[Kit Insight] Magic Toys MG 1/100 RX-121 TR-1 [Hazel Custom] (Straight Build)

The Hazel is an intriguing mobile suit: it is huge, bulky and seemingly packed with experimental weaponry and technology. Although a HGUC version of this popular suit (and its Titans Test Team brethren) exist, fans have been calling for more Advance of Z suits, specifically more kits bearing the flag of the Titans. Third party manufacturer Magic Toys has done just that.

For a non-Bandai kit, this offering from a third party brand is quite inspiring. The level of detail imbued into the kit coupled with a relatively smooth building process is a godsend to builders looking to build alternative kits. Fitment is excellent, with little to no issue, although some parts require a little elbow grease to snap shut. Parts-wise, the Hazel comes with many, many parts, especially for the beautiful inner frame. The feet also feature working pistons!

However, articulation is where the kit suffers a little, as the bulky design doesn't permit outlandish and hyper-dynamic poses. Nevertheless, the frame and armor pieces still manage to give you decent room to work with, but the bicep armor's strength and assembly leave quite a bit to be desired. 

Overall, the Hazel Custom is a fun kit, although the assembly itself is more thrilling than the final product. That said, this kit gives you an insight into what some third party companies can offer with the limited resources at their disposal. Imagine what they can accomplish with the deep pockets and backing of a global conglomerate.

[Kit Insight] Bandai HGUC 1/144 RX-78-3 Gundam G3 Full Spec. [Revive Ver.] (Light Build)

When improving a current model, don't stop at changing the colour scheme.

Add more weapons!

[Kit Insight] HGIBO 1/144 STH-05A Hyakuren (Teiwaz Mass Production Ver.) (Painted Build)

The Hyakuren is a unique design, blending samurai armor references with futuristic features. Despite its ostensible bulk, it still manages to achieve amazing dexterity in combat, although it is confined to space operation due to its alternative proportions.

This variant of the Hyakuren is the full mass production version manufactured (and likely sold) by Teiwaz once the Hyakuren production lines are up and running. This Hyakuren also incorporates the combat data gleaned from both Amida's and Azee's prototype units, to give Teiwaz pilots an edge over the many adversaries along the back lanes and shortcuts of the Ariadne Route to Earth.

[Gallery] Bandai SD Ex-Standard RX-78-02[EOD] Gundam (Explosive Ordnance Disposal Type) (Painted Build)

I went through masking hell to get the colours on, turned out alright in the end!

The olive drab makes it look like it has thick, heavyset armor for bomb removal duty!

[Kit Insight] Bandai Tamashii Nations NX Edge Style Gundam Astray Red Frame with HG 1/144 Flight Unit

A semi-SD proportioned version of the Gundam Astray Red Frame, the NX Edge Style variant is immensely fun and playable, and has a solid plastic feel to it as compared to the rubbery touch of the NX Edge Style Strike Freedom Gundam.

The paint job on the main body is decent, but the katana is very well done, making it seem like it comes from a Figma or another toy set. 

A bonus gimmick: the Flight Unit of the HG Astray Red Frame fits very well onto the NX Edge Style version without any modifications!

[Gallery] Bandai MG 1/100 Gundam Astray Red Frame (Art of Gundam Ver.) with EffectWings MG 1/100 Flight Pack (Light Builds)

It's a plated Astray with clear armor parts, what more is to be said?

Oh wait, adding on the Flight Pack ups the badass factor considerably!

[Kit Insight] Bandai Star Wars 1/12 First Order Stormtrooper (The Force Awakens) (Light Build)

Not gonna lie, this version of the Stormtrooper is much more badass than its Galactic Empire counterpart: a revised "black tears" helmet design, more tactical use of equipment pouches on the armor as well as a slew of awesome weapons, like that kickass stun baton!

The kit itself is rather plain, with the white parts have a super glossy, almost shiny finish that reminds you of Stormtroopers from the first trilogy. The rest of the kit features a single tone of black, which although is the secondary colour for a Stormtrooper, still leaves much to be desired. The new blaster too, is all black, so some dexterous hand painting is needed.

Overall, it's a very fun build and a fun kit to play with, especially with that stun baton!

[Custom] Bandai RG 1/144 RGX-79-2 GM Test Unit Type 2 (Painted Build)

Model Number: RGX-79-2 ‘GM’ Test Unit Type 2

Designation: EFSF Prototype General Purpose Use Mass Produced Mobile Suit

A high performance test unit that yielded valuable data!