Assorted Gundam Photos

Some are older shots, other are future photo entries...

Gundam Modifications: HGBF Wing Fenice

As much as some people were sold on the asymmetrical design of the HGBF Gundam Wing Fenice variant, I do prefer a more balanced look. Without further ado... modification variants for the HGBF Wing.

Gundam Modifications: Strike "Kong"

This particular Gundam modification was done with the use of some special HGBF campaign parts, and an add-on set normally used for the XN-Raiser mod of the 00 Gundam.

Campaign Parts Modification: Gundam 1.75

The Gundam 1.5 from  Gundam 00 is one of the more unusual designs, in that it's essentially two mecha in one, except that it's been modified from the Gundam 1 so that it does not have the remote gun bits anymore.

Thanks, however, to the power of promotional campaign parts, you can now combine some aspects of the Gundam 1 and the 1.5.

Gundam Mods: HGUC Hazel Sniper (Scout upgrade)

Originally, this mecha was designed as a scout mecha, as seen in this link: Kitbash - HGUC Hazel Scout. However, as the Gundam Build Fighter parts came in, this upgrade happened. Along with some parts compression as I was compacting more of my Hazel designs into fewer mecha frames, this modified design became an end-result. It was short-lived, though, since the design has since gone back to a "default" of sorts (I'll show it in an upcoming entry). For now, here it is: a Hazel Sniper.

Review and Modification: HGBF 1/144 Gundam X Maoh | "X-Niten Ichi-Ryu"

I've always been a fun of the Gundam X design, even if the asymmetrical design took some getting used to. To my joy, the new series, Gundam Build Fighters, has an X variant known as the X Maoh. Thankfully, my friend Zero Four had some stock available.

I decided to get two, and then bash some parts together with some X Divider weapons. The following mobile suit became the result, and I've taken to calling it the X-Niten Ichi-Ryu, which sounds much better than Maoh-Maoh.

Without further ado:

Standard Mode

Bandai HGGS 1/144 MBF-P03 Astray Blue Frame Second L - Review - Part 2

Welcome back!

I'd like to apologize for the long wait, but things got a bit busy in real life. Anyway, here's the second part of the Blue Astray Review.

Gundam Wikia: MBF-P03 Second L
MAHQ.net: MBF-P03 Second L
Click here for the first part of the review

The Tactical Arms Weapons System
I'm a big fan of multiple-mode weapons systems, but even I have to admit, the TA system for the Blue Astray was quite a surprise. It's a flight pack with a "tailgun" that transforms into a cannon/artillery unit, and of course, it has a BFG (Big F***ing Sword) mode.

We've already seen it in the flight mode in the first part of the interview, and as observed, it didn;t look too good in it. Here, in Gun/Cannon mode, it looks passable.

The two ammo clips at top and bottom are stored at the back waist plates.

Bandai HGGS 1/144 MBF-P03 Astray Blue Frame Second L - Review

This is one of my favorite designs from Gundam Seed - scratch that, from all Gundam! The basic design is known as the Astray, and this particular variant is known as the Astray Blue, Second L.

In a nut shell, this mecha is an upgraded unit, now boasting of a multiple-mode weapon and propulsion system known as the Tactical Arms, which has three modes: a winged flight pack, a gun system, and a large sword with rocket thrusters.

For more information, you can check out the history in the following links:

Gundam Wikia: MBF-P03 Second L
MAHQ.net: MBF-P03 Second L

Yes, it can be balanced while at a relaxed stance - but not with a straight-on, equal-footing stance.

Kit Bash: Hazel/NT-1

This particular kitbash came about with the observation that the Armor that came with the Primrose add-on kit was based on the added armor for the NT-1.

So, I took the arms off an NT-1, and then used an old ball-to-rod shield attachment piece from the HGUC RX-78-2 (original version) to connect the NT-1 shield to the Hazel backpack system. The bazooka, on the other hand, is from an HGUC RX-178 Mark II Gundam. The gun is a standard Hazel Machine gun. I used the "bunny snout" mask, as it seemed to jive with the rest of the added armor pieces.

