Hobby Kit Review

It's one of those kits an enthusiastic hobbyist must buy! It stands about 31 centimeters tall and comes with two beam sabers, beam rifle, shield, and a core fighter. There are about 620 pieces, which will provide about 14 hours of cutting and snapping. The Gundam is fully poseable and most of the hatches open, revealing the intricate detail of its inner workings. No painting is necessary, because most of the parts are molded in their proper colours. But I'm really fussy with this kit, so I have started to airbrush the parts to give it a 'finished' look. This kit comes with two manuals. The Construction Manual provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the kit, and the Instruction Manual is filled with technical information about this Gundam, and shows you where to put the decals. Yes, the decal sheet is very large with lots of wonderful decals. There are three packets of different size screws required to reinforce certain components, three strips of curvy metal, and an LED which is placed in the head. Though it carries a hefty price tag (12,000 yen), this kit is well designed and articulate.

Additional parts for the Perfect Grade Gundam. Although optional, they include transparent parts for the outer armour and a light-up beam sabre (includes a battery and an LED). This optional set is quite expensive, but if you really need the clear parts and the glowing beam sabre, then by all means buy it. I've had my reservations about this set...so guess what I waited for...

More additional parts for the Perfect Grade Gundam. Optional transparent parts for the outer armour, two bazookas, two bazooka shells, Hyper hammer, beam rifle, and a beam staff. With the combination of the two sets, the transparent parts can be used to replace all of the outer armour, so you can show off to your friends how intricate the Perfect Grade Gundam truly is. The extra set of decals (and there's just as many as in the Gundam kit) can be used in replacement of the original set of decals, but they cannot be combined together. Weapons are molded in their original colours so painting is not necessary. As soon as I heard about this kit, I had to buy it and that's what I did when I saw it on display!

I promised myself not to buy another PG kit, unfortunately for me my promises fell to the wayside when I saw the PG Zaku fully assembled at the Hobby Plus store, and well you know what happened then...

More pieces, moving parts, decals, and other wonderful 'stuff' that would put the MG Zaku to shame. However my only complaint about this kit is that there is no back mount for the future release of the 280mm bazooka! There are about 600 pieces, springs, four sets of different sizes of screws, wires, a decal sheet with lots of wonderful and intricate decals and an LED. A Construction Manual provides detailed step by step instructions to build the kit, and the Instruction Manual illustrates and describes the functions of the MS-06F Zaku II. Fully poseable, becuase of its intricate and complex skeletal construction, and best of all all the joints in the fingers actually move. The mono eye is lit up by two watch batteries, but this is only achieved by following the wiring instructions perfectly. Molded in colour so there's no need to paint this kit, but I will airbrush it anyway to give it a more finished look. At the price of 12,000 yen and with all of its detailed features, this is the best Zaku kit to buy.

I found that the custom sets for the Zaku came with more surprises than the custom sets for the Gundam. It comes with a mix of clear parts and weapons. Two clips are provided to mount the 280mm bazooka next to the backpack thrusters. All the weapons and accessories come in twos; two bazookas, two mounting clips, two grenades, two bazooka shells, and two mounting holders for the grenades. A majority of the clear parts, as you can see in the picture, are for the upper part of the Zaku and for the linkage hoses. Parts are moulded in the appropriate colours so painting is not necessary. However, airbrushing the parts would give them a more professional look.

This custom set is for both the MS-06F and the MS-06S Perfect Grade Zaku. More wonderful weapons and those clear parts, to display the true intricate details of the Perfect Grade kits. The special item in this set is the light up heat hawk, but the really special feature about it is that once assembled you can actually switch it on or off! A feature not available for the Gundam's beam sabre in the Perfect Grade Gundam Custom Set #1, which is why I never bothered to buy it. This kit includes two Sturmfausts, two poles to hold them, 6 missiles, two missile pods which hold 3 missiles each, the wonderful light up heat hawk, two holders for the missile pods, two holders for the Strumfausts, and an elaborate and large decal sheet. A real challenge would be to mount all the weapons on the Zaku, now that would look really great!

