Promotion video for RG 1/144 MS-06F Zaku II

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1/144 Real Grade Aile Strike Review

The 1/144 scale Real Grade Aile Strike, the main suit in the majority of Gundam Seed, is the third of the recently introduced Real Grade line and was released in April of 2011.  This time around, Bandai went with a new Advanced MS Joints inner frame that is different from the RX-78 and Char's Zaku.  The previous inner frame, though highly articulated, lacked sturdiness where the joints move.  A lot of modelers came across with joints snapping or stress marks showing through where the joints were sliding.  The Advanced MS Joints inner frame for the Aile Strike saw improvements in that there seems to be more reinforcements, spreading the stress among multiple connection points.

Contents of the box includes:
-(Foil and clear) sticker sheet
-Polycaps
-8 Runners (A, B, C, D1, D2, E, F, G)

In terms of color separation, with the inner frame aside, this kit comes with white, light gray, dark gray, black, red, dark red, blue, yellow, and some clear pieces for the forehead camera, eyes and scope on the rifle.

Additional weapons and accessories includes:
-2 beam saber, 4 handles (2 with pegs, 2 without)
-2 daggers
-Beam rifle
-Aile pack
-Shield
-Closed fists x2, articulated hands x2
-Standing pilot (Kira Yamato)
-Crotch connector to Action Base 2

Prior to the final release of the RG Aile Strike, Bandai had revealed 3 secrets about this kit.  Secret 1 boasted a new shoulder joint which allowed for wider movement of the shoulders and arm.  Secret 2 revealed increased articulation for the chest allowing more movement in the upper and lower torso areas.  Secret 3, as I have mentioned before, are newly reinforced arm and leg Advanced MS Joints inner frame.

Like its RG predecessors, the Aile Strike is composed of many small parts, which allows for impressive color separation and movement of many parts.  The articulation on this kit is unmatched in terms of any 1/144 scale Gundam models while utilizing the new "X100 Frame".  Majority of the articulation matches the RG RX-78 and Char's Zaku but some notables for the Aile Strike is articulation in the Aile Pack being one.  Each wing and thruster of the Aile pack are individually articulated and the Aile pack is highly detailed, especially after putting on the foil stickers.  As for the main suit, the wider articulation allowed by the shoulder joint provides more poseability, especially with the different variety of weapons.  Both the arms and legs presents sliding outer armors which reveals part of the inner armor, similar to the Perfect Grade (but lacking the some of the PG articulation).  And the last most notable improvement is the 3 point chest articulation at the upper and middle chest area, and the lower connection point to the waist.

Although this kit is impressive, it is not without faults.  Due to the excessive number of small parts, which allows for incredibly detailed and human-like articulation, the peg to peg connector points are also small and shallow.  This results in parts having the tendency to pop off from either the inner frame or the outer armor.  And with such small parts, it can be easily lost.  Some of the joints, especially in the foot and ankle area seems it will become loose in the long run through wear and tear, and the biggest issue is the Aile Pack being back heavy compared to the rest of the kit.  Personally, I could not get the kit to stand straight with the Aile Pack on and even with the Aile pack, the connection seems loose over time.  I believe the problem with loose parts could be solved by painting the kit or gluing some parts together.  And to solve the back heavy problem, I suggest putting the kit on an Action Base 2, using the connector included with the kit.

To wrap this review up, the steps Bandai is taking for this Real Grade line is applauded.  The improved Advanced MS Joint inner frame solved some of the stress/broken inner frame issues seen in the previous two RG releases.  The color separation and detail of the kit is still as amazing as ever, closing in on Master Grade quality, but lacks in stability of intact armor.  The kit allows for anime accurate dynamic posing with the help of an Action Base and I highly recommend this kit.  My only suggestion for tackling loose parts is by either painting the kit, top coating it, or gluing parts together.  Currently, the water slide decals for the RG Aile Strike has not been announced, but I expect it to be released some time this year.

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RG 1/144 Aile Strike Gundam