Comedy: Gundam BoyBand!

There are times when things can get a bit boring at home.

Gundam: AGE Hi-Jinx

Just a little photo with some of my favorite AGE mecha - some of them modded already.

Kotobukiya Frame Arms: MSG-X1R-Ex Hresvelgr "Scythias"

There isn't much here in terms of modifications, except that I equipped the standard Hresvelgr with the special weapons set Scythes from the Ater version.

One confounding issue about the Hresvelgr is that given its design, there's not much you can add to it without disrupting the transformation, or removing the nice weapons entirely. I'm still thinking about how to modify this mecha even more.

HGGS 1/144 Gundam Astray Blue Frame Second L: Add-Ons/Extras

I do believe that there have been many reviews of the rather lengthily-named Astray Blue Frame Second L. So, I won't be concentrating on a review on it, in so much as what possible add-ons or extras will go well with it.

 

Here are the pieces I used:
1) Bazooka and Shield from the original HGGS Astray Blue Frame
2) Leg launchers from the HGGS Ginn (I think it was the original variant that had this - will research and edit this one later)
3) FG Astray rifle (will explain later why it has to be the FG)
4) Hazel/HGUC-type shield clamp and button

First, for the bazooka, the problem is that the grip is to narrow. TO make it posable, I just added blue-tac to the inside of the fist. That way, it can stay in position.

This one was pointed out in quite a few reviews already: it's the leg slot where you can fit the Ginn leg launchers.

Now, the back of the arm does have a peg slot for a shield system - I suppose that this will come in useful, as the incoming Red Frame does have a shield. I found out that the HGUC shield clamp used in many other kits fights tightly with the peg hole. This makes it possible for the Blue Frame to carry the shield from the original. Do take note that I suspect that the peg hole can also mount the FG shields, but then, they would be mounted directly to the back of the arm, rather than on the side. That could make arm movements and posing awkward.

Now, about that FG rifle. Since the old FG astrays had simple hand designs, the trigger guard for the rifles has a gap so it can look like it has a finger on the trigger - even if it really doesn't. It's perfect for use with the left hand of the Blue Frame.

Here it is fully equipped. Not bad.

Kotobukiya Frame Arms: Type 32 Model5R-Ex Zen-Rai with Assault Unit and Buster Sword Aramament

 Here is a an idea I have for the Zen-Rai Frame Arms mecha unit. I've decided to call it ExCalibre.

 

As you can see, I'm a fan of asymmetrical designs. My first concern here was that the buster sword had to be stowed away - So I decided that the best way to do that was to "break" the sword into some pieces (much like Cloud Strife from FF7 does in the Advent Children movie).

Here it is with the Buster Sword assembled. It's derived from the unified design from two HW-3 Weapons Systems.

This is the more traditional design.

This is a somewhat more symmetrical design, and a layout option just in case the mecha unit needs both hands free. To be honest, a bit awkward.

Incoming: MG 1/100 Jesta

Sorry for the wait, had to take care of some real-world concerns for the past few weeks.

Up next for our reviews is the MG Jesta. It's a favored design from the Gundam Unicorn Series. Will get to it as soon as possible, cheers!

Review: RG 1/144 Gundam Seed Destiny - Destiny Gundam

My initial reaction with Real Grade kits has always been one of suspicion, thanks to my bad experience with the RX-78-2 RG kit, which probably winds hands-down for Gundam kits that simply have too many parts that tend to fall off and get lost. However, much of my faith was restored when I assembled the RG Destiny Gundam - though I still have some major gripes about it.

Head and Torso
The head itself is rather simple, with a gray internal block that seems to have some internal details... that do not get seen anyway. Also, the front and back main sensors and the eyes are all part of one transparent piece. If you use the right set of eye stickers, you can technically make the eyes light up by simple shining a light at the back sensor. I'll take more about the stickers later.

