Gao Gao (TT Hongli) MG Destiny

My Gunplaying days are as slow as ever but recently I've built this bootleg Destiny. So far in the process, the overall build quality is good, very decent actually. More on that later?

Maybe I should have gone with Extreme Burst Mode since it was around 50% more expensive than this normal version.

For those who still visit this partly dead blog, what misadventures have you got into recently?

PS: Happy New Year!

posted from Bloggeroid

Quick Post on Where to Find TT Hongli/Gao Gao Model Kits

Applicable to Malaysians only!

A few people has been asking me lately so I'm inclined to answer them but repeating the same thing over and over again is getting way too tedious.

Most of my bootleg knowledge comes from this ongoing Lowyat discussion which you can read and follow or even comment in.

Bootlegs are actually pretty easy to find but finding them at prices you'll be willing to pay for is even harder. I say honestly you wouldn't be paying RM30 (normal shop price) for a standard bootleg HG when you can get the original for RM45. I won't. But if you can get them for around RM20 or less, you'll want to to a certain limit (they are harder to build obviously). Even PGs won't cost too far off RM200. I will honestly tell you now that I got my PG Wing Zero Custom for RM155 (don't expect to get this price currently due to changes in exchange rates).

The best bootleg brand is TT Hongli or Gao Gao (same company, two different logos/names). It has been stated that those under the Gao Gao branding is better and I can admit it does feel like it with my most recent review on bootlegs. Don't get any other brand than this (except Gundoom) because models from Model GD/GHD, Bendi, LWDragon and so on aren't worth the money, time and effort to build.

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The cheapest place to get the bootlegs is from Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. You can easily get there by LRT. Wholesale shops such as Jia Yang and Toy Box (not sure I remember the name of this shop correctly) have them (however, they might not sell to you under normal circumstances). I also can't guarantee if they are still selling them since I only went there by then end of 2009. If you cannot get them, don't complain to me, okay?

As for Jia Yang, where I got my PG WZC, MG Strike Noir and 4 other HGs, you need to know the "rules". To get the 50% discount, you'll need to get any 6 model kits. Any, as long as you get a minimum of 6. You'll need to ask the taukey or employee there first before you suddenly grab 6 and then cannot buy. Note that you must state that you learn about this from a forum (the Lowyat thread I linked above specifically). If you're lucky you can get HGs at less than RM15, MGs at less than RM50 and PGs at less than RM200 (bigger ones will cost more).
Exact shop location via Google Maps = 3.16387,101.697478

As for Toy Box, I read that you must find the right guy to get about 30% discount and you can buy any amount. I never went to this one so I don't much about it.

There are, of course, other shops selling the bootlegs but the shops in Chow Kit are wholesale shops. If you have a company under your name, it will make it easier to purchase anything fro them. If you're daring, try to persuade the shop to sell you normally.

Because I haven't went there for a good while and haven't heard nor read anything about them, I suggest buying the bootlegs elsewhere. Although not as cheap as getting from Chow Kit, they are still substantially cheaper than buying from a regular shop.

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The easiest place to get them through out Malaysia, especially to those who live in Semenanjung, go to this Loywat thread. I never bought from him but his selling record is clean so buy from him if you can! The prices are also very good especially if you can COD with him. If you're doing postage, buy more that just one.

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If you're living in Kuching, we are in luck now! Heng Kim Trading also sells the bootleg TT Hongli/Gao Gao at reasonable prices! You ca add him in Facebook and ask him directly as well. :)
I bought the HG Cherudim GNHW/R from the shop for about RM20 which is pretty reasonable as it is (at least I don't need to fly to KL).

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Okay, that's all I can tell you guys, happy shopping! If you think building the bootleg is too troublesome or not worth to buy, then just buy the original Bandai version. XP

TT Hongli/Gao Gao HG 1/144 Cherudim "Fighter" GNHW/R Review - Part 2

This is a continuation of part 1!

Nothing much to say to intro the second part but it shall feature, action and more action! There's also a beam spam-full omake at the end. Enjoy~

Note: All photos were taken with a Samsung Champ(ion) phone camera @ 1.3MP since my camera is away for servicing. My old camera is a pain to work with since it has a few aging problems (main reason why I bought the new camera). ^^;

EDIT (11/1/11): Added more comments in the conclusion.