Seen in the tv series Moblie Sut Z Gundam, this is the limited release of the regular Master Grade version of this kit. Comes plated in those wonderful shiny colours, so no painting is necessary. It comes with an instruction manual, with pictures of the regular Z Gundam and decals (rub-on, transparent, and aluminum). Weapons include the beam rifle, mega beam rifle, two beam sabers, and a pack of grenades mounted on each of the forearms. It transforms from Moblie Suit mode to Wave Rider mode and back. Optional landing gears are included plus a figurine of the pilot Camille Vidan.

From the OVA Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, this Gundam is piloted by Kou Uraki and is seen in the first half of the series. This is a much improved version from the original version (1/144 scale) brought out in 1991. I'm impressed with the intricate detail and the work it took to build a kit like this. It comes with an elaborate manual with several colour photos in diaramma scenes and three sets of decals (aluminum, rub-on, and transparent). Other wonderful surprises are the transformable core fighter which fits into the body of the Gundam, removeable outer armour plates, double jointed elbow joints, energy packs for the beam rifle, and a collapsable beam shield. All parts are molded in the correct colours so painting is not necessary.

Seen in the first half of Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, and it is the most impressive Master Grade kit that I have assembled! At first I had no intention to buy because I had assumed that it would be as unimpressive as the 1/144 scale version, but when I saw the pictures then I immediately ordered it. This kit is big, and I mean big when placed next to a MG Zaku or the MG GP-01. Its sheer size and intmidating appearance makes this kit stand out among the other Gundam kits, and it comes with an elaborate manual with diaramma pictures and decals (aluminum, transparent, and rub-on). Features include a shield which houses the extention to the nuclear bazooka, two sets of the nuclear warhead, bazooka launcher which folds back and has a retractable scope, removeable armour plates, shoulder thrusters in which the inner thrusters move in conjunction with the outer thrusters, and an opening cockpit hatch.

More popular than the Gundam is the generic GM mobile suit, which is piloted by those generic pilots and get destroyed in every episode in the original Gundam tv series and in the OVA's (U.C. timeline only). This kit is a complete rework of the original design from the original Gundam tv series, and like the Master Grade Gundam, it has many impressive features that you would never find in the 'old' GM kit. It comes with the beam spray gun, beam rifle, 380mm bazooka, two beam sabres, and a shield. The backpack mounts can be modified to add a bazooka rack or mount one or two beam sabres. It also comes with a core module that can be detached from the torso and the hips, and decal sheets (aluminum, transparent, rub-on) are provided as well as an instruction manual with colour photos in various diaramma scenes. Fully poseable and is molded in colour, so painting is not necessary.

It's been a long time since Bandai has releaseed a non-Gundam kit from the OVA series Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, aired in 1991. Molded in duck egg blue and grey, with highlighting colours in red and yellow. A simple if not a very articulate kit to construct, but the overall apperance is bland. A 'visual' improvement, suggested from a visual article in the pages of Hobby Japan, February's edition, would be to paint it while and colouring the foot base, upper chest, shoulder armour (excluding the thruster extensions), and the visor guard purple. They suggested painting the internal mechanisms, and various light grey components with a shade of dark grey. But to provide a sharp contrast between the external and internal armour, I painted the light grey parts black. To add more realism, the outer rim of the thruster nozzles are painted silver. As well as the customary goodies that are provided with the kit such as decals (aluminum, transparent, rub-on) and an elaborate instruction manual with colour photos of various diaramma scenes, an additional bonus to the kit is the figurine of the pilot South Burning.

The ground based mobile suit seen in the tv series Mobile Suit Gundam. Its later versions are seen in the OVA episodes and in the latter tv series (U.C. timeline only).

Seen in the original Gundam TV series and OVA episodes (U.C. timeline only).

