MG RX-78-2 Gundam Smoke Clear Mechanical Ver. Info

Kit Info

Kit Name: MG RX-78-2 Gundam Mechanical Smoked Clear Ver.

Kit Price: -

Kit Status: Released, December 2009

Availability: Rare, Limited Edition

To start it all off, this kit is basically virtually identical to the MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. 2.0, the only difference being that this kit’s runners is molded in smoked clear and is a Limited Edition release. A similar version of this kit would be Bandai Pro Shop’s RX-78-2 Gundam Mechanical Clear Version.

(Image from Dalong.net)

The kit shown above is the MG RX-78-2 Gundam Mechanical Clear Ver. which is the kit which the Mechanical Smoke Clear Ver. is derived from. As usual, only difference are the runners which are molded in a different kind of clear and the box art.  Personally, I like the Smoked Clear better than the standard Clear and the box art for the Smoked Clear looks better too. The similarities are, they are both Bandai Pro Shop releases and both are Limted Edition releases. Weirdly, the Mechanical Clear Ver. has a price tag but, the Mechanical Smoke Ver. doesn’t.

In terms of box size, it is exactly identical to the MG Zaku II Char’s Custom. As you can see from above, a direct comparison of size and they’re both the same.

As you can see, even the manual is 100% identical to MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver 2.0′s. Though it does come with an additional manual on “How to build Mechanical Smoked Clear Ver.”

The manual pretty much just explains the order of the new decals and which parts to use and not to use. No surprise to know that this manual is nearly 100% identical to the standard Mechanical Clear Ver.

(Image courtesy of Dalong.net)

Haih, if only I had a scanner.

This kit comes with an extra set of decals for the frame which looks to be the up and coming trend for decals. Personally, I fully support it as it is really nice way to highlight the Gunpla’s inner frame and hydraulics. Though, I really don’t see why one can’t just paint it there even for a marker user it should be no problem.

Future of Gunpla decals or Bandai Pro Shop exclusive?

Pretty impressive decals.

As you can see behind it is a glimpse of the awesome Smoked Clear Runners which look absolutely great.

The kit also comes with Ver 2.0′s decals.

Stick on

Scratch on

Then there’s also the standard runners which are either molded in,

standard issue grey

or a lovely Gunmetal.

The parts are also molded in two kinds of clear,

standard clear which is nearly transparent (if you can’t see it look really hard or get your eyes checked)

or awesome Smoked Clear!

In keeping with the theme, Bandai also decided to make the beam sabers clear.

Yup, just standard clear not clear pink or red. Some sorta gimmick to make us buy clear red paint Bandai?

Another interesting thing with this kit as I have already stated out is there is no price for it and it depends entirely on the seller. I got mine for 4500 Yen which is not too bad.

See the numbers on top of the bar code? There is suppose to be 3 sequence of numbers with the 3rd sequence being the price in Yen. For example, if this kit did have a price the numbers would be like 645075 – 2090285 – XXXX. Pretty cool huh? I just found out recently though you can’t always rely on that to be the selling price as some kit’s price go up for certain factors (eg. rarity).

Yup, websites. Before I forget, all the description on the box is written in English as compared to other MGs which are in Japanese (Mechanical Clear Ver. included). No surprise, considering it was released in Anime Fetival Asia (AFA) 2009 in Singapore.

Conclusion

Conclusion? This kit is great, period. I for one already have a MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. Ka but that didn’t stop me from wanting this kit. As it is, the standard Ver 2.0 MG already gets 107 points from Dalong.net top that off with smoked clear and you get one hck of an awesome kit. Get this, get it now!

Plamo Wish List :D

It’s that time of the year where it becomes my obligation to put up wish list of all the Plamo (plastic models) that I wish to get for the year.

Two main reasons for why I do this,

1. Well, it just makes it easier to get something for me. Getting the picture?

2. It keeps me focused on my goals and what I want to get so I know what I want and save up appropriately

Wishlist 2010

1.

