1/144 HGAW Gundam X Divider Review

The 1/144 High Grade After War Gundam X Divider is the second of the HGAW line, following the Gundam X. Code named GX-9900-DV, this divider-equipped mobile suit is part of the Gundam X series, and is kit number 118 in the High Grade line.

Contents of the box includes:
-(Foil) sticker sheet
-Polycaps
-8 Runners (A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, G)

This kit is basically the same as the Gundam X kit without the satellite cannon.

Additional weapons and accessories includes:
-Beam machine gun
-Large beam swords x2
-Hyper bazooka
-Divider shield with built in beam harmonica
-Closed fists x2, trigger hand, open palm

One thing that particularly stands out for the this Gundam X Divider is the color separation for the parts. In older high grade kits, painting is required to make the kit look good. But with the X Divider, there are 8 different colors separated individually. Only minor painting is required for the more detailed location such as the chest vulcans, panel lines, and details on the weapons and shield.

In terms of articulation, this kit is highly articulated. The head and neck utilizes a double ball joint, allowing the common chicken bobble movement. The shoulder has a ball joint, connected to the side of the body that has a hinge allowing extra extension of the arm to turn. The body sits on two ball joints, one in the middle section of the chest, and the other sitting towards the bottom of the chest. Each leg is connected by a ball joint at the crotch area which is capable of some left-right movement as well. The knee has two points of articulation, but the elbow only has one point of articulation. Each of the backpack's fuel tank is connected by a peg, and the divider shield can be opened up to reveal the beam harmonica, and can be attached to the backpack. With such great articulation, you can actually pull off some pretty impressive poses with the help of an Action Base 2.

Compared to the older 1/100 HG Gundam X Divider, which I personally feel was overdone for the panel lines, Bandai did a great job with the release of the HGAW line. The 1/144 kit looks proportionally better in that it is less bulky than the 1/100 scale. The color separation for each piece makes the kit look great even without painting, and if you do choose to paint, the separation makes it easier to paint due to minimal masking required.

In summary, I personally believe Bandai put in great engineering into this kit to provide it with detail, gimmicks, and great articulation. I highly recommend this kit as the build process was fun, and so was posing the kit with the different combination of weapons and accessories. My favorites are the beam swords with the gleaming glow of the florescent clear green, and the divider shield opened up to reveal the beam harmonica. I certainly look forward for Bandai to release more of the 1/144 High Grade After War line.

My Comments to MG Deathscythe Gundam

Have to admit I did feel a little “ambivalent” when I heard the upcoming new edition “Deathscythe Gundam”.

Years ago, when the “Endless Waltz OVA” was aired, I have built every single model of the entire series, included: All five Gundam, “Tallgeese III” and the “Heavyarms Mass Production MS” of antagonist, and it will be pretty lame for this new “Deathscythe Gundam” to follow the footsteps of those models by adopting the old HG design of Bandai, countless fans would be disappointed as well…but I wasn’t sure if the manufacturer would really let us down like that…so I accepted the request of truth finding, since who knows what tricks might still hidden inside Bandai’s sleeves.

Quite fortunately when I opened the box of this model it was full of surprises. They really did it this time, unlike all previous “Deathscythe Gundam”. We get an utter remake MG Gundam with numerous cutting edge MG technologies built into it. The famous Bandai Gundam MG models include following features: Design based on inner frame system, which enables extensive movement, and all details are superbly loyal to the anime. Plus external parts with great details and specific color indications, those designs would facilitate the construction and painting for fans.

Although the size Deathscythe, is the standard 1:100 MG size which is not too large, roughly as big as F91 and Crossbone Gundam, but to give you an idea: it takes ten pieces to construct merely the head part, even the two yellow air vents on the face take individual pieces to build, that’s how detailed it is. The torso, looks simple, yet is also built by numerous parts. As I’ve mentioned before, MG has a great reputation of detailed pieces and specified painting process, and reflect to this Deathscythe’s upper torso, besides the fine presentation of pilot cabin, the articulation on the waist is also taken care of, both the appearance and movability. So it’s quite obvious that the manufacturer did a superb job on all aspects on this exciting Gunpla.