Seen in the original Gundam TV series, but this is the kit to get if you're a Zaku lover! Other than the standard 120mm machine gun and the heat hawk, it comes with a 280mm bazooka, 90mm machine gun with two sets of three pack ammo clips, two grenades, two missle launcher pods which hold three missiles each, and six missles for the launcher pods. Molded in the appropriate colours; light green, dark green, black and grey, so painting is not necessary. It comes with a detailed instruction booklet with photos of the completed kit in diaramma scenes, decals (rub-on, transparent, and optional markings), springs, and small rubber hoses. Designed to hold most of the weapons, which will give the Zaku an impressive look.

Exactly the same as the regular version of the MG Zaku II except that this kit is comprised of see-thru parts. For those who don't like to paint, then this Perfect Grade kit is for you, however don't be intimidated by the words under the MG logo, 'For Professional Use Only'.

Shown throught most of the tv series Shin Kidousenki Gundam Wing, this is the only Gundam that meets its fate twice and is left floating in space. However this kit won't leave you on a string, it is molded in colour, so snapping this kit together is a...piece of cake. There are gold plated parts as well as a green coloured rubber circle which can be placed to make the 'search eye' sparkle when light is flashed on it. It comes with a beam rifle, shield, one beam saber, an instruction manual with colour photos, and a foil decal sheet. This mobile suit can transform from its mobile suit mode to 'bird' mode and back. Much simpler to transform than the Z Gundam, and I personally like the Wing Gundam's overall design. Of course my favourite Gundam from this series is Gundam Heavy Arms.

Seen in the OVA series, Shin Kidousenki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. Although I had my reservations about a Gundam with wings, it turns out to be a very nice kit. This kit is very rare, becuase it was available for only four months, from December 1997 to March 1998, and there was a limited amount of them which increased the price of this kit, but not by much though. The parts, which are normally molded in white, are coated with a chrome silver finish. An elaborate instruction booklet, decals, and a figurine of the pilot Heero Yuy is included. Well designed, that is if you like mecha with wings, but I had to add lead weights inside the feet in order to prevent it from falling backwards from the weight of the wings. Unlike the other Wing Gundam models, this third incarnation does not transform, but the wings fold out in front which acts as a blast shield. It comes with a big beam rifle which splits into two individual rifles.

Seen in the OVA series, Shin Kidousenki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. This is the same as the special edition except that there are no chrome plated parts, and comes with all of the above accessories as listed above. The only difference is the price and the availablity of this kit. This kit is still being manufactured, so it shouldn't be that difficult to find it at a hobby store.

From the OVA series, Shin Kidousenki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. Anyone who likes a really mean-looking black Gundam will love this kit. But it looks like a mecha that Batman would use, I mean just look at those wings! Forget about the wings, most people I've talked to don't like the boot 'spikes'. The wing span opened is about 30 centimeters long, and the wings fold towards the front giving it the appearance of an ominous cloak. Adding lead weights inside the feet prevent it from falling backwards. Comes with an elaborate manual, decals, and a figurine of the pilot Duo Maxwell. The Deathsythe is armed with a beam sythe, but sadly it does not come with a buster shield which the other two previous versions have.

Shown in the OVA series, Shin Kidousenki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. This is a kit I've been waiting for since I saw the previews of the OVA in the Newtype magazine, and it was two long years! I was thrilled to open it up and find that it is full of detail in the weaponry and the intricate hatches which open up to reveal the missle bays. A favourite among anime and non-anime fans, and once you see it with your own eyes, you'll understand why it is so appealing. Beautifully molded in the proper colours which mean you don't have to paint it at all, but if you want to add more realism, then adding paint to certain areas would give it a spectacular finish. Since this is my favourite kit, I took a lot of care airbrushing the white and dark blue parts and added black lines to give it that 'finished' look. An elaborate manual, decals, and a figurine of the pilot Trowa Barton are included plus two twin gattling guns. Another bonus about this design is that the gattling guns can be mounted on the side-arm mounts located on each side of the back pack thrusters. Other than the absence of the 'hunting blade' located on the forearm of the Heavy Arms, this kit gets a 5 out of 5!

