much curves on the main body except on the wings, and the overall structure are pretty much straight forward, conforming to the ship's contours. The Standard Cylon Raider was previously highlighted HERE and here's a chance to the details on this Raider closer instead of relying on images.
What you get:
  • 37 detailed resin pieces casted in the highest quality with 4 pieces of brass tubing (1/8, 3/32, 1/16 and 1/32 "music wire" for the cannon assembly) and a set of decals
  • As far as I can tell, kit is very accurate and true to the TV series
  • Overall lenght measures the same with the Advanced Raider, at a whopping 15" long and slightly over 10" wide
  • Again no air bubbles seen from my initial inspection though there are a couple of resin stubs that requires some cleaning on the wing's inner edge, and some trimming required to fit the bomb bay doors .
  • Highly detailed with separate venting pieces to simplify painting.
  • The kit comes with 6 detailed missiles for the 2 missile bays provided with the kit.
  • Base is shaped in the Cylon emblem but you're going to need to get a brass rod to support this kit. She is slightly heavy.




1/24 Scale Bad Azz Advanced Cylon Raider

Introduced at the beginning of the fourth season, these Raiders evolved to become sleeker in design, and the body contours reminds me of an alien sports car. The "head" takes on more of the Centurion's, and they look more formidable than before. I've highlighted them before HERE, and now's the chance to see a kit that is worthy of their reputation.

What you get:
  • 24 detailed resin pieces casted in the highest quality
  • Kit is very accurate and true to the TV series' Advanced Raider
  • Overall lenght measures at a whopping 15" long and slightly over 10" wide
  • Absolutely no air bubbles seen from my initial inspection 
  • The details on this kit is stunning to say the least, and you can even see the minute details on the guns and smaller pieces.
  • The kit doesn't come with any missiles though 2 missile bays are provided with the kit, along with the missile bay covers.
  • Base is shaped in the Cylon emblem as well and you're going to need to get a brass rod to support this kit. She is slightly heavy too.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Coming Really Soon - Promise - Up Close and Personal with the New Cylon Raiders Resin Kits

Yup, received my 1/24 scale Cylon Raiders from both Season 1-3 and Season 4 variant recently, and I'm also doing a review of the 1/48 scale kits ................... until my camera said "Battery Exhausted" ... #%@#!!!!!.



So stay tuned as I will complete my review much later on tonight - that is after work. Just to satiate your appetite, they're the :
  • 1/24 scale Season 1-3 Howling Wolf Cylon Raider
  • 1/24 scale Season 4 Bad Azz Advance Raider
  • 1/48 scale Season 4 Bad Azz Advance Raider
  • 148 scale Season 4 Fantastic Plastic Advance Raider
Lots of images and comparison coming up later.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Received Timeslip Creations 1/4105 scale Cylon Basestar and a brief comparison with the NuGalactica

I had wanted to shout out for joy but that would have been too embarrassing. Always thought I'd get used to the Courier Service delivering a package to me at my office as they had done so many times, and this morning was no different. I really felt like a kid again.

And I wasn't really surprised what's in the package. You could say I was literally expecting her today or tomorrow - its Timeslip Creations (TC) 1/4105 scale Cylon Basestar. And the thing I like about Timeslip Creations' packages (besides the kit's quality) are the dependable service rendered and timely shipping. Its A+++. Bear in mind I'm in Malaysia and that package was sent from IL, USA.


I had highlighted this new Cylon Basestar kit before HERE but just as with other reviews, what you see there are just mere images of what to expect. And I expect nothing but the best quality from TC.  What I held in my hands just now not only fulfilled that satisfaction, but I am amazed at the level of details on her, and the entire resin casting was so light weight I don't have to worry about how I'm going to display her. The kit is roto-casted, meaning she's hollow so as to allow lighting if you so chose to light her. Grade A resin was used and once again very little flash to clean.

Here's what you get : 26 high quality resin parts of which 10 of them comprises of the Basestar's smaller top and bottom fuselage (they look like fingers in the picture), and 12 smaller connecting pieces that joins together to form the upper hull's lower level and lower hull's upper level. The 2 mid section pieces fits together like a glove and even allows you to pose her just like in BSG : The Plan where the Basestar rotated their Y formation in parallel unison to launch their planetary attacks.



I've even compared this kit to Timeslip Creation's 1/4105 scale NuGalactica (its the same size with the Moebius Galactica) and its fascinating to see where the Galactica has the mass, the Basestar's advantage is her length. Another advantage here is the fact that there are no styrene plastic kits done for the new Cylon Basestar at this present moment, none planned by anyone, and definitely none proposed at this scale. So if you want to pose your Moebius Galactica in a battle diorama against a Basestar in the same scale, this resin kit is it.


Check out the Details on the Resin Parts






Wednesday, November 10, 2010

BSG New Series Heavy Cylon Raider

The Heavy Cylon Raider serves as a troop transport for the Cylon forces and proves to be formidable in terms of its weaponry. We see her used extensively by Sharon "Athena" when she uses one to help Starbuck escape from the farm, and in later episodes transporting Cylon Centurions into Galactica. One thing is for sure, those things are hard to shoot down.



Propulsion
  • 8 sublight engines and an advanced FTL drive system.

Armaments

  • 6-barrel KEW (Kinetic Energy Weapon) mounted beside cockpit capable of extreme firing rates.



Monday, November 8, 2010

BSG New Series Razor Raider

The Razor Raider uses back the original classic cylon raider but expanded on the design to make her look more intimidating and formidable, and not easily destroyed. Of course the 3 Cylon crew was maintained despite the arguments that cylons are advanced cyborgs and you don't really need 3 of them to pilot the fighter craft. Also another plus point is that the new Razor Raider do not look like a "pancake".









Overall design is best captured in this Razor Raider's collector statue.




BSG New Series Advanced Cylon Raider

The Advanced Cylon Raider looks more menacing, more intimidating. The head now looks more like the new Cylon Centurion and there are several changes to the panel lines overall as well. She's also sleeker, faster and much harder to hit.


Standard Raider

 
Advance Raider