Example of other noteworthy spot, is the shoulders and attached armors. Although they don’t look complex to assemble, but actually the manufacturer puts in extra pieces to it and its internal rocket devise, in order to increase both the sense of reality and movability, so the very essence of original anime isn’t missing.

As for the feet and thighs, pieces are joined together by vertical-snap fit with a internal frame system inside, as Bandai did on previous versions. But for the calves, two-parts tradition of HG version has been abandoned, instead Bandai provided almost ten different armor pieces agree to the design lines on the legs, one highlight is that armors on the calf articulation are separated parts as on most MG, unlike those on HG which are parts of the legs. Advantage of doing this is to avoid seeing the snap line, and after completion the whole part looks much alike the original anime, plus extensive movability.

Addition to those, the bottoms of the feet are improved as well. The tiptoe is constructed by two individual pieces, also allows extensive movement, and loyal to the original anime. The number of pieces required to build the bottoms of feet has increased, so these entire parts have a great degree of detail.

To summarize what I see here, it’s a bit hard to tell much difference between new Deathscythe and traditional Endless Waltz HG Gunplas on the surface level. But once you start to work on the construction, you will find out it has a whole lot to offer within. The extensive movability makes classic poses possible to be restaged, and high loyal appearance to the original anime, plus superbly detailed parts, are the final reasons to own this model. Many parts have been redesigned, besides more pieces, high details and movement capability, also make the painting process easier.

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My Comment to Evangelion 01 (New Movie "HA" ver.)

When I heard the plan of building model kit EVA-00 from the latest “Neon Genesis Evangelion” movie, an solid ambivalent feeling caught me suddenly.

Since the anime series was aired in 2000, I have done more than a dozen of EVA kits, therefore I figure if they continues this trend of using LM series grade on this upcoming new kit, there is really nothing much to look forward to, which is also a big letdown to fans…

Then that initial speculation led to a curiosity, will kit maker going to disappoint us like that?... So I accepted this request to find out whether Bandai had some surprising new tricks ready to blow our minds…

Fortunately Bandai has proven its leadership of the market by giving us this rebuild version EVA, it’s nothing like what we have seen before. Allow me to make an analogy here to help with visual understanding, if the previous LM series EVA kits were comparable to those regular 1: 100 scale Gundam kits, then this rebuild version would be like MG series.

Trust me that I’m not exaggerating anything by calling it the MG series of EVA kits. Anyone of those who had MG modeling experience would know, the typical features of MG series are: For the frame design, the making focuses on utterly extending the mobility range, in order to reproduce small details from the anime to the possible extent. And for the external parts, the entire layout of small parts and painting instructions are planned with great care, providing more efficient way for modelers to assemble and paint.

Taking the upper body part of the EVA as an example: It took about one dozen pieces in general, but now it comprises almost 30 pieces. The neck part per se includes 5 small pieces, to make both front and back neck moveable parts, each of them has one ball joint connecting to the head. When the head is moving, the front neck would move accordingly to create a reciprocating movement.
Other rebuilds can be found inside the mouth and two side armors of the chest, besides adding additional parts to them, both the space of movement and texture details were upgraded, therefore the mouth part can open wider now and so does armor unfolding. Furthermore, the hand part making requires not merely one but three pieces, separated by distinguished colors, so modelers can paint each piece individually, hence more convenient to craft.

As for the leg parts, Bandai recycled the former LM series 3-piece design for thighs, they are assembled by locking in from both sides with the third piece between them. Yet the cruses have been remade different from LM series 2-piece design, the new design takes advantage of the texture lines on both as the contact lines of joining pieces. Which kills two birds with one stone, because it eliminates the unwanted joint marks, and also helps preserving the original taste.

Besides all above mentioned details, other feet parts has been improved too, for instance the detested 2-piece shoe armors have been replaced with one whole piece, so no more sighs on the joint marks, them look just like in the show now. More pieces also generates finer details.