Kit Name: MG Gundam Astray Red Frame Kai

Kit Price: 5000 Yen

Kit Status: February 2010 release

Availability: Up for pre-order

It’s no secret, I’m a real big fan of Astray and I badly want this kit. Red Frame has already made a PG debut still, I find that version a bit bland. This one on the other hand, has 2 Katanas and the same huge Tactical Arms also used by Blue Frame but, slightly modified to transform into a bow rather than a gattling. The kit looks spectacular even without any decals, panel lining or even a very expensive price tag. This kit is a bit on the expensive side at 5000 Yen with Blue Frame only 4800 Yen. Only 200 Yen more expensive but, one has to consider that Blue Frame really isn’t the cheapest MG either. Anyway, even with the heavy price tag I still badlty want this kit. I’m sure it’ll be one heck of a kit just as how Blue Frame was. Can’t wait to get my hands on this one together with the special edition clear parts.

2.

Kit Name: MG Wing Gundam Ver. Ka

Kit Price: 3500 Yen

Kit Status: Released, March 2004

Availability: Rare / Unavailable

Now this may turn out to be one of my biggest regrets in my whole Gunpla collecting history. Not because I’m about to collect a bad kit but this is one awesome kit that I’ve held off for too long and now it’s almost impossible to get hold of one. To be frank, the whole reason I was holding off this kit was because I wanted to get MG StrikeFreedom Full Burst first. Now that I do, I am having major difficulties in finding this kit. As it is, early Ver. Ka kits aren’t very common and to make it worse this is nearly a 6 year old kit. As of now,  I’m just hunting this kit down but to no avail. The price tag is very well within my reach. For a MG, 3500 Yen is a reasonable enough price. Just hope I can find it or just hopefully, Bandai decides to re-release this one with clear parts.

3.

Kit Name: MG RX-78-4 Gundam G04

Kit Price: 2800 Yen

Kit Status: Released, July 2003

Availability: Rare / Unavailable

Yes, put the blame on me. This may also turn out to be one of my regrets. Now, this may just be another awesome kit that I may miss out on having the opportunity to own. As it is, this kit and its brother kit RX-78-5 G05 Gundam are already rare with a relatively low production margin. Thing is, this kit isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. But for those who love it like me, as you can see it’s the classic design with a modern touch which makes this kit so attractive. It basically is a souped up RX-78-2 Gundam. The shoulders, backpack, torso and weapons may be slightly remodeled but it still follows heavily on the base RX-78-2 which is very nice. Not to mention, this is the first Gundam unit to be equipped with a Hyper Mega Cannon so, that’s quite a landmark. The price of 2800 Yen is also a steal even though it doesn’t have an actual frame. Together with Wing Ver. Ka, I’m also hunting this down. Wish me luck, I’m gonna need it.

4.

Kit Name: MG Freedom Gundam

Kit Price: 3800 Yen

Kit Status: Released, July 2004, December 2009 (with Clear Parts)

Availability: Available / Uncommon

Initially, I wasn’t a big fan of Freedom but, after seeing how the HG Freedom I have turned out it genuinely surprised on the prospects of how much better looking the MG would be. I was right. After closer inspection on Dalong.net, the MG Freedom is actually a pretty wicked kit. Like I pointed out in my previous post, the MG has really nice wings. Another thing my brother pointed out is the articulation which is no different with or without armour which is a very good plus point. Well definitely no regrets for me for this one because Bandai re-released this kit for their Clear Parts Campaign. Lucky me then, just hope this one doesn’t sell too fast like the others before I get my hands on it. No arguments about the price, it is definitely correctly priced. Perhaps the only problem with this kit is the lack of decals so, I may have to end up buying additional water slide decals for it. Freedom here I come!

5.

Kit Name: MG RX-78-2 Gundam Mechanical Smoke Clear Ver.

