Entry Grade RX-78 Review

Welcome, Gundam enthusiasts and model kit builders! Today, we bring you an in-depth Entry Grade RX-78 review that covers everything you need to know about this iconic and budget-friendly GunPla. As the granddaddy of all Gundams, the RX-78-2 holds a special place in the hearts of Gundam fans worldwide. In this comprehensive review, we’ll discuss its design, articulation, and overall value for money. So, let’s dive right in and explore the world of Gundam with Bandai’s Entry Grade RX-78!

The Legend of the RX-78-2 Gundam: A Trip Down Memory Lane

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of our Gunpla review, let’s take a moment to appreciate the legendary RX-78-2 Gundam. As the original Mobile Suit that kickstarted the Gundam universe, the RX-78-2 is an icon in every sense of the word. With 40 years of real history under its belt, this remarkable robot has cemented its place as the face of the Gundam franchise.

In the Gundam universe, the RX-78-2 was developed to counter the devastating mobile suits deployed by Zeon during the One Year War. Among the three Earth Federation prototypes, the RX-78-2 Gundam was the most successful, earning its well-deserved nickname as the First Gundam or Granddaddy.

Bandai’s Entry Grade RX-78: The Model Kit That Strikes a Balance Between Simplicity and Detail

Despite being an Entry Grade kit, Bandai’s RX-78 model kit is no slouch when it comes to quality and design. While it might be a minimal kit with no stickers or water slides, the smart reduction of parts count and faithful color accuracy make it an impressive model kit in its own right.

For instance, the yellow around the neck and inside the chest vents is a single large part that clips into the blue torso armor, creating a visually striking contrast. Similarly, the red piece that forms the basis of the hip joint and the yellow of the rear skirting armor contribute to the kit’s internal structure, resulting in a cohesive and robust design.

Though the surface detailing is relatively sparse, the Entry Grade RX-78’s color inaccuracies are minimal. The only areas where you might notice discrepancies are the rifle scope, the rear-facing head camera, and the head vulcans. Nonetheless, these minor issues do not detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of the kit.

Main Features Comparison Table for Entry Grade RX-78:

Feature	Details
Scale	1/144
Brand	Bandai Hobby
Age Range (Description)	Adult
Color	RX-78-2 Gundam
Theme	Military
Item Dimensions (LxWxH)	1 x 3 x 4.72 inches
Material	Plastic
Included Components	Comes with beam rifle, shield
Item Weight	1 gram
Number of Pieces	1
Style	Box
Model Name	1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam “Mobile Suit Gundam”, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade
Product Dimensions	1 x 3 x 4.72 inches
ASIN	B089RY41V6
Item Model Number	MK61064
Manufacturer Recommended Age	15 years and up
Batteries	1 A batteries required (not necessary, likely an error in the listing)
Customer Reviews	4.7 out of 5 stars (3,106 ratings)

Please note that the information provided in the table is based on the product listings found on Amazon.com and may be subject to change.

Flexibility and Articulation: The Entry Grade RX-78’s Impressive Range of Motion

One of the standout features of the Entry Grade RX-78 is its exceptional articulation. The ankle joints, in particular, have a lot going on, offering a good up-and-down and side-to-side range of motion. Additionally, the double-jointed knees and the remarkable torso articulation rival even some of the high-end Gundam kits available in the market.

The shield mounting is another area where the Entry Grade RX-78 shines. The secure mounting mechanism ensures the shield stays firmly in place, and you can also mount the shield on the backpack for added versatility.

Tips for Building Your Entry Grade RX-78

If you’ve decided to take the plunge and add the Entry Grade RX-78 to your Gundam collection, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your building experience:

1. Patience is key: Though the Entry Grade RX-78 is designed for easy assembly, take your time and carefully follow the instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
2. Invest in a good pair of nippers: A high-quality pair of nippers will make the process of removing parts from the sprues much smoother and more enjoyable.
3. Clean up the nub marks: After cutting the parts from the sprues, use a hobby knife or sandpaper to remove any remaining nub marks for a cleaner, more professional-looking finish.
4. Panel lining for added depth: To enhance the details on your Entry Grade RX-78, consider using panel lining techniques with a fine-tip Gundam marker or panel line wash.
5. Topcoat for protection: Once you’ve completed your build and added any desired panel lining, apply a topcoat to protect your work and give your model kit a more polished appearance.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to building a stunning Entry Grade RX-78 that you can proudly display alongside the rest of your Gundam collection.

For the Entry Grade RX-78, you can consider purchasing the following accessories to enhance your building experience and display:

1. Action Base: To display your Entry Grade RX-78 in dynamic poses, you can purchase an action base such as the Action Base 2 or Action Base 5, specifically designed for Gunpla models.
2. Modeling tools: Although not required for building Entry Grade kits, having a basic set of modeling tools like nippers, tweezers, and a hobby knife can make the building process smoother and help remove any excess plastic.
3. Panel lining markers: Panel lining markers or washes can be used to accentuate the details of your Entry Grade RX-78 model by filling in panel lines and adding depth to the design.
4. Topcoat: To protect the plastic and give your Entry Grade RX-78 a more finished look, you can apply a topcoat. Choose between a matte, semi-gloss, or gloss finish, depending on your preference.
5. Paints and brushes: If you want to customize your Entry Grade RX-78 by adding more color details or modifying the color scheme, you can use acrylic or enamel model paints and a set of fine-tipped brushes.
6. Decals and stickers: While the Entry Grade RX-78 doesn’t require stickers for tiny details, you can still purchase additional decals or stickers to add more detail or personalize your model.

