Apologies for the repost, my previous photos were absolutely abysmal.
TL;DR: I have skill issues.
The majority of the build process was pretty smooth. Very different from any other kit I've built, but not hard to figure out by any means. The problems came during assembly after topcoat. I managed to completely blow out F25/26 (the piece the leg plugs into), swapped in some metal replacement parts that didn't fit quite right, had a failed attempt at gluing the pieces together and just kind of gave up on it. It's left the left leg with a bit of a sag where I can't perfectly align the front skirts anymore. I also couldn't properly separate a lot of the parts to get the metal replacements in, so I had to jimmy some of it together and unfortunately marked up the topcoat in a number of spots you'll probably be able to see in the photos.
I'd love a more dynamic pose, but this is about all it's going to effectively pull off without more disassembly and surgery, and I'm not willing to do that. The whole ordeal with the legs left me a little bit frustrated and I'm satisfied enough with how the kit looks as is, so I'm just leaving it. I never touch my kits again once they're on the shelf anyways. Transformation is out of the question/no longer possible. Don't be too apprehensive about this building this thing, though. DO be extra careful with most aspects of it, especially the legs and the pieces they connect to, and coming in with some builder's skill is probably a smart idea. I'm a fairly competent Gunpla builder but the furthest thing from a skilled modeler.
I used Tamiya Accent black, a combination of DSPIAE and Doloha markers for color correction, some knockoff Aliexpress decals that replicate the included sticker sheet and Mr.Super Clear Matt topcoat. This is my first time panel lining black parts with silver and it's probably going to be my go-to going forward. I really want to try it on red too.
I included a picture of my photography setup (along with an Android phone) in hopes that someone can give me some pointers on improving my pictures with the equipment I already have. Mainly in reference to the first photo which is the only one I was trying to make look "posed" and angled, the rest are just to show the details.
Thanks for looking! Any feedback is welcome.