By way of preface, snap-together kits are something of an acquired taste - so long as the fit is at least acceptable. In most instances, it is preferable to remove the connecting pegs, dress the contact surfaces, and simply glue the kit together. On a kit like this, however, it is a welcome op- tion. You can dry-fit to your heart's content without resorting to rubber bands, clamps, or tempo- rary cyanoacrylate spot welds. Thus, my BatoGoji is now fully, albeit tentatively, 'assembled', save for the mouth/mandible and the dorsal dermal plates.
A quick note about the plates. Every review I've read mentions the importance of keeping the plates on their sprues so that one can then simply follow the assembly instructions and correctly attach the plates. This is certainly true, BUT. . . what no review has mentioned is that each plate is individually numbered as well! As long as the modeler does not lose the instructions, it doesn't matter how many of the 34(!) plates have come off their sprues. Kudos to Lindberg!!
Most of the work in the prep phase will be focused on the mouth and the texturing of the dorsal plates. The teeth as a whole are poorly cast, and there will be extensive dental reconstruction required. Needless to say, good photographic references are a must! Insofar as the plates are concerned, the granular texture is virtually absent.
To date, I have permanently attached the center row of plates: all finishing work will be done in situ. . .
More to follow. . .
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003
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