Bandai Hobby - Mobile Suit Gundam - RX-78-2 Version 3.0, Bandai Spirits 1/100 Model Kit

BE CAREFUL WITH THE HANDS

I would recommend buying some metallic copper paint and brushes to paint the copper on instead. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ASCMXKA?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details Most of the copper stickers they give you are perfectly fine but the thin ones for the inner elbows that are visible are horribly annoying to put on even with tweezers. Painting the elbow joints where the thin stickers go is far better option since that is an area that is quite visible and the paint will probably last longer than the stickers.Other than that this is one of the best MG gunpla models out there. It comes with a ton of stuff like 2 beam sabers, a rocket launcher, beam rifle, shield, and a core fighter that can go inside the gundam. My favorite thing about this is when you put the hands together because the articulation on it is absolutely insane. You will just sit there for a few minutes admiring the fact the hands are all casted together yet they have independently moving digits on each finger that you don't have to assemble.

I was a bit hesitant when i first received the kit because one side of the box tape on one side was torn. However after going through and confirming all runners are present, including decals I'm happy to say that I'm extremely satisfied with this purchase. The box art alone is amazing, and the instructions are clear and detailed. I've built around 6 MG's and definitely still consider myself a beginner. But I can already tell without building that this kit is leaps and bounds above all the older MG kits. If you've only tried older MG kits, I highly suggest you try this kit out.It makes this RGM-79(G) GM Sniper kit (one of my fav gundams) i'm currently building feel like an antique. It has far more decals and stickers than I've ever seen on a MG kit, and It even has each finger as a separate part! It may not be the top of the line, rare and good looking MG kit, but if you want to dip your toes into the future of MG, without spending as much money or time as the other kits, give this a try.

This thing is rad. For my first master grade build, this was such a cool experience. From the core fighter to the fact it includes an opening hatch with an actual tiny pilot, I was nerding out the entire time. Finished build just looks so freaking cool! If you're considering this kit I definitely would recommend. I will say though, the arms are an absolute nightmare when it comes to the elbow joints. Just take your time and be patient, it's worth it in the end!

This is just my second Master Grade Gundam model kit and I'd say I am impressed. My other Gundam RX-78 is "The Origin" version so basically, my review of this model is to compare then.Personally, I like this one and The Origin version equally, they look the way they are because they were designed in accordance to where they are based from which I shall explain below. Version 3.0 is well detailed and parts color separation is what one is to expect. In the photo I attached here, the only paint application I did were the gold parts on the knee and elbow joints. Panel lining and mild weathering effect doesn't really count as parts painting because basically for me, that is just an after effect and an option that not all Gunpla builders choose to do. In short, if you don't really like to paint your Gunpla due to a variety of reasons, this kit is for you.The plastic used in Version 3.0 feel a bit flimsier and has a sense that it's like it's going to break easily compared to the one used on The Origin version. Despite the "feel" quality, Version 3.0 actually has three tones of white (white, light grey, and very light brown), this helps with detail because BanDai decided that the RX-78's body panels vary in terms of whites depending on where the panel is located which I think is a nice touch. "The Origin" White has a yellowish touch to it and for some reason, it captures the looks from late-70's anime as it appeared on television.Version 3.0 is very well detailed with panel lines and indentations. These little things simply bring the model that "well engineered" look. You've probably seen panel lines in scale model military aircraft and tanks, right? Gundam is basically a military weapon in a fictitious time line and military conflict! -- That's it! It gives you that kind of impression and it's something, in my opinion, that "The Origin" version lacks. The Origin version has way lesser parts (14 parts runners versus Ver 3.0's 22 parts runners!) and it really shows -- that it is a humanoid robot. Version 3.0 is also a robot, but it has that "mechanical marvel" to it.Shape and form wise, the Version 3.0 may actually be based on the best RX-78 ever. "The Origin" version looked too blocky and too bulky next to Version 3.0 and since it was meant to commemorate the old original series from the late-70's (as mentioned earlier, even the kind of "white" used on the plastic) it sure did well doing just that. The simplicity and lack of detail on The Origin version highlighted Version 3.0's more realistic and more modern, more mechanical look to the Gundam RX-78...No wonder the life-sized Gundam display that once adorned (as it has just been permanently dismantled March 2017) Tokyo Japan was its basis. Even though the life-sized replica is now gone, you can have one for yourself on your desk by getting this kit!

Ok, hard choice for a first Mastergrade, so I reccomend picking something older first - this kit had some TINY pieces, so it's just good to have a flow in mind and snip with confidence.On the other hand, directions here are top notch, and this kit is CLEARLY a new gen of Mastergrade.There is nothing lacking here. The kit does NOT need paint. Multiple shades of plastic leave it looking really interesting once assembled.Panel line and the kit pops! But it doesn't NEED it either. Posing is 10/10, hands are amazing, weapons aren't dull.I'm really hoping we get more MGs like this. Some of the RG 1/144 are as good (looking at you Sazabi), but this is absolutely the best kit I've made.If you're going to do the quintessential RX-78, in 1/100 or 1/144, this is the kit.