All in all, judging from the looks only, there isn’t much notable difference between the old and the new EVA-00. But the surprise is surely there in the modeling process. The primary feature of this rebuild version, is the greater details and enhanced design that makes it look closer to the actual cartoon, plus more moveable joints allows to restage poses from the original show.

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My Comment to MG FA-78-1 Blue Color Version

Before working on FA-78-1, I had no experience with Version-2 Gundam, nor did I know much about its structure and design. Therefore it really puzzled me for a while what makes it stands out.

I am not sure what others think about Bandai’s RX-78-2 Version 2, but in my opinion the current design follows the original design concept from the time of Okawara Kunio. Personally I have nothing against Okawara’s style, yet somewhat mediocre comparing with Katoki Hajime, who is highly known for his work on Gundam, which brings more intense ear sensation and greater sense of military mechanical feeling, Katoki’s design is exactly my cup of tea. With this expectation in mind, I didn’t even bother to seek out the newly released RX-78 G3 because lacking of interest.

However don’t take this as your reason to believe that I resent the new FA-78-1, because I do not. If you do a little research on its history, you would find out that previous FA-78-1 model was released almost 30 years ago. And limited by technologies available at the time, it wasn’t much of scenery to modern eyes. And there is a good opportunity to shock ourselves with the comparison between that and latest reborn FA-78-1, and I couldn’t help myself being curious about it.

Bandai’s work of this Gundam, besides much advanced technologies, Katoki Hajime played an important role in this FA-78-1’s fundamental redesign as Version 2 model. Not merely integrated with Version 2 physical form, but also thoroughly transformed the entire model with modern mechanical concept and aesthetics.

As the first step to put all pieces together to recreate RX-78-1 Version 2, as we can see, the manufacturer really has done a excellent work on the interior framework of RX-78-2 Version 2, the design balanced very well of high mobility and delicate details. Especially for its mobility, a great number of dual-jointed parts were implemented to dramatically increase the mobility and flexibility at waist and other areas.

The new tri-level feet design greatly improved stability on all kinds of uneven terrain, to help display various postures according to fans desire. To sweeten the pot even more, aside from the regular frame, additional interior armor frames are included, for instance: chest, waist, shoulders, and lower waist part, plus elbows and knees, with the armor frame installed, the joints are securely protected, and the design gives a good sense of realness. Therefore modelers would be convinced that they are not just working on a toy model, but an authentic miniature Gundam robot.

Talking about the external design, it’s very convenient to install or uninstall the exterior armor attachments, and no extra tool or piece is needed, and it’s possible to switch to RX-78 or FA-78-1. The armors can be switched easily by the two following methods. First one: the lock-in style, this one can be found mostly on shoulder and limb parts (like forearms, cruses), it works by locking in both front and back. Second one: the stick-in style, it can be found on upper body, the sides of waist, knees, and soles. How stick-in armor attachment sticks? The secret is double faced tape, with the more adhesive face sticks to the armor, and less adhesive side sticks to the body, and then the armor is tightly attached to the body.

After this procedure, when taking off armor, the tape stays with it. Because the less sticky face puts on body, this leaves no obvious mark and simple for installation. Both methods bear the thought presents better mechanical and heavy armor sense, while preserving sophisticated but slim body structure.
Last but not the least, color selection was also often mentioned during the promotion, it diverted from the classic MSV green painting, the inspiration came from Katoki’s blue FA-78-1 in GFF, that painting concept is once again picked for the newer model. I think this FA-78-1 Blue Version is quite a nice match with the formal green version.

A great pleasure to craft this FA-78-1 Blue Version, I enjoyed it very much! First of all, this is a good opportunity to relish Bandai’s latest MG product. In addition, Bandai’s reworking on the classic MSV FA-78-1 brings back lots of memories. From now on, whenever I see this FA-78-1 Blue Version, I feel I can’t help grabbing and admiring it. It’s easily a must-have as a masterpiece Gundam model.