Shown in the OVA series, Shin Kidousenki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. An improved design over the orignal Gundam Sandrock in the the tv series. It is much slimmer looking and the satchel blades are much longer. This kit is well designed and looks very nice, and molded in very eye appealing colours; light purple, white, and dark blue. It includes an instruction manual, decals, and a figurine of the pilot Quatre Winner. Other than the two satchel blades, it should've come with the uzi and the beam shield that the original Sandrock is equipped with. For that desert nomadic effect, it comes with a pair of shoulder armour and a fabric cape for the front and back of the Gundam. This kit is well worth buying!

Shown most of the time in the OVA series, Shin Kidousenki Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. The third incarnation of the previous Gundam Sheng Long and Gundam Altron, it lacks the long range firepower that I took for granted in the other model kits. It has a slim toned down appearance, and the design of the dragon claws give it an agressive look. Molded in dark green, dark blue and white, some painting is necessary to make it appear as the picture on the box depicts it. A instruction manual, decals, and a figurine of Wufei Chang (the traitor boy) is included. The weapon it comes with is a twin beam trident, and there is no place to mount it except in its hand. Though with a little modification on the back pack, you could install a holder to mount the trident. Don't be suprised if you find spare parts remaining, a skid of parts of the Gundam Shen Long are included which include useful parts like the mount for the backpack and the beam staff (or whatever it's called).

Seen in Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, this is third moblie suit in the Tallgesse series, and fortunately it doesn't meet it's demise as the previous versions did. Molded in off-white, dark blue, yellow, and grey, but it is recommended to airbrush the off-white parts white to make look as appealing as the picture. There are parts to build the Tallgesse I and II, but the parts have to be painted to achieve the appearance of the I and II. An instruction booklet, set of decals and a figurine of Zechs Merquise is included. The weapons included are the mega beam cannon, two beam sabers, and the heat rod. The shield can be removed from the shoulder mount and held in the hand, and the heat rod can be removed from the shield and be replaced by the 'tip' of the heat rod. It comes in a very big box as compared to most of the sizes of regular High Grade boxes.

The enemy mecha seen in Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. Extra,extra, read all about it...this kit comes with extra accessories! I was in for a nice surprise when I saw the box for this kit, so save your money and buy the 1/100 scale instead of the 1/144 scale of this kit. It comes with the beam cannon, bazooka, a set of eight missles located on the shoulder mounts, and two (yes, that's right) twin gattling machine guns. Another bonus is that it comes with two figurines which are Mariemaia Krushenada and Relena Peacecraft (Zech's younger sister). Painting this kit is not necessary, but the weapons need to be painted to give to provide more realism to its appearance. A small decal sheet and an instruction manual is included. The reason that it comes with two twin gattling guns is that the skid is from the Gundam Heavy Arms kit. Bulky in appearance and loaded with lots of firepower, and with all those extra items this kit is highly recommended!

Seen in Endless Waltz, this kit comes with extra parts to create the Tallgeese I or II. An instruction booklet which has wonderful photos of the three mobile suits, plus a timeline of the events in Endless Waltz.

From the OVA Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, this kit is impressive for its scale, but it has no bonus items compared to the 1/100 scale kit.

The famous Gundam that could destroy a handful of MS's with one shot from the beam rifle. From the TV series Gundam Wing, it's probably the most popular model kit around. Molded in colour so no painting is necessary, but some parts need to be painted to give it a more realistic look. Comes with a beam rifle, a beam sword, shield, instruction manual, and a foil decal sheet.

Famous for sneaking up on its opponents and slicing them up, the Deathsythe piloted by Duo Maxwell is another favourite among fans of this TV series Gundam Wing. Equipped with a retracted sythe, an extended beam sythe, buster shield, an instruction booklet, and a sheet of foil decals.

Seen in the TV series Gundam Wing, this mecha was referred to as the 'walking fortress'. Although it's an impressive model kit, I do remember seeing a 1/100 scale of this kit, but when I decided to buy it, the kit was no longer available. So I bought the 1/144 scale instead. Hatches open in the chest and the shoulders, revealing the 'hidden' armaments, however the missile rack on the legs do not open. I spent a lot of time modifying my kit, and the most noteable part in the kit is the main gattling gun. It's originally too short and small, so it has to be rebuilt to give it an intimidating appearance. Comes with an instruction manual with colour photos, and a decal sheet.

