Gundam Model Kits

The head of the Rick Dias is substantially different from most MS designs. There is no apparent neck joint; but surprise surprise! The design does allow for slight movement of the head to left and right, as well as upward. This increases the Rick Dias’ poseability considerably.
Right under the head is the spherical cockpit of the MS, which also serves the dual purpose of being an escape capsule (it can be ejected if the MS is destroyed). It is a simple four-piece job that fits right in the neck area of the upper torso, and is then covered by the “shell” of the head. However, the head and torso can fit together without the capsule, just the same. The red piece of the forehead can be opened to reveal the phalanx vulcan guns, though the open hatch makes the Rick Dias look slightly peculiar.

Torso

This torso is fairly detailed, with detachable chest armor that can be removed to reveal inner mechanical details. Being one of the latest MG model kits and without the burden of a cockpit, the body unit is connected via two separate ball-joints, resulting in a body that can turn sideways AND bend forward as well. The joints with the arms can move slightly outward, giving the arms even better range of movements. The skirt armors are each composed of two pieces, yielding a very solid feel.
Then you have the backpack. This includes the two “random binders” of the Rick Dias, as well as storage racks for all of its weapons. The binders are great; each has a hatch that can be removed to reveal inner mechanical details. They are fixed onto the backpack via ball-joints, with great articulation. The two beam pistols, the clay bazooka, and the handle of the beam saber can all be stored on the backpack. Wonderful design.

Arms

What can I say? Simply marvelous. The shoulder armor is a two-layer affair, with the outer armor detachable to reveal the mechanics inside. The elbow is double jointed, which gives it a great range of movement. There is only one pair of hands, but this pair of big hands is amazing: each finger is separate and can be posed individually, not only holding weapons but also wonderful for any hand signals one can think of. There are two slits in each hand, which are suppose to fit with the plugs on the bazooka and pistol handles (see the “Weapons and Accessories” section below).

Legs

These are quite nice as well. Heavy and solid, they help give balance and a solid feel to this kit. The leg armor, like the chest and shoulder armors, can be removed to show the MS’s interior. Ball jointed thighs with double jointed knee, but the greatest are the double-jointed ankles, which allow wonderful movement for the feet. Poseability is simply great and only slightly limited by the leg armors.

Weapons and Accessories

Beam pistols- Two-part, five-piece jobs: three pieces form one pistol and two form the detachable E-cap.
Bazooka- Five pieces form the bazooka and two more form the removable ammo clip. No extra bazooka ammo though (or am I asking for too much?).
Beam saber- Handle can be stored onto the backpack. The blade is transparent-green, a pretty standard affair.
Cockpit capsule- A simple 4-piece affair, it has a plug which is inserted into the torso to hold it in position. It doesn’t have a closing hatch, in order to reveal the pilot inside; the down side to this is that it will look weird if I place the capsule in the Rick Dias’ grip.

Conclusion

A couple of comments before closing:
-All of Rick Dias’ weapons can all be fitted onto the backpack, in each of their respective racks. The bazooka can be placed on either side of the backpack, whichever suits your fancy.
-Holding the weapons poses no great problem, either. However, the hooks on the Beam pistols (for their storage on the backpack) may interfere when you try to hold them in the hands.
-Char fans beware: this is the black-colored, first production version Rick Dias. There is a red-colored Char version as well, which is identical except minor cosmetic differences.
Plain and simple: This is a wonderful model kit. Great pose-ability, great accessories, a solid, plain, realistic model, giving this mass-production attack use MS a practical, militaristic feel. Flawless! (Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars)

Contributor: Wilson “Oruma Yar” Lam

General and Technical Data
Series: Master Grade (MG) 1/100 Release Date: 05/2004
Price: ¥ 3500