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TT Hongli/Gao Gao HG 1/144 Cherudim "Fighter" GNHW/R Review - Part 1

Note1: TT Hongli is known as Gao Gao or Kao Kao/Cao Cao, depending on how you read the new brand name.

It has been a while since I've did a bootleg review especially since that incident which plagued anyone who made reviews on them. I still hope that anyone who comments will REFRAIN from commenting anything that's "prejudice" and hurtful. It's just unsightly and has caused problems for many people. There are many ways to justify oneself and buying decisions but just be nice okay?

Anyways, enough with the disclaimer, onwards with part 1 of the review.

Price: RM2X

This one is quite new in production and I was very curious as to how much TT Hongli has improved ever since they decided to change their name. It was said that the quality is better now so let's find out.

~About the MS~

During the final battle in season 2 of Gundam 00, all the Gundams were equipped with their final load-outs, GN Heavy Weapons, and Cherudim got 6 GN Rifle Bits. More beam spam FTW!

You may also refer to my previous review on the Bandai HG 1/144 Cherudim Gundam I did last year.

~MS Specs~

Pilot: Lockon Stratos AKA Lyle Dylandy & Haro

GN-006GNHW/R Cherudim Gundam GNHW/R

Armaments: GN Sniper Rifle II, GN Pistol II (4), GN Shield Bit (9), GN Rifle Bit (6)

Lots of remote weapons there!

*I just noticed I don't put this in for Robot Damashii reviews... maybe I should, later.*

Note 2: This part will only cover the manual scans, runners and building process with some notes while building. Enjoy the manual scans~

Note 3: All photos were taken with a Samsung Champ(ion) phone camera @ 1.3MP since my camera is away for servicing. My old camera is a pain to work with since it has a few aging problems (main reason why I bought the new camera). ^^;

EDIT: Forgot to state some spots I painted.

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TT Hongli MG 1/100 Strike Noir Review - Part 2

Part 1: Box, Box Open, Runners, Manual Scans & Building
Part 1.5: Clear Stickers & Decals
Part 2: Articulation, Gimmicks, Action and Conclusion

Time for yet another finisher to something I think many of you are curious about! Is this bootleg MG good or bad?! Read on to find out the conclusion!

A total of 98 shots with no edits what-so-ever (Sorry, no story this time, as 1/100s are harder to do.)!

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TT Hongli MG 1/100 Strike Noir Review - Part 1.5

(Before & After)

Part 1: Box, Box Open, Runners, Manual Scans & Building
Part 1.5: Clear Stickers & Decals
Part 2: Articulation, Gimmicks, Action and Conclusion

This is a first! A part 1.5 review! OMG! I never done this before but to tell you all the truth, I just can't complete the review of this kit just yet. Since I'm done with the experiment which is to test out the clear stickers and decals of TT Hongli, I decided to put it up first, for the benefit of you all. ^^

The reason why I can't really photoshoot the Strike Noir completely is that my camera battery is almost out and I want the decals and stickers to settle into the plastic first. Don't want them to fall off so easily (besides being a little lazy and tired after hours of decal-ing and sticker-ing).

As for this special part of the review, I'll mostly tell you my experience and feelings towards the water slide decals and clear stickers as well as the 4 angle and close-up shots.

So, read on! =D

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TT Hongli MG 1/100 Strike Noir Review - Part 1

Price: RM4X*
Bandai Original Price: 4500 Yen

*This is the lowest price you should be able to get it for in M'sia. Normal shop price will get as high as somewhere around RM80.

I bought this one at the same time when I bought the TT Hongli PG WZC last month at Chow Kit. It was the only MG they had there and luckily, I wanted it. Looking at the box itself, I noticed that this is TT Hongli's first MG.