Please note that these accessories are not specific to Entry Grade RX-78 and can be used for other Gunpla models as well. Be sure to check the compatibility of the action bases and any additional parts with your specific model before purchasing.

Comparing the Entry Grade RX-78 to Other Gundam Kits

For those of you wondering how the Entry Grade RX-78 stacks up against other Gundam kits, let’s take a brief look at some comparisons:

• High Grade (HG): High Grade kits offer more details and color separation than Entry Grade kits, but they can be more complex and time-consuming to build. The Entry Grade RX-78 is an excellent choice for beginners or those looking for a quicker build without sacrificing too much detail.
• Real Grade (RG): Real Grade kits are highly detailed and come with intricate inner frames, making them more challenging to build than Entry Grade kits. If you’re looking for a step up in complexity and detail from the Entry Grade RX-78, a Real Grade kit might be the right choice for you.
• Master Grade (MG): Master Grade kits are larger and more detailed than Entry Grade kits, with a greater emphasis on inner frames and mechanical detail. However, they can be considerably more expensive and time-consuming to build. The Entry Grade RX-78 is a more budget-friendly option that still provides a satisfying building experience.

Overall, the Entry Grade RX-78 is an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned builders alike, offering a fantastic balance between ease of assembly, detail, and affordability.

My Experience and The Final Verdict

As soon as I saw the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, I knew I had to have it. I’ve been a fan of Gundam for as long as I can remember, and the chance to build my own model was too good to pass up.

When the package arrived, I eagerly tore it open to reveal the box. I was surprised at how small it was, but as I started to open it up, I realized that it was the perfect size for a beginner like me. The kit came with only 74 parts, and I was relieved to see that it was a snap-fit model that didn’t require any glue or tools.

The plastic was color-molded, so I didn’t need to paint it, and the parts snapped together easily. I didn’t even need the instructions because it was so intuitive. The Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam is perfect for those who are new to the world of GunPla.

As I snapped each part into place, I was amazed at how quickly the Gundam started to take shape. It was so satisfying to see the different pieces come together to form a miniature version of my favorite mobile suit. I was pleased to find that the kit also came with a beam rifle and a shield.

One thing that surprised me was the fact that the kit didn’t require any stickers for tiny details. Instead, everything was already molded into the plastic. This made the kit even more beginner-friendly, as I didn’t have to worry about fiddling with tiny stickers.

As I finished the kit, I was amazed at how good it looked. The Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam was a perfect introduction to the world of GunPla, and I felt proud to have built it. It was a small but significant accomplishment for me, and it left me eager to tackle more challenging kits in the future.

Overall, I highly recommend the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade to anyone who’s interested in building GunPla. It’s an excellent kit for beginners, and it’s so satisfying to see the Gundam take shape right in front of your eyes.

Entry Grade RX-78 Review: Pros and Cons Table

Conclusion

We hope that our comprehensive Entry Grade RX-78 review has provided you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about adding this model kit to your collection. With its impressive articulation, clever design, and iconic status, the Entry Grade RX-78 is a great addition to any Gundam fan’s collection and offers tremendous value for its price point.

FAQs

What is the Entry Grade RX-78-2?

The Entry Grade RX-78-2 is a budget-friendly Gundam model kit by Bandai that features the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam, also known as the First Gundam or Granddaddy. It is designed for beginners and seasoned builders alike, offering a balance between ease of assembly, detail, and affordability.

How does the Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam (Full Weapon Set) differ from the standard version?

The Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam (Full Weapon Set) includes additional weapons and accessories compared to the standard version, such as an alternate shield, beam rifle, and beam sabers. This version allows for more display options and customization, but it may be slightly more expensive than the standard version.

What makes the Entry Grade RX-78 different from other Gundam kits like High Grade, Real Grade, or Master Grade?

Entry Grade kits, like the RX-78, are designed for ease of assembly and affordability. They have fewer parts and simpler construction compared to High Grade, Real Grade, or Master Grade kits, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick and satisfying build.

Is there an Entry Grade RX-78-2 US Gundam American Type available?

Yes, the Entry Grade RX-78-2 US Gundam American Type is a variant of the standard RX-78-2 that features a unique color scheme and markings inspired by the United States flag. It offers the same ease of assembly and affordability as the standard version, with a distinct American flair.

Can I find the Entry Grade RX-78-2 at Target or other retailers?

The Entry Grade RX-78-2 may be available at Target or other retailers, depending on their inventory and availability. It is also commonly found at online retailers, hobby stores, or specialty shops that sell Gundam model kits.

What is the general consensus on the Entry Grade RX-78-2 from the Reddit community?

The Entry Grade RX-78-2 is generally well-received by the Reddit Gunpla community, with many users praising its ease of assembly, affordability, and impressive articulation. It is often recommended as an excellent starting point for newcomers to Gunpla or as a satisfying build for experienced modelers.

What do I need to know about the Bandai Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam before buying?

The Bandai Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam is an affordable and beginner-friendly model kit that offers a balance between simplicity and detail. It features impressive articulation, clever design choices, and minimal color inaccuracies. It’s an excellent choice for those new to Gunpla or seasoned builders looking for a classic Gundam to add to their collection.