Custom Build: MG 1/100 Gundam Barbatos "Sensei"

Date: 2025-04-05 03:33:00

MODELER: MGLabs [IG: @dbnlabs]MODEL TITLE: Barbatos Sensei. MG ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos ガンダムバルバトスMODIFICATION TYPE: Airbrushed, hand brushed, Pla Plating, cutting, scribing.KITS USED: MG 1/100 GUNDAM BARBATOSBacklogs are a fact of life for GunPla modelers—but for MGLabs, choosing what to build next came down to a little family help. “This kit had been languishing in my backlog forever,” he shares, “so I asked my son what I should tackle next, and he picked this one!” That decision led to Barbatos Sensei, a customized Master Grade Barbatos features sharp modification work.While keeping its simplicity, MGLabs went all in on the mod front—pla plating, cutting, scribing, and more. What sets this build apart isn’t just the sharp panel lines or detail work, but the balance between ambition and practice. The airbrushed primer and topcoat are crisp, while the hand-brushed paint job adds texture and personality. “I wanted to get better at it,” he admits, “but… let’s just say I still have a ways to go.”Despite pointing out overpainting and visible brush strokes, he credits tools like leveling thinner and a strong topcoat for smoothing things over. And honestly? Those imperfections only add to the charm. Barbatos Sensei isn’t just a showcase of technique—it’s a reflection of process, learning, and love for the craft.Highlights:Poseability: “Amazing,” according to MGLabs—a great canvas for dynamic shots.Paint: Primed and sealed via airbrush; main colors hand brushed for that unique texture.Details: Custom scribed lines, pla plating for layered armor, and precision cuts elevate the MG Barbatos kit to a new level.As a fellow builder, I have to say—Barbatos Sensei by MGLabs is a textbook example of how thoughtful modification work and clean technique can elevate an MG kit into something truly custom. The pla plating is layered with purpose, not just for aesthetics but to add dimensionality where the base kit feels flat. The scribing work is crisp and consistent, especially around the thigh and shoulder armor—clearly done with a steady hand and a well-practiced design language.The hand-brushed paint application adds an organic, almost tactile quality to the surface—something you just don’t get with pure airbrush work. And while the modeler humbly points out some brushstroke imperfections, I think it adds a rawness that really complements Barbatos’ feral, aggressive nature. The airbrushed primer and topcoat serve as a solid base and seal, leveling everything out nicely without muting the details.I also appreciate the decision to cut into the armor and expose more mechanical internals—it gives the build that layered, high-detail look you normally associate with resin conversions or full scratch builds. Poseability remains fully intact despite all the mods, which tells me MGLabs was careful not to sacrifice articulation for aesthetics.Overall, this is the kind of build that reflects both vision and discipline. Definitely one of the more inspiring MG Barbatos customs I’ve seen in a while.

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