RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Version 2.0

This is the Real Grade 1/144 RX-78-2 Version 2.0. 🙂 This is the first Real Grade kit to get a 2.0 release, and hopefully won’t be the last. The RX-78-2 was the first kit in Bandai’s Real Grade line, so it’s fitting that it’s the first to get a 2.0 upgrade. The original version is a classic kit among Gunpla builders, but has its share of flaws. So, Bandai looked at those flaws and improved upon all of them. And the result is, in my mind, one of the best 1/144 scale RX-78-2 kits Bandai has ever made!

I have to say, every time I think Bandai has peaked with their model engineering, they surprise me. The biggest improvement with this kit over the original is the the engineering. Bandai completed reworked the inner frame, to the point that the kit uses no preassembled parts. The core fighter docking system has also been reworked so that the abdominal section can still bend forward and backwards while keeping the core fighter locked in place.

While I do think this is one of the best RX-78-2 kits in this scale, there are a couple of issues I have with this kit. First, you essentially have to disassemble the weapon holding hands to have it hold the beam rifle, bazooka, or shield. At least as far as I can tell. I may just be too afraid to pull the hands too hard. The other issue I have with this kit is the elbow and knee joints. While they work perfectly fine and fit securely, they clip into slots, which feels a bit cheap for a Real Grade kit. Admittedly, I am disappointed with Bandai for that decision. Once the kit is assembled, though, the elbow and knee joints are fine. Overall, despite the issues I found, I still think this is one of the best RX-78-2 kits in this scale, and definitely a fun build. 🙂