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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