Quick Answer

Start by organizing your runners, then build the inner frame first, followed by the armor sections, and finish with the weapons and decals. Always test-fit joints before applying glue to avoid over-tightening.

Why the order of assembly matters

The FRAME ARMS SX-25 CUTLASS:RE2 [2021] is designed with a full inner frame. Building the frame first lets you check articulation and joint stiffness before the armor goes on. If you attach armor pieces too early, you might not notice a loose joint until later, and then it's harder to fix.

This kit is a test unit for the newest line of Frame Arms, so some parts may feel slightly experimental. Expect a few tighter or looser connections than usual. Patience during the build pays off.

Choosing the right tools and adhesives

For this kit, you'll need a hobby knife, nippers, and a fine sanding stick. Optional but useful: a pin vise for any peg holes that need widening, and a plastic cement that works on ABS and PS plastics. Avoid super glue unless you're fixing a broken part; it can cloud clear plastic and make future disassembly impossible.

If you plan to paint, do that before final assembly. Mask off joints and pegs to keep them movable.

Build Steps

  1. Prepare your workspace and runners: Lay out the runners and identify all parts. Check the manual to see which runners are used for the inner frame vs. armor. Organize by step number to avoid mixing up similar-looking parts. Use a runner stand or box to keep parts from rolling away.
  2. Cut and clean parts: Use nippers to cut parts from the runner, leaving a small nub. Then trim the nub with a hobby knife and sand down the attachment point. Common mistake: cutting too close to the part can gouge the plastic, so leave a bit of excess and shave it off gradually. Sand in one direction to avoid visible scratches.
  3. Assemble the inner frame: Follow the manual to build the torso, arms, legs, and head. Test each joint's range of motion and tightness. If a joint is too tight, gently sand the peg; if too loose, apply a thin layer of hobby glue to thicken it, let it dry, then test again. Check that all joints move smoothly before moving on.
  4. Attach the armor pieces: Work from the lower body upward. Attach leg armor, then torso, arms, and finally head. Press pieces firmly but avoid over-tightening; if a piece doesn't fit, check for leftover nubs or flash rather than forcing it. Test that the armor doesn't block any articulation points.
  5. Build and attach weapons and accessories: Assemble the included weapons and any optional parts. Attach them to the hands or mounting points. Common mistake: not aligning the hand peg with the weapon slot, which can stress the wrist joint. Rotate the hand to align before pushing. If a weapon feels loose, apply a tiny bit of blue tack inside the hand.
  6. Apply decals and finish: Use the included decals according to the manual. For water-slide decals, use warm water and a soft brush to position them. Seal with a clear coat if you want extra durability. Common mistake: applying decals over panel lines without cutting, which causes bubbles. Let the clear coat dry for 24 hours before posing.

Product Facts

  • FRAME ARMS SX-25 CUTLASS:RE2 [2021]: This kit was developed as a test unit for the newest line of Frame Arms, and Baselard was originally scheduled for discontinuation after the rollout of SX-25. Because it's a test unit, some parts may have unusual tolerances; test-fit carefully and don't force connections.

    FRAME ARMS SX-25 CUTLASS:RE2 2021

    FRAME ARMS SX-25 CUTLASS:RE2 [2021]

Once your build is complete, pose the model and check for any loose joints. If you find any, apply a small amount of glue to tighten them. Now you can display your FRAME ARMS SX-25 CUTLASS:RE2 with confidence.