1/100 Master Grade Wing Gundam EW

 





With Bandai mainly focusing on the Wing Gundam series Master Grade releases this year, the Master Grade Wing Gundam Endless Waltz Version was released in March of 2011.  This came out around the same time as the Master Grade Shenlong Gundam EW.  For Bandai to release two Master Grade kits so close to each other is very unusual, but since the Wing Gundam EW reuses the same mold as the Wing Gundam ver.Ka that was released in 2004, it's not so surprising anymore.



Contents of the box includes:
-Foil sticker sheet
-Sticker decals and dry transfer decals
-Polycaps
-13 Runners (A, B, C1, C2, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, SB4)

Like all Wing kits, although this model is 1/100 scale, its size is slightly smaller than normal Master Grades.

Weapons and accessories included are:
-Beam saber (2 beam effect parts but 1 handle)
-Buster Rifle
-Beam rifle
-Shield
-Ammo rack/pack x2
-Sitting pilot and standing pilot (Heero Yuy)
-Crotch connector for MS mode and Flight mode




Since this is a re-hash of the older Wing Gundam ver.Ka, the Wing Gundam does not have a full inner frame like the other EW kits released.  The inner frame is mainly missing in the arms area.  It uses the exact same runners as the ver.Ka with a slight color change and with the addition of two new parts on the E runner.  The EW version utilizes the same red, but the blue is now a lighter more pastel version, the yellow no longer has the orange tint, the white is more bright and less tan, and the gray no long has a yellow tint to it.  There are less decals available than the ver.Ka, which normally has an excessive number of decal designs to fit Katoki's style.  And the additional 2 parts on the E plate is mainly the connector for the Mobile Suit mode and the Flight mode for the Action Base 1.

In terms of articulation, since this kit utilizes a design that was created 7 years ago, it is ofcourse not as good as the recent EW releases.  The finger till utilizes the 3 solid fingers part, not individualized.  The head's mobility is mainly effected by the two chest vulcans on each side of the face, but unless you are trying to do a 360 turn of it, it should not matter.  Stability is good as I have not noticed any loose parts and it keeps its pose well.  There were no issues with the transformation either and it provides a very simple, yet stable transformation from Mobile Suit mode to Flight mode.  Wing Gundam's transformation is a lot less complicated than the Master Grade Zeta (2.0) and Rezel, but its simplicity does not compromise its stability though.  The directions provided in the manual is very clear and with the tightness of the joints, the transformation stays in place without any drooping parts.

With those huge wings, one would think the kit would experience back-heavy issues.  Surprisingly, the kit stands well even with the wings on, mainly due to the closeness to the kit's body.  But if you were to extend the wings perpendicular to the standing suit, it will most certainly have issues holding its pose.  Another improvement that could be made is how the hand holds the Buster Rifle.  The Buster Rifle is long and causes some weight issues with the hand being extended while holding it.  With proper balancing and using the kit's thumb to miminize empty space in the palm of the hand, it is not a deal breaker.




Overall, if you have not picked up the Wing Gundam ver.Ka yet, I would recommend this kit over the ver.Ka due to the added connectors and awesome artwork on the box.  But if you do not plan the paint the kit and prefer the color scheme of the ver.Ka over the EW version and is a big fan of a lot of decals, both kits are great.  For a kit designed in 2004, one would expect seam lines being more visible compared to today's standards for Master Grades, but they are not too obvious for the most part.  Even for those who do not plan to paint the kit, providing the kit with a top flat coat would make the nubs and fusion lines in the plastic be less apparent.  This is one great looking kit and would make a great addition to your collection no matter if you are a Wing fan or not.

You can visit:
Bandai Master Grade MG 1/100 Wing Gundam EW ver.