RG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver 2.0 Development record by Hobby Japan

Hobby Japan Magazine recently did a test on the coming soon RG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver 2.0 physical sample and update with movable introduction (shape and joint mechanism). 

Full article read here.

The left is a runner with Ver. 2.0, and on the right is a runner with Ver.1.0 (name for convenience). Ver.2.0 consists of 9 runners, and Ver.1.0 consists of 10 runners. As a topic, it is called "advanced MS joint" by multi-insert molding that has been adopted in the RG series so far, and "double punching" used when molding symmetrical parts such as arms and legs. It can be said that there is no process to be found (the runners are stamped with E1, E2, etc.). This makes it easier to understand the parts placement of runners and makes it easier to assemble.

This is a clear part for the main camera at the top of the head. A mold is molded on the side, and when viewed from the front, a mechanical detail with depth emerges.

Mecha molds are finely engraved to the back side of the exterior that becomes invisible when completed, but the amazing design that they all have meaning according to the structure of the front side

Realistic decal of Ver.2.0 on the left, Realistic decal of Ver.1.0 on the right. Line decals were used a lot in Ver.1.0, but in Ver.2.0, many cautions (notes) are included. You can see that the main camera and twin eyes are available with flat and mold.

A form with thick bones and a sense of stability. Only the white exterior is composed of two tones of white and light gray, so that the surface does not become monotonous. The connection pin to fix the exterior to the internal frame functions as a mecha mold that exposes as it is, increasing the information density.

The head where precision modeling shines, such as Vulcan cannons, twin-eye color coding, and duct omissions on the side of the head. By treating the duct of the mask as a deep dent mold, the shape can be recognized by the shadow of light. A type of chest duct with a frame is also rare in the 1/144 scale RX-78-2 Gundam.

The cockpit hatch adopts a method of opening and closing up and down according to the movable structure of the fuselage described later.

The thin gray parts in the center of the school bag are attachments for shield mounts. If you open the mold below it downward, the joint hole for the action base will be exposed. You can check the internal structure by removing the cover, but you can also see the meaningful internal structure here, such as the gear-like mold at the base of the main thruster.

The neck is made possible to look up with two axes at the top and bottom and the ball joint at the base.

The shoulder armor is independent of the arm, and the base and the front and rear armor are movable. This makes it possible to maintain the shoulder position even if you swing your arms greatly, and the silhouette does not collapse during action.

The shoulder frame can swing largely in the front, back and back and up. In addition, the base of the shoulder armor has an up-and-down sliding mechanism, and you can also stand your arms vertically.

The torso can be moved forward, but if you pull it hard, the A block will come out. Taking that into account, the locking mechanism is installed on the back. By extending a part of the frame when moving, it is possible to bend forward while maintaining the locking mechanism.

The movable mechanism provided in the core block enables the aforementioned forward bending movement. This mechanism realizes natural mobility that is not available in conventional items. I would like you to check the mobility of the lower part of the cockpit hatch mentioned above as well.

The hiji joint is designed to link the internal structure and design, and the round mold part with a built-in field motor is designed to function as a joint. Added a movement that bends to the shape of the lower forearm. This slight movement has a big impact on the posing.

In addition to the slide at the base of the legs, the waist frame includes a moving mechanism of the front and rear two axes. This movement maintains the silhouette around the waist when bending forward. The frame top surface where the side armor is connected can swing left and right, and the side armor connection itself can also swing back and forth.

The thick peach exterior and knee armor slide in part according to the movement of the legs. It suppresses the exposure of the frame as much as possible and maintains a human-like silhouette. Also, by opening the calf cover, you can firmly ground the sole of the shoe when you put your legs forward.

The sole of the shoe has a three-part structure, and the toe part is firmly grounded even when the waist is dropped. The left and right swing mechanism of the ankle can open the legs wide while the shoe is grounded by opening and closing the calf cover mentioned above.

The scene of penetrating the familiar cockpit of Zaku II in the first episode of "Mobile Suit Gundam" with a beam saber. It makes it possible to make difficult poses by opening your legs wide and grounding your shoes while holding the saber grip with both hands.

 The author will try to actually take action poses by making use of the movable mechanism he has explained so far. The motif was the 19th episode of "Mobile Suit Gundam", where he bends down Gufu's blow and cuts his arms with a beam saber while getting up. From the tip of the head to the toe, the natural pose is taken without difficulty. If you look at it from the back, you can check the movement of the legs well.

RG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver 2.0