The torso itself is... simple. Given the complex internals I saw in the RG RX-78, the Destiny's internal torso mechanics were straightforward, and definitely devoted more to mobility than internal detail. In fact, the cockpit seems to have been designed as an afterthought, and I for one am not complaining, as there are no micro-figures to show such a detail off with.

Arms and Legs
First, the arms: They are nicely proportioned, and the mechanics are top-notch. Nothing much to say, as the only extra gimmick would be the mounted boomerang-sabers at the shoulders.

As for the legs, they contain one of my major gripes - the shifting or moving parts that, while they look impressive, mechanically, don't really makes sense, since armor is supposed to be a fixed plating for protection. Still, I like the proportions, except for the Donald Duck feet - and even then... Well, I'll talk about that later. 

Backpack and Accessories
The back pack and the attendant weapon accessories make sense from a toy  point of view, but I'll say it now: the backpack is HUGE. And the wings look somewhat stubby when in passive mode. They look great when fully extended, though.

The rifle is a standard thing for me, no great shakes, and the shield also has more detail, but isn't much more than an upgrade of the old HGGS Destiny's shield.

And the Blast-hands? They're large! I know it's a bit of an emphasis, and it looks photogenic, but in real life, it makes the whole kit look like an overgrown.... kid.

The beam effects and the energy shield are perfectly detailed, no complaints there.

As for the NUMEROUS markings? I am not a fan. I understand if it will make it look like some sort of Ver.Ka. in 1/144 scale, it's just that it looks like it will make the mecha broder on being tattooed all over the place.

Negatives?
One gigantic negative is the fact that the Destiny can hardly stand on its own - you will really need to buy a proper action base for it, Make sure, too that it's the right kind (the smaller one for 1/144), as the kit has its own connector end for the stand. Oh, and the wrist plates? be careful, they tend to get lost.

Conclusion
I will be honest, I am not a fan of RG kits, but this Destiny kit made a believer out of me. I heartily recommend this kit to anyone who wants to collect a high-quality Gundam kit in the 1/144 scale.


Click here for more reviews!

RG 1/144 Gundam Seed Destiny - Destiny Gundam

Review coming up soon! For now, here are some pics of the RG 1/144 Destiny Gundam!

And check out Mecha Toys in Facebook! Clicky!

Click here for more reviews!

Review: Gundam HGUC 1/144 RX-79(G) Ez-8, Part 3

I'm not that big a fan of markings and stickers, as I think that at 1/144 scale, it's kind of ridiculous to have such large artwork painted on. However, in this case, I wholeheartedly approve, as the utilitarian/military starkness of the markings appeal to my "realistic" mecha aesthetic (at least when it comes to vehicle artwork).

Now, about the straps for the parachute: Don't be afraid to wrap the stickers around them - the sticker and the strap's material do not form strong adhesive bonds - after some time, you can slide the straps in and out of the sticker buckles. Still, I feel bad that they had to resort to stickers, as the original HG Ez-8 had small plastic buckles that actually worked!

Again, another gripe of mine are the strap handles on the shoulders - in this new version, they are fixed in place, but in the old HG version, they are fully functional, swiveling handles.

The internal calf mounts for the beam sabers is something I highly approve of - after all, it's a mecha, so "non-anthropomorphic" storage space should be no issue.

The beam rifle looks much better to go with the Ez-8, and its design is very much similar to the RX-78 first-gen beam rifle, except that it does not have a swiveling scope, trading it in instead for a vertical-mount fixed sensor. Do take note, though, that the hand grip has a raised area to fit into a slot in the gun hand, so this rifle may not work with some hand types, unless you cut off the raised area.

This is a shot of all the accessories that the basic mecha comes with, aside from the parachute backpack.

