Gundam Model Kits

Simple affair, connects to the torso using a polycap. Just back and front halves over a transparent visor that incidentally should be orange instead of clear. Simply color the inside with an orange marker and you're there. The kit comes with two of the fragile antennas, should you break one.

Torso

My favorite part of this kit. The torso is another straightforward affair to build, but the parts break-up is quite intelligent. The basic torso is two halves, front and rear, in which sits the cockpit with pilot and two large polycaps for the shoulder pegs. The outer armor is fitted onto the inner torso "block" and you add the vents.The backpack is a slightly more complicated affair, with several small pieces, movable thrusters and outer plating consisting of several smaller parts that fit together surprisingly well. Hats off for such an old kit. The waist section is another marvel of highly functional simplicity, with the movable front and side skirt flaps that we're used to, but, check this: the rear skirt flaps also move ! Some great poses made possible here.

Arms

The shoulder armors are connected to the torso via a sturdy peg, and are hinged to allow for more dramatic poses. The arms themselves are, like the rest of the kit, quite simple for Master Grade standards, but build well. very little inner details, though. They are quite firm and sturdy, despite the fact that there's not a single screw in the whole kit. The wrists though are at a slight angle to the forearm, making for some semi-awkward posing with the weapons provided, but this is just a minor quibble.

Legs

I'm not too fond of the knee joints in this kit. This is something that could've used a screw or two for solidity and tightness. As it is, the knees are way too loose and the whole suit is prone to toppling over backwards. That said, there's good inner details here, and the outer plating fits like a dream. The back of the knees could use some paint to bring the cables out more, but that's just a minor point. The feet have slightly movable heels, which also allows for more dramatic poses.

Weapons and Accessories

Two very standard beam sabers, though the backpack will hold only one.One mean looking 90mm rifle that I totally adore, and a more stocky looking submachine gun. The shield is large but sits well on the arm of the Quel. Nothing wrong here.

Conclusion

It would be easy to deduct points for some floppy joints, lack of screws or not too much inner detail, but that evens out with the price and the fact that this is quite an early MG. This is a great beginner's kit, though more experienced modelers will want to detail it a bit more. All in all this is a fun build and you end up with a totally bad-ass looking mobile suit. (Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars)

Contributor: Gerard Mol

General and Technical Data
Series: Master Grade (MG) 1/100 Release Date: 12/1999
Price: ¥ 3000