Designed for desert warfare, this Gundam has the highest armor rating among the five Gundams from the TV series Gundam Wing. Piloted by Quatre Winner, this kit comes with two satchels, an uzi, and a shield.

A Gundam that combines close range combat with the destructive power of its 'dragon fang' deployed for long range combat. An all around fighting machine, it is piloted by the arrogant Wufei Chang. Molded in colour, however some painting is necessary to achieve that awesome appearance as illustrated on the cover of the box.

Powerfull, hideous, and destructive, are the words that reviewers have described the Wing Zero. Seen in the latter half of the tv series Gundam Wing. This mobile suit changes ownership so quickly, you wonder who really is supposed to pilot it. It comes with two beam rifles, two beam sabres, and a shield. A foil sticker sheet is provided, as well as an instruction manual with colour photos.

From the TV series Gundam Wing which was the first Mobile Suit to be constructed, became the prototype for Leo, and piloted by Zechs Merquize. Unfortunately it met it's demise in space by a handful of Taurus MS's. A nice design, however the beam cannon will not fit into the holder properly, which means that a hole must be drilled close to the back of the weapon. Equipped with two beam sabres and a shield, the kit also comes with a decal sheet.

The generic Moblie Suit, which is a scaled down version of the Tallgesse, used by OZ in the TV series Gundam Wing. A very simple kit to construct, and requires no paint. However there are three colour schemes provided in the instruction manual. It also comes with the standard 120 mm machine gun, and a set of decals. This kit is relatively more expensive than the other 1/144 scale kits, because most of the parts are made of solid plastic including the machine gun.

The most popular Virtualoid from the game Virtual On Cybertroopers. Molded in red and white, and comes with transparent green parts. Unfortunately, this is the only kit that has these transparent parts, and the later Virtual On kits do not include them. A instruction manual, which provides an overview of the game and the Virtualoid, is included as well as a decal sheet. If you're looking for a Virtual On kit to buy, I strongly recommend this one because of its overall appearance and its sturdy design. A 'Player 1' version of the VR-Temjin is also available.

This is my favourite Virtualoid from the game Virtual On Cybertroopers. Molded in bright purple and comes with a decal sheet. The instruction manual comes with specifications on the Virtualoid and a brief history of the storyline. The decals provided will give your kit an impressive look, but painting it is recommended to give it a realistic appearance. The only problem I had with this kit is that it has problems standing upright, and has a tendency to lean backwards. A 'Player 2' version of the VR-Viper II is also available. In case you're wondering what my second favourite Virtualoid is, it's VR-Fei-Yen (aka Sailor Moon VR).

The regular version of the heavily armoured Virtualoid from the game Virtual On Cybertroopers. It is molded in black and red, with the weapons and other components molded in white. Two decal sheets and an instruction manual, briefly describing the VR and it's history in the game are included. I was surprised to find that a CG illustrated manual, with detailed information on the Raiden, was included. Overall appearance of this kit is very impressive and painting is not necessary.

The heavily armoured Virtualoid from the game Virtual On Cybertroopers. It's molded in metallic black and gold and comes with a bonus character, which is the final boss, Z-Gradt. This kit comes with water-removeable decals, which adds to the awe of this powerful Virtualoid. However the manual does not come with a colour chart so if you want to add more realism to your kit, you will have to refer to the CG picture on the cover of the box.

Seen in the drama story, "One Man Rescue" Episode 2.42, and is published monthly in the Hobby Japan magazine starting from issue #9 of this year. This is a customized version of the original Raiden, as can be seen in the cover illustration, however the bazooka has been replaced with a twin beam cannon. But I was surprised to find that it does come with the bazooka! Other features are an instruction manual with CG images of the VR and the decals are water based. Painting is not necessary, but it is recommened to give the kit a clear coat after applying the decals to protect them from "accidentally" peeling or scratching off.