[Kit Insight] Bandai Entry Grade 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam - Straight Build

Model Number: RX-78-2
Designation: EFSF Prototype Close Combat Mobile Suit

The Entry Grade label does not do this masterpiece justice!I've heard only good things about this bad boy since the day it dropped in Japan, with many gushing about its intense part and colour separation, build quality and delicious articulation for a very attractive price.

The Entry Grade (EG) 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam comes in a fairly sizeable box for its price point, with the size of the box in between a regular HG 1/144 model kit and a HG 1/144 scale accessory set. No stickers accompany the four runners and manual, a testament to the insane separation present in the model kit. The EG also assembles in a manner reminiscent of the Fine Build system found in grunt model kits such as the HGAC 1/144 Leo and HGCE 1/144 Windam and 30 Minutes Mission EXAMACs.

The latest variant of the 1/144 Gundam is nothing short of a masterclass in modern Gunpla engineering and a fitting reminder of why Bandai is the reigning leader of the model kit market it created.

Taking slightly less than an hour to fully assemble (it can be done quicker but I was having way too much fun with the Siren Ultimate Precision File by @dspiae), the end result from just 4 runners is a sight to behold. Bandai has crammed many 1/144 scale Gunpla engineering gimmicks and features into this entry-level model kit, with the EG sharing design features from the HG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam [Beyond Global] (such as the "slipper feet") to give it its own distinctive, signature visage.

Indeed, when placed beside its contemporaries and older versions of the RX-78-2, the EG is still able to exude its own unmistakable look and not be confused with its older, lesser-engineered predecessors.

With Robot Damashii Ver. ANIME

With SCM EX

With HG 1/144 Revive

With Gundam Universe

With HG 1/144 Beyond Global

With HG 1/144 G40

Eschewing the near-static mobility of its same-grade counterparts, the Entry Grade 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam is an absolute posing beast. Although it makes use of C-clip joinery such as those found in Fine Build model kits, the relative simplicity works to its advantage, allowing the EG to strike highly dynamic poses unassisted. The joints are also nice and tight without the need for external modification, working together with the wide range of articulation to pull off some truly spectacular poses for such a simple model.

Although the Bandai Entry Grade 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam doesn't come with any beam effect parts for its beam sabers, any existing beams from HGUC 1/144 model kits will work. The wide range of motion afforded by the clever joinery allows the EG to easily pull off some extreme melee poses that some higher-grade model kits can only dream of.

The Entry Grade 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam is a great introductory kit for anyone looking to get into Gunpla, and will also make cool gifts for non-fan friends!

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