GAT-X105E - Strike Noir (Gundam)
Pilot: Sven Cal Bayan
Height: 17.72m
Weight: 90.51t

About the Gundam:
Strike Noir is an upgraded Strike, improving various functions from its predecessor. Its piloted by a natural, Sven Cal Bayan in the SEED OVA SEED C.E. 73 Stargazer. Read the manual scans (if you dare) for further information. =)

Part 1: Box, Box Open, Runners, Manual Scans & Building
Part 1.5: Clear Stickers & Decals
Part 2: Articulation, Gimmicks, Action and Conclusion

Read on for the box, box open, runners, manual scans and building process.

EDIT (30/01/10): Added some more detailed explanations.
EDIT (02/02/10): Wrong body part name for elaboration on the legs... knee guards, not the ankle guards. ^^;

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TT Hongli HG 1/144 Destiny Review

Price: RM1X*
*I bought mine for RM26 BUT you can find it for way less than RM20 from certain places such as Chow Kit.

I built this one quite a while ago but didn't ultimately felt like reviewing it in the end because of a few problems that persisted. At first it was something meager buy then I lost one of the beam boomerangs. Total mood killer. Nonetheless, I've decided to review it today as I have finished giving it a rough paint job. Would've looked nicer if I could cover the seams and sand it though. Then again, I'm pretty satisfied with this quick and rough job. Furthermore, this is my first bootleg HG... IIRC. XP

According to the manual;
ZGMF-X42S - Destiny (Gundam)
Pilot: Rear Fly Bird... (Shinn Asuka)
Height: 18.08m
Weight: 79.44t
Armaments: CIWS - Head Vulcan, High Energy Beam Rifle, Arondight Anti-Ship Sword, High Energy Long Range Beam Cannon, Palma Fiocina Beam Cannon (2), Flash Edge 2 Beam Boomerang (2), Solidus Fulgur Beam Shield Generator (2), Shield

Woah, the Destiny really comes packing with weapons but... erm.. it wasn't all that in the anime though... Basically it is Shinn's newest Gundam after his first which was the Impulse (which looks better in design IMO). Nonetheless, the Destiny shines in beauty thanks to its Wings of Light.

Read on for the review!

EDIT: Manual scans are up now! Enjoy the Engrish translations courtesy of TT Hongli. XD

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TT Hongli HG 1/144 Virtue Review

Price: RM1X

Yay! Another bootleg review! However, this time, I'll be doing something a little different though it is similar to the one I did for the TT Exia a while ago. Please scroll to the bottom of the post if you wanna read the action part which I hope will entertain you... ^^

For further information on the HG 1/144 Gundam Virtue, you can read my previous review on the original here. It is a bit short and not so detailed as my more recent reviews though. ^^;

Note: The images in the action part are all edited so don't take the sudden change in texture as me painting the Virtue or something. XP

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Minor Update to Bootleg Reviews

I promised before but almost didn't keep it. Luckily, I remembered and felt like it.

What promise you ask? Well, it can be considered a minor one but I promised that I upload the manual scans of the TT Hongli HG manuals of Kyrios, Throne Eins and Dynames.

Well, if anyone wants to see em', just go to the review links at the side or below if you are lazy. XP

TT Hongli HG 1/144 Kyrios

TT Hongli HG 1/144 Throne Eins

TT Hongli HG 1/144 Dynames

Note: For those who never read them before, sorry that the reviews can be a bit disappointing as my earlier methods were less intensive. @_@

That's all for tonight. Not really in the mood to do much right at the beginning of my break. Rather take things nice and slow right now.

Will be a "Little Busy" for a Short While

Even though I had time to build the PG Wing, I have two examination papers next week on Monday and Tuesday morning. The papers require mostly memorizing so I'll probably will be reading quite a bit for the rest of the weekend (luckily lecturer went around quite a lot for one of the subjects - don't really need to study so hard for one). Don't fret, I already started. XP

Even so... I got some distractions on my mind. Aha, every time I study for an exam, my mind likes to wander around and think of stuff I might not think of normally (what?). @_@
Worst was when my mind was telling me last night, before I finally slept, "Build Virtue! Build Virtue! Paint the clear pieces red!". The next day (this morning), I couldn't get myself studying until I did that (just a quick and relaxing build - no panel lining, just red condensers).

Anyways, here are to random shots I took;

Exia wants to be "Rockman". Reference to the pose Rockman did (kinda) in the first NES game. XD

"Go study already or we will intervene YOU!"

