How to add articulation to the waist using HGBC Balden Arm Arms

Hello! here I am again to add value to you gunpla life. :D

This entry is considered part of the restoration entries for old HG kits. The first two were the earlier two entries. A bit of info about this entry, we'll tackle more on the waist articulation. Yes, we did the shoulder-arm articulation, added leg articulation specifically to widen the leg stance. all we need to do is add articulation on the waist as well for a more dynamic, dramatic and lifelike poses.

Please do take note that we are still using HGBC Balden arm arms. We will use the large ball joint from the runner A2. Almost the same as what we used for the shoulders. Using the biggest ball joint gives the kit more stability and sturdiness.

so let's start!!!

Here's what you need.
Side cutters
pin vise (drill bit should be the same size as Bandai's pegs)
hobby knife
file

super glue (plastic cement if you prefer)

Basically, this the layout how the ball joint goes thru the main body and the waist.

STEP 1 : Peg Trimming. Concentrate on the waist first. Cut the peg that connects to the main body.

STEP 2 : Installation of Ball joint. Drill on the same spot were the peg was. Do use the same diameter as the peg of the ball joint.

Clean up using your hobby knife. Make sure the the ball joint would fit snugly and won't wobble. When you're ok with the fit of the ball joint, glue it in place.

STEP 3 : Ball socket trimming and clean up. Using your hobby knife, trim the edges of it so it won't bother with the articulation. We will give it freedom to move around.

See here, I've done the trimming on one side.

Do it on the other side as well.

STEP 4 : Main body adjustment. We'll give space for the main body to accommodate the ball socket. Widen the gap by trimming it with your side cutters or hobby knife, which ever you prefer.

When the hole is big enough for a snugly fit, glue the ball socket in place.

TEST FIT : Test fit the main body with the waist connected thru the ball joint.

You should have this kind of articulation.

forwards

backwards

and side to side

TEST FIT : Reassemble the whole kit. See if the articulation we added would hinder anything.

Test the articulation again. Just to be sure.

forwards

backwards

and side to side

And we're done!!!


Now applying what we did from the previous two entries involving the shoulder and leg articulation, you should be able to do this now to your old HG kit.

ACTION POSE!!!

Play around with the added move-ability and pose-ability of your beloved kits.

For any questions or other issues you'd like me to address, you may message me thru:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aro9nes
email: andrewnaynes@gmail.com