Keeping RG Nu Gundam Fin Funnels Firmly Attached

The RG Nu Gundam is an impressive Real Grade kit, but its fin funnels can test your patience. Their long, articulated design creates leverage on the small connection points, so even a carefully posed model may gradually lose a funnel or develop a loose, sagging stack.

The problem usually comes from a combination of friction, weight and repeated handling. The attachment pegs need enough grip to support the funnels, while the individual parts must still move without being forced. A little preparation before final assembly can make a substantial difference.

Builders in Australia also work across very different conditions. A humid Brisbane room, a dry Canberra winter and a warm Sydney display shelf can affect how tight plastic joints feel over time. Dust, air-conditioning and frequent relocation between rooms can add further strain to exposed connectors.

The safest approach is to test every connection, strengthen only where necessary and avoid permanent fixes until the pose is settled. These techniques suit beginners as well as experienced Gunpla builders who want a stable Nu Gundam display without damaging the kit.

Inspect The Funnel Connections

Begin by checking each funnel, its rear connector and the corresponding mounting slot on the backpack or display support. Look for mould seams, flash or slightly raised edges that prevent the parts from sitting squarely. A connector that appears loose may simply be blocked by excess plastic.

Dry-fit the pieces several times before applying paint, topcoat or adhesive. Push them together with steady pressure rather than twisting, since twisting can widen a slot or stress a thin peg. If a funnel rocks from side to side, identify whether the movement comes from the peg, the socket or the funnel armour itself.

The funnels should be numbered or arranged in their intended order during testing. This avoids confusing a slightly tighter connection with a loose one and makes it easier to identify a specific problem piece.

Improve Fit With Careful Surface Work

For a loose peg, add grip gradually. A thin brush coat of clear acrylic varnish, PVA glue or hobby joint-strengthening product can increase the diameter once it dries. Apply a very small amount, let it cure fully, and test the fit before adding another coat.

Avoid flooding the socket with superglue. Cyanoacrylate can bond the funnel permanently, turn brittle and leave a white bloom on dark plastic. It may also make future repairs difficult. For sanding advice that applies to small connector parts, see these curve sanding techniques, then remove only the material needed for a clean fit.

If a connector is too tight, sand the peg lightly rather than forcing it into place. Use fine abrasive paper and rotate the peg as you work, checking the fit often. The goal is controlled friction: firm enough to hold the funnel, loose enough to assemble without stressing the joint.

Reinforce Without Ruining Movement

When a funnel repeatedly detaches from the backpack, a short length of thin plastic rod can reinforce the connection. Drill carefully into the centre of the existing peg, insert the rod with a small amount of plastic cement, and trim it so the original alignment remains unchanged. This is best reserved for a connector that has already failed or become visibly weak.

Another option is a tiny piece of Blu Tack or museum putty inside the socket. It is useful for display models because it adds grip without permanently modifying the plastic. Use very little; excess putty can push the funnel outward and make the entire row look uneven.

For Australian hobbyists, removable solutions are practical when kits are stored away during summer heat or moved during a house clean. Museum putty is also useful in homes where pets, children or vibration from shelving can disturb a delicate display.

Balance The Pose And Display

The fin funnels should be attached in a balanced arrangement rather than loaded heavily on one side. A dramatic spread can look excellent, but it increases leverage on the backpack and may pull the torso or rear armour out of alignment. Start with the funnels close to the body, then extend them one at a time.

A dedicated action base can reduce stress on the mobile suit, especially when the funnels are displayed in a wide formation. Support the Nu Gundam’s waist and backpack properly, and avoid lifting the model by the funnels. When transporting it, remove the loose accessories and wrap them separately in soft tissue or foam.

Record your successful adjustments in a work-in-progress log. Photos taken before and after strengthening can help diagnose whether a joint is improving, and other builders may recognise a connector issue specific to a production run or construction choice.

Choose The Right Fix For Your Build

Different solutions suit different levels of looseness. The table below provides a quick guide before you start modifying parts.

For a display intended to remain untouched, a stronger fix may be appropriate. For a model that will be reposed, photographed or taken to a club meet, reversible methods are usually preferable. Australian Gunpla prices can be high when kits are imported, and replacement parts may involve postage, GST collection or limited local stock, so preserving the original connectors is worthwhile.

Before placing the finished Nu Gundam in the Display Case, check every funnel after a full day of curing and handling. These habits help keep the model secure:

• Dry-fit and inspect every funnel before painting or gluing.
• Strengthen loose pegs with thin, removable layers rather than excess adhesive.
• Sand tight connectors gradually, checking alignment after each pass.
• Use an action base and support the backpack during repositioning.
• Remove the fin funnels before transporting the model to a club, convention or display event.

With patient fitting and a restrained approach to reinforcement, the RG Nu Gundam’s fin funnels can remain sharp, aligned and secure. Share your finished arrangement with the Gundam Eclipse community so other builders can compare poses, connector fixes and display methods.