"Wait, wait, WHA--"

Note: All of the HGs above are from TT Hongli.

Fin~ Until Tuesday night?

EDIT: Added a few of you all (some recent commentators) to my blog roll. For those who I missed, tell me and I'll add you there as well. =) Well, back to the lecture notes.

EDIT (12/01/10): Exams are over already. No new post really needed so I'll just leave this small edit here.

TT Hongli PG 1/60 Wing Zero Custom Review - Part 3

The review many people has anticipated (I think) is now about to conclude! I wasn't able to pose it much due to the weight and size, but I did try my best to capture most of the do-able poses and points of articulation. ^^

Part 1: Box, Runners, Materials & Manual Scans
Part 2: Work in Progress (WIP) Compilation
Part 3: Overall Review

Notes: No action bases were harmed during the course of the review.

Without further delays, read on~

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TT Hongli PG 1/60 Wing Zero Custom Review - Part 2

This is just a quick compilation to the WIPs (you need to click the part title to see the whole thing) and some added commentaries. So, if you already read the WIPs before, you don't really need to read this part. Nonetheless, on with the second part!

Part 1: Box, Runners, Materials & Manual Scans
Part 2: Work in Progress (WIP) Compilation
Part 3: Overall Review

Note: Those who are familiar with Dalong's PG reviews may find it kinda similar though not as good since this is just added commentaries to old shots. ^^;

Part 0: Before Building a Bootleg...
Before building any Gunpla, you much have the necessary tools which consists of a side-cutter and a hobby knife (or a stationery knife will do) by the least. Some right colored markers to hide the nubs if you can buy em'. As this is a Perfect Grade (PG), you'll also need a screwdriver. Make sure you have a good one!

As for a bootleg Gunpla, you'll surely need to have a knife handy. This is to cut any excess plastic off as some parts might not ant to go in easily. You will also need some superglue ready. Some parts may want to drop off easily or you just want to secure some sections of the body. Be warned that you must be extremely careful with superglue as if you apply it wrong, the model might get problems...

Read on~

07/01/10 - Edited in some extra notes at the bottom.
08/01/10 - Noticed something about the feathers which I didn't do. XP

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TT Hongli PG 1/60 Wing Zero Custom Review - Part 1

Price: RM1XX

I bought this one from Jia Yang at Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur. If you got access to any monorail in KL (I think), you can go here quite easily. Two other shops should also sell some more of these "TT Hongli" Gunpla but availability and price varies (there are certain rules you have to abide if you want to get lower prices).

Exact location of Jia Yang: 3.16387,101.697478 (Google Maps)

Credit to liewpk for telling a number of us through the Lowyat forums about this place! =)

Okay, enough of that. XP

Details about this MS HERE.

Part 1: Box, Runners, Materials & Manual Scans
Part 2: Work in Progress (WIP) Compilation
Part 3: Overall Review

Read on for shots of the box, runners, materials and manual scans.

Note: The earlier shots were taken in a hotel under bright sunlight from a window. I took it then because I had to "crush" the box before coming back home with the goods. ^^;

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TT Hongli PG Wing Zero Custom... Complete!

Finally! I'm done! Now... I totally exhausted for some odd reason.
Must be because I woke up early (well not so early) this past few days to complete this big guy here. Anyways, for more info about the work progress on it, read it on my alt blog.

If you're lazy, here's the direct links to each WIP.

• WIP 1 - Arms
• WIP 2 - Legs
• WIP 3 - Waist, Torso, Head
• Complete

Overall, it took me 4 days to complete, with basic panel lining and adding some gold trims. Can't imagine how long it would've took if I had the tools and been more serious... x.x

Now... to sleep.... and have to prepare for presentations... @_@

TT Hongli PG Wing Zero Custom WIP

If you want to see my WIP of the TT Hongli PG Wing Zero Custom, please visit my alternate blog, Randomness X4 to see it. The reason why I'm not posting the WIP there is to save some of my time when posting WIP stuff since I'll be using the gallery for my Wordpress posts (which will be faster). The full version will get on this blog after construction is complete. ^^

TT Hongli HG 1/144 Throne Eins Review

This bootleg model kit happens to be my second one. I am rather impressed by this bootleg but at some point felt that it has some major flaws.

