Summer 2013

Summer time is when I get to usually remind myself that I actually have some time to work on my model kits. Unfortunately, 3 years have passed and I am still stuck with the same predicament of having this idea yet ending up doing only a fraction of my goal. Procrastinating me I guess. ^^

So these year, let me unveil my vaunted plan to get some of my kits done. Some are a wee bit old while some are literally brand new. As I have left all of the older ones unopened in their boxes (safely tucked away in some corner of the room),there are absolutely no worries about them kits being affected by father time. And yes, I do check on them from time to time and thankfully I have to say that they are in pretty much near mint condition. The intended kits are as below.     

From top - bottom, then left to right: RX-93-ν2 Hi-Nu Gundam, Double Fin-Funnel Set Custom for RX-93 Nu Gundam, RX-78-3 Ver. 2.0 G3 Gundam, RX-93 Nu Gundam ver. Ka, MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam ver 2.0, OZ-00MS Tallgeese I and the only RG in the lineup, RX-178 Gundam Mk-II.

Saying that I am a big fan of Amuro Ray is an understatement. Ever since I have laid eyes on my very first SRW games, he's turned out to be my favorite pilot. And that is even before I got to watch my first Gundam series, which was and always will be awesome. =)

Fanboyism is what fuels the appetite for any collection, and this has so far resulted in the acquisition of  the currently 3 yr. old on my shelf Hi-Nu, the celebrated Dec. 2012 release Nu ver. Ka, the companion webshop limited edition Nu Gundam Fin-funnel expansion set for Nu ver. Ka, and the '09 release but newly aqcuired G3 Gundam ver. 2.0. All piloted by that guy, yes. 

While I already have a MG RX-78-2 One Year War version, having more RX-78-2's wouldn't hurt (*wallet coughs*). I was actually choosing between this G3 and the original RX-78-2, which in truth are just the same sans the color scheme. Ended up with the G3 because it literally looks a lot cooler than the original. The subdued colors look like what you would expect from a real life military unit. Bright and  flashy colors just might not be the best idea in a battlefield. 

More shots of the G3 with his beam rifle and crusader shield. Yes that core fighter can be displayed independent from the main unit, which is a big plus. And since this is a ver. 2.0, one can always expect a great build. Rightly so, this is a great looking kit, with lots of accessories for lots of play options. Action base not included though.

1/144 Real Grade RX-178 Gundam Mk-II.

Moving on, also did get the RG Gundam Mk-II. This is just my second RG, my first being the Aile Strike. I also have this in MG ver. 2.0 form, but that too is also still sitting on my shelf in its box. =) 

RG's are know for their level of detail and articulation which can rival that of the bigger MG's. While they may be nice to look at, there are certain drawbacks which I can tell you based on experience. First is kit stability. After finishing my Aile Strike, I intended to arm it up then give it a nice pose. Granted the hand has almost PG articulation, but the simple act of getting the weapons fixed in the hand is such a pain. Getting it to pose will also be a pain with weight issues popping up here and there. I've also dealt with parts falling off from time to time but that is minor compared to the others I have mentioned before. Second is the so-called detail vomit. Too much details and stickers can make it look a lot less appealing. But you can always opt not to put on all the stickers really so in the end it all comes down to the modeler's preference.

While earlier RG's are expected to have those problems, MK-II is but a new release from 2012. The critics gave it a passing mark and is said to be a very fine and stable kit, a real step-up from its predecessors. We shall see soon enough. 

Webshop limited item Nu Gundam Ver, Ka Double Fin Funnel Custom Unit.

This Fin-funnel custom unit is made as an add-on to the Nu-Gundam ver. Ka of 2012. Got this from an HK retailer for a lower price compared to those being sold here. Initially, the Nu gundam has 6 of those remote controlled weapons of mass destruction included. This expansion will give it another 6, which can enable you to mount a double fin funnel configuration that turns this already mighty beast into one truly badass MS. 

And since we are talking about the Nu Gundam being a bad ass, how about adding some more to make it, well, even more bad ass. Effect parts!!! 

The MG Hi-Nu also have effect parts for the funnels but unfortunately they are not compatible with the Nu ver. Ka's funnels. This is the answer to it. It's pink, it's bright and its literally electrifying. It's the very definition of power. Well now, I can't wait to see how nice it would look once put on.

Oh but before I forget, also included are a set of waterslides that are completely identical with the ver Ka's. Some other MG kits will be happy to receive and have them on I believe. And lastly one more thing. A custom stand bearing Amuro's 'A' symbol is also included as a bonus. This is also the exact same stand that they issued together with the Hi-Nu and the ver. Ka. So now I've got a triple-AAA stand. LOL. Too bad you can't connect them together like you can with the Action Base 1's. 

HGFC Nobell AKA 'Sailormoon' and MG Tallgeese I.

The little dog is in the background. The Z623 speakers are up and running. The long awaited MG Tallgeese is finally here and is looking pretty sharp. But hey what's that on the side you ask? 

It's a sailormoon gundam! No mistake about it. =)

Side art of the box shows the Tallgeese in action. There's also that nice art from Hajime Katoki of all the OZ bad guys from Gundam Wing. Also some there are some ads for the ongoing manga adaptation of the Wing series. 

And from the other side of the box we get to see the Tallgeese all armed up with its powerful Dober gun and that defining rounded shield. This is the Endless Waltz (EW) version so people asking how come the big eagle decal isn't there and why he has a bit more yellow than usual should know. And yes that really fancy headgear of his makes him look like a gallant white knight / gladiator!  

 

More shots of the manual here. Granted the Tallgeese is the easiest build from this list (aside from the expansion funnel set), I might still opt to get it done last. Or first, that is if I feel like going by the way of the water. Which is finding the path of least resistance. =)

With everything still being a toss up, thing is I would be happy if I could just get on to finish 2 from this list. As things stand, I still have my MG 00-Raiser (didn't include this since it's an on-going project) trying to beat deadline and then there is this thing called real life. Will just have to re-up this once the reviews come in.

Last but not the least, some updates on the display case.