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My comments to MG PMX-003 The O

Piloted by chief antagonist, Paptimus Scirocco of the Zeta Gundam series, this mobile suit is known for being the signature "heavy mecha" of the Federation army. And having taken on Zeta Gundam, Hyaku Shiki, and Qubeley in the final battle of the series, "The O" was able to establish itself as one of the Zeta Gundam series' lead mobile suits. Although plans for its MG release have unfortunately been tentative for a long time, in 2010 Bandai finally made a MG "The O"! Packaged as a PG kit, "The O" will make both modelers and Gundam fans feel a sense of excitement like none other when they take it home.

Being a "heavy mecha", the shape of The O's armor was designed to be simple in order to emphasize the bulk of the model. However, this in no way detracts from the strong and aggressive air of the mobile suit. Also, its bulk is exaggerated through each of its body parts, further adding to its intimidating look. Take the butt area for example; it's at least as big as a RG model, which quite obviously shows just how big the O is. As far as the inner frame, it does a good job with faithfully representing the same bulkiness shown throughout the model. Although the legs have a simple inner construction, they don’t affect the model's ability to support its own weight; it's completely solid. Bandai has obviously put a lot of work into the engineering of this model kit to make everything work considering its size and weight.

Although the O is a really big model, it has a fairly standard amount of parts. This allows its assembly process to be rather smooth. Also, areas on the kit in which modification is needed are few; about 1 or 2 days of work will be sufficient to complete the model. However, something worth mentioning is that it has about 50 maneuvering thrusters that should be painted. This is a crucial area when adding final touches to the O. In order to show delicacy amidst the O's coarse bulk, it's necessary that modelers put enough heart into the assembly and refining of the model.

Personally, I painted the O with the color scheme of a real desert tank, which matches the thick heavy feeling of the mobile suit, and makes it seem more like a realistic machine of war. And after applying the provided marking seals and etch decals, the model looked a lot more striking and pleasing to the eye. It's really hard to come across a model that, even if you casually put it on a table, exudes such an incredibly mechanical appearance.

I feel that while the O is bulky looking, and the design of the outer armor is simple, it still looks completely aggressive and strong. Being a fan of the Zeta Gundam model kit line, I say this is a model that you've got to have. Don't miss out on it!

My comments to RG Char's Zaku II

All right, now onto the Real Grade MS-06s Zaku II —
Being the second model of the RG line, the new Char's Zaku II has truly raised the bar in terms of level of detail and difficulty of build.

In creating the second representative model kit for the RG line of Gundam 30th Anniversary, Bandai was able to use its prior experience in making the first RG Gundam to further improve its engineering and design techniques.

As you might know, a Real Grade model is lot like a mini-sized Perfect Grade—from the inner frame to the outer armor, the structure of the real grade is meant to resemble that of a real, 1:1 scale mobile suit.

The Zaku's inner frame, like in the first Real Grade kit, is exceptionally articulated; it's also quite solid, allowing the model to be posed in virtually any position while still strengthening and supporting it. And although the inner frame shares slight similarities with the RX-78-2's inner frame, it is for the most part a completely new design.

If you've built the first RG Gundam, you know that incorporating Master Grade and Perfect Grade features into a 1:144 scale kit makes it especially crucial to maintain concentration and patience during assembly. In the RG Zaku, some outer armor pieces are quite small, which may be a problem for certain modelers. However, aesthetically, this has allowed the mobile suit to be much more dynamic. Furthermore, the Zaku has significantly fewer small parts than the RX-78, which is good news for those who initially may have been dissuaded from buying a RG model kit for that reason.

Personally, I feel that a spray of flat coat is enough in terms of embellishing the model. Including an outer armor with impressively precise nuances in color, the Zaku already has many outstanding features that require little or no modification. Also note the new marking seals that are provided—not overly conspicuous, they add a liveliness to the model that make it "pop" even more. However, many would agree that water-slide and etch decals will always be better than marking seals. If Bandai were willing to provide decals in its RG model kits, Gunpla modelers would hold the RG line in much higher esteem.

