Gundam Unicorn 03 Phenex work in progress

Ironic that the first kit I start back up with is based on the motif of a phoenix.

What's most surprising about this kit is that the 'wings' don't weigh the kit down or make it back heavy the way many of the SeeD kits are.  

That empty trigger hand looks lonely... the rifle is still in process as it requires additional masking an seam removal.  

I'm somewhat torn if this kit should be topcoated with a satin or gloss coat. The gold looks fantastic right out of the bottle, but the solid parts of the kit would look better with more of a matte finish.