Kit Price: -

Kit Status: Released 4th Quarter 2009

Availability: Rare

Yes, I already have a RX-78-2 Gundam Ver. Ka but, this kit is just too difficult to resist. I initially spotted it in a Hobby Shop with there being only 1 box available. At first, I didn’t know what it was but, I liked it straight away. After further research, I found out that this kit is actually a limited edition release for the Anime Festival Asia (AFA) 2009 in Singapore and is only limited to 100 boxes a day. If I’m not wrong it is a 2 day event thus only 200 of this in the world. Super awesome looking and super rare. I already regret not buying it. The price of the kit varies depending on the seller. I was offered 4500 Yen which I find an extremely good price and I still wonder why I didn’t buy it. Regret… looks like this post is full of regret.

6.

Kit Name: Rayleonard 04 – ALICIA Unsung

Kit Price: 5200 Yen

Kit Status: Released, December 2009, February 2010 (re-release)

Availability: Available / Limited

First Plamo of the list which is not a Gunpla but instead a mech from the Armored Core series which I have recently taken a liking for. ALICIA Unsung is extremely beautiful and it definitely packs tonnes of punch. I won’t say much, I’ll let the pictures do the talking.

(Images are from HobbySearch)

Awesome. Nuff said.

7.

Kit Name: Rayleonard 03 – Aaliyah

Kit Price: 4200 Yen

Kit Status: Released, Jun 2007

Kit Availability: Uncommon

Another beautiful mech from the Armored Core Series. As usual, I won’t say a thing. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

(Images are from HobbySearch)

Fuuh, better not be too greedy. So, that’s all for the wish list. Signing out.

Project Freedom

It’s been a while since a HG Project has been done. The last being the HG Sazabi.

So, it was decided that HG Freedom Gundam would be the new project thus the name,

The kit is still a Work in Progress (WiP). So far, only sanding has been fully complete and it is currently through painting phase, around 20% complete if I were to take a guess.

Here are some pics:

Messy, messy, parts, parts

The wings are pretty much 70% complete, with only the right cannon and some touch up to complete. Sadly, the wings are pretty bland and aren’t as sharp and imposing as MG Freedom’s wings.

Yup, incomplete cannon. Oh! A tube of paint also.

Just like I said, no competition between the HG and MG wing design, just a clear winner. (Picture courtesy of Dalong.net)

Minor mod done by my bro to increase articulation.

Previously, the front hip armour would move in unison when one side is pushed forward. A simple minor mod allows each skirt to move individually.

Overall the kit is mediocre, the detail is there but it isn’t great. Perhaps the two biggest flaws of this kit is the huge seam line right in between the leg, arm and head and the bad articulation of the arm which at maximum only provides 90 degrees of rotation inwards. Just a reminder in case you ever wanted to get a older HG Kit. I guess back then Bandai didn’t really care then again HGs back then were much cheaper if compared to todays HGs.

By the way, the HG Freedom shown here is actually the one which comes included with the HG METEOR Unit.

There goes the market price of my METEOR Unit.

Rambling

I previously got a new bottle of cement. This time by Mr. Hobby instead of the previous choice of Tamiya. Though, I still like Tamiya’s better because it is thicker and thus easier to get rid of seam lines. Still, Mr. Hobby does get the job done. The only qualm I have is the difference in price.

For the Mr. Hobby Cement it cost,

245 Yen. Forget the price tag, it’s a different currency.

And for the Tamiya Cement I spent,

545 Yen and even the Tamiya one comes in a smaller bottle. If you do the math, I’m paying approximately 2.2 times more for even less volume.

Which leads me to wonder, either I’m being ripped off by my local Tamiya dealer or Tamiya’s just being plain unreasonable. Maybe that’s why Dengeki Hobby prefers to use Mr. Hobby, just maybe. Not that I have anything against Tamiya, by all means they make good modeling equipment but at a price to big for me.