I know, some of you may be wondering: why didn't I feature the parachute backpack more? To be honest, there isn't much value in the backpack aside from it being an addition for the accessory completist. What should be noted is that the Ez-8 is compatible with most, if not all 08thMS HGUC accessories and weapons systems, and that includes RG weapons kits. In fact, I would go so far as to say that this kit is perfect for bulking up with all the existing and incoming add-on kit packs.

Is it a good buy? My answer would be: Yes, if you plan to add more stuff to it. As it is, aside from the backpack, it's a bit thin on the accessories. Part of me thinks that a good part of the push for coming out of this kit is based on teh popularity of the mecha itself. However, I really do wish they could have added more weapons, or kept some of the original HG kits details, like the working strap buckles, shoulder strap handles, and the support pistons to display the chest with the front armor disengaged.

Me? I'd buy this kit, simply because it looks cool,and yes, it would be a worthy addition to any collection on looks alone, and would probably be a good competition entry, once you have the right accessories for it.

Update: Click on the following links for the other parts of this multi-part review.

Part 1 - Part 2

 

Click here for more reviews of other kits.

Review: Gundam HGUC 1/144 RX-79(G) Ez-8, Part 2

 This is the second installment in the Ez-8 articles, and this time, we get into some details about mechanics and compatibility plus points for the kit.

 

 Epic posing is epic.

As with the original kit, the chest armor is removable. However, the original HG 1/144 kit had extending arms for the front chest plate, (more on that in the next article), which, while fragile, made for a more interesting build.

  

It's a given, of course, that the shoulder mounts ended up different, as the Ez-8 now uses the ball-joint shoulder. The advantage with this is that it allows for more posability, but the disadvantage is that it ends up with sagging shoulders more easily than the original stick joints - and even more so with the original HG version, which had no shoulder articulation beyond the basic stick and polycap joint.

 

The arm articulation for the new kit is actually just slightly better than the older HGUC version of the RX-79(G) standard kit.However, the older kit had full ABS joints, and this mean that as time went on (and if the person loved playing with the kit as an action figure), the joints would loosen. The current construction has returned polycaps into the center of the joints. One sticking point for the shoulders, though: the shoulder latches where the parachute straps are tied are not movable in this version, but was fully articulated in the older HG kit.

 

This is where the new polycap set wins mightily, as the newer torso has two balljoints versus a large stick joint for the earlier types.

 If you were wondering... yes, the backpack attachment holes are the same - you can technically use all HGUC RX-79(G) accessories with the Ez-8. And once the 08thMS GM comes along, it'll will probably be just as compatible.

In the next article: Some stickers and detail concerns.

Update: Click on the following links for the other parts of this multi-part review.

Part 1 - Part 3

 

Click here for more reviews of other kits.

Review: Gundam HGUC 1/144 RX-79(G) Ez-8

 

08thMS Team was one of those sleeper hits that opened a whole new vision for Gundam - whereas Gundam tended to have a rather epic feel - a leftover from its space opera origins, 08thMS was literally a microcosm - jungle operations, earthside! And nowhere was the philosophy of the OVA more apparent than in the "upgrade" for the RX79(G) - the Ez-8. And even that is tongue-in-cheek, as the Ez-8 is basically field modifications brought about by the need for better amor and literally repairs from what was left lying around - it was a "downgrade", actually, to make it more effective in the environment it was in.

Over the next few entries, we'll take a look at the HGUC version of this kit, a worthy successor to the old HG kit.

If anything, though, the Ez-8 is rather spare in its accessories, with saber handles and translucent saber parts the only ones not being shown in this equipment photo....

The big improvement of the HGUC kit version, of course, was posability. Heck, most Gundam kits can't even kneel like this.

If you want the Ez-8 to look even more nasty, all you need are the RC Weapons Systems - some of which are seemingly made for the EZ-8, like this Shield/Claw system.

Update: Click on the following links for the other parts of this multi-part review.

Part 2 - Part 3

Click here for more reviews of other kits.