As I said last time when I finished building the RG RX-78-2 Gundam, whether it’s the build process or the quality of the kit, the Real Grade line is the highest standard in Bandai plastic kits. Whether you're a modeler or just a Gundam enthusiast, this is a kit you have got to have.

My Comments to MG Figure-rise "Super Saiyan Goku"

I didn't really think much of it when we heard Bandai's plan to develop a series of Dragon Ball figures, because I thought it would be just another warm-over collection of old action figure. Yet until I caught a glimpse of some pictures leaked on Internet, and we realized it will be developed at "Master Grade" level, and they include a figure of "Super Saiyan Goku". And my passion was suddenly fueled and can't wait to get my hands on one!

So how exactly will Bandai demostrate this MG level "Super Saiyan Goku" figure? Will they be loyal to the original cartoon? While retaining the quality and the style of the MG series as usual? Well, I was full of curious questions and anticipation.

And then it finally arrived which turned out Bandai did an excellent job on it! They extracted the exact taste of the cartoon for the figure. From the facial features to the hair style, and the scale of body, even the small cloth wrinkles and the wound textures, they stretched their efforts to the last detail, and there was a pure gold from the scene depicts Goku powered up and became Super Saiyan for the first time when fighting Frienza.

The most appealing design is Bandai’s expression of plastic tight fitting based on precise calculation. Very lifelike demonstration of the fine curve of Goku’s biceps-muscular arms, quite a marvelous job there!

The facial expression is another outstanding masterpiece, especially the shouting expression face, you can actually tell how serious the company was trying to make this one stands out by delicately putting teeth, tongue, and inner part of mouth together. Besides all that, the choice of material for crafting the joints and the joint design are both solid and sound. Those would give collectors more freedom for posture. Also the painting arrangement of the body part is helpful for further coloring.

To help making the model stand, the soft plastic design of the soles provide stronger grip on ground.

After finish assembling all pieces, easily it can be noticed from every detail, that how much work the manufacturer has devoted to this model. The scaling is distinctive, plus the most surprising work they have done with this whole “MG Super Saiyan Goku” and made it snatched the original flavor of the cartoon, either the quality and design are equal to hand-craft models.

Even better than hand-craft model, with one you can pose many classic postures in the comic or cartoon, and because of its heavily-loaded lower body, therefore it has an excellent balance due to lower center of gravity. With proper adjustment of the lower body part, many action postures such as energy wave attack, heavy strike, and combat ready can be easily made. With the enclosed bracket, collectors can also make in air combat postures, which adds a lot fun.

The only small complaint about this model is the fist part falls out quite easy, which leaves room for improvement. Overall personally I think it’s an appealing model with careful crafting and well-done design, easy-to-use joints plus the soul of the cartoon. It’s totally a must-have with all the reasons stated!

Lastly, thanks to iShop2go.com. They gave me a chance from having assembling this new model. ;}

My comment to the HGUC "Kshatriya"

As an enthusiastic Bandai MG and PG modellers, we wonder how Bandai can make "Kshatriya" in HG mode. It is a heavy duty, lots of propellers, hidden arms and many floating guns admission authorities. Will that good enough to make it as HG model. You know HG series is small size models and I worry how it can present the sense of momentum about this heavy duty MS?

But all that have been gone after finished assembly. Bandai has been considered this together with machinery, tooling and has reach a consensus with the model development. Although it presents with the top-heavy appearance. The design has overcome this. The finished model can maintain the good postures and faithfully present the original design of "Kshatriya" in the anime. It would not tilt, loosen and with the details of ministries.

"Kshatriya", as a whole, gives me a very real and firm sense. The joint structure would not lose, even though I made great degree of joint movements. A remarkable momentum when placing on the stage. You can imagine how it fight with "Unicorn Gundam" in the Anime. My comment to this model is "Great" and valuable to collect.

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