GunPla Builders World Cup 2014 N. American Representative

Bluefin Distribution is proud to announce the 2014 N.American Representative for the GunPla Builders World Cup competition, Kevin Yi Zhang (Connecticut, USA) with hisDLMS 00 "Pangu."  Kevin wins a free round trip to Japan to participate in the GBWC Finals this December.

The GunPla Builders World Cup is an international model competition where countries from around the globe send their best completed Gundam models for recognition of the greatest Gundam builder.  It is also the competition that inspired the Gundam Build Fighters TV Anime series.

The N. American qualifier was split into live events at multiple cities hosted by Bluefin along with a Bandai online competition.  Winners of each of these events then competed for the chance to represent N. America. in December for the Finals against several other countries including China, Indonesia, Italy, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Taiwan.

Additional information and photos of N. American entries can be found below:

https://picasaweb.google.com/114446323421733564759
http://www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/2014Winners

N. American Representative:
Legendary Mobile Suit DLMS 00 "Pangu"
by
Kevin Yi Zhang (Connecticut USA)

Kevin's Pangu fought in the New York regional competition against other numerous professionally built GunPla and won Best of Show.  An original Gundam creation born from his own modeling style, the Pangu is composed of a 1/100 MG RX-78-2 Ver OYW as a base and bears a massive backpack that utilizes the 1/48 Mega Size Gundam's arms along with parts from various other models.  Focusing on close combat, its weapons include a double edged sword, and several bladed weapons on its back.  Tribal markings accent its heavy armor, and its midsection features a leopard skinned pattern.  His model also features custom printed decals bearing the mighty name "Pangu."

Runner Up: Los Angeles Best of Show

1/35 Core Fighter

by

Dan Salas

Dan Salas' corefighter competed in the Los Angeles qualifier, besting traditional Gundam subjects with its intense level of detail inspired by real life aircraft and custom markings.  Wiring, door actuators and other details have been added to landing gear.  Anti-corrosion touch-up paint and exhaust and grime effects have been delicately applied to the engines and various ports surrounding the fighter.  The cockpit has been heavily altered with an LED powered detailed flight instrument panel and new pilot's seat from a F/A-18C Hornet.

While most mecha in the Gundam universe are military vehicles, the nature of GunPla's customization potential allows the possibility for these war machines to be portrayed in the same light as a sports car or motorcycle.   Eric's Titnaium Sazabi Ver Ka features a metallic gloss sheen that accentuates the Sazabi's mix of curves and flat surfaces and is designed to emulate Bandai's own Titanium finish releases.