Pilot: Johann Trinity
Height: 18.6m
Weight: 67.1t
Armaments: GN Laucher, GN Beam Rifle, GN Beam Saber(2), GN Shield

MS Story Info:
The Throne Eins is piloted by one of the three Trinity Siblings, Johann Trinity. He is the eldest among the three as well as the leader figure. The Throne Eins specializes in long range weaponry and requires the assistance from the other two Thrones to use the full power of its Mega Launcher...

~Not Related~

I actually wanted to put this review since last week, but Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days was too interesting to stop playing mid-way. Its a really good game with a decent storyline though darker than what you have seen in the previous Kingdom Hearts games. The game is still in Japanese, but I managed to finish it thanks to Beginner Mode and a detailed walkthrough. I understood most parts of the story thanks to some Katakana and Hiragana reading capabilities and spoilers. The good part is that the English version will come out real soon in September this year, which I'll also play. ^^

~End Off Topic Text~

Okay, back to the review. I bought this guy for RM26 like most larger sized bootleg Gundams. Price is rather decent since the original costs 1600 Yen which is about RM65 lately. Then again, I always failed to get the original Throne Eins for some odd reason as its always sold out unlike the Throne Drei and Throne Zwei. So, since I saw it on the shelf, I decided to buy it and it became my first bootleg 00 TT Hongli model kit.

Read on for the full review. Not much action poses as I'll go into detail on the build this time, which is what I think most of you would want to know about bootleg model kits. =)

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TT Hongli HG 1/144 Kyrios Review

This cost me RM26, rather costly for me for a bootleg, but then again, it costs 1500 Yen for the original one which is about RM60 for us here currently.

Since I never really did a review on a Kyrios, here's a brief on it;
Kyrios is Celestial Being's 3rd Gundam mobile suit and is piloted by Allelujah Haptism, a super soldier. It is the only transformable MS they have on board the Ptolemy(sp?). While in flight mode, it normally shoots out bombs(or something close to that).

GN-003 - Gundam Kyrios
Pilot: Allelujah Haptism
Height: 18.9m
Weight: 54.8t
Armaments:
GN Beam Sub-Machinegun
GN Beam Saber(2)
GN Shield
Tail Part(bomb storage?)

Rant
PHEW! I finally get "get back on the Internet"! Wait, no, not really. I'm on but I still get disconnected every few minutes. Guh, Streamyx, why must you be so unstable? DX
End Rant

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TT Hongli HG 1/144 Exia

Before you read this review, please go to this link and this link and read on the original HG Exia first.
Just like the review on the TT Hongli HG 1/144 Union Flag, I will now be reviewing the TT Hongli HG 1/144 Exia.

I bought this at the same time as when I bought the Union Flag in Miri and it costs me RM19. Quite reasonable as the original only goes as low as RM45 now as well as the R2 version being similarly priced. Off course, if you have the original or the R2, there is no point in buying this, or is there? I bought it because I thought that maybe I might mod it later on when the tools are readily available to me and create something. Hehe. =3

Well at any rate, here goes the review!

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TT Hongli HG 1/144 Union Flag Review

Unlike my previous or any reviews done before by me, I will review a bit on one of some bootleg Gunpla I have bought recently. Why did I buy it some may ask? The reason why I bought it was to see how good the quality was and the possibility whether I can use it as a testbed for further modeling techniues in the future.

It is rather cheap, but not dirt cheap, if you can get the exact price just like as if bought from a China store directly, it can go well below RM10, which to me is highly reasonable. However, that is unlikely, but I was fortunate enough to be able to buy it for RM19. Not too bad but not so great of a price either, but then again, I bought it.

The Union Flag is a mass produced transformable mobile suit used by the Union. Basically, it is an early grunt unit in Gundam 00 Season 1.

Model No.: SVMS-01
Height: 17.9m
Weight: 67.1t
Armaments: Linear Rifle, Defense Rod, Sonic Blade(Plasma Sword), 20mm Machine Gun, Leg Missile

Read on for the full review!

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