It's been 45 years since the broadcast
premiere of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM.
In that time, the "RX-78-2 Gundam" mobile suit created by the mechanics of the Universal Century has passed through the filter of our reality to appear as the ultimate in hi-spec GUNPLA.
Longing for and pursuit of the "Real"
"RG 1/144 RX-78-2 GUNDAM" released in July, 2010 was developed as a compressed 1/144 model of the "real" 1/1 scale Gundam that stood, at the time, in Odaiba.
Now, 14 years later,
the creators will apply the history, technical expertise and unchanging feelings toward Gundam built up over years.
Their efforts will culminate once again in an ultra-realistic recreation of the Gundam form from a perspective that is only possible today.
The fun and excitement of assembling Mobile Suits to all the fans who love Gundam.
Witness the new "masterpiece" of the future, born from the thorough pursuit of authenticity and modeling skill.
Three Key Points that have Changed with the Advancement of Technology
POINT.01INNER FRAME
The inner frame is designed to reflect
a semi-monocoque structure that enables users to experience real mobile suit construction.
POINT.02ARMOR &
MECHANIC DESIGN
The cutting edge hi-spec mechanical design condenses the reality of the 1/1 mobile suit into 1/144 scale.
POINT.01INNER FRAME
a semi-monocoque structure
that enables users to experience real mobile suit construction.
1/144 RX-78-2 GUNDAM Ver.2.0
A newly designed interior frame that reflects the structure of a real mobile suit
The full-body interior frame is based on the semi-monocoque structure used in the original conceptual design of the Mobile Suit. This structure, which unites with the exterior, was intended to provide the durability needed by Mobile Suits during the One Year War. The evocative detail of the beam materials (frame) and internal instruments is markedly more substantial than that of traditional 1/144 GUNPLA.
What is a monocoque/semi-monocoque structure?
A monocoque structure is one in which an object is surrounded by an external "skin" that supports both its shape and durability. It is often compared to the shell of an egg. By contrast, a semi-monocoque structure is one in which the exterior acts as a supplement for more traditional reinforcement, such as beams or frames. The advantage of using this composition for Mobile Suits is that the cockpit environment can be fully utilized as a space to equip and store various devices. It also allows for lighter weight than if a skeletal structure were to be used for the interior.
This is how it looks when the outer plating has been removed, leaving only the frame. There are details throughout the body reminiscent of the semi-monocoque structure in the setting. The interior frame incorporates a two-toned color scheme that is meant to more strongly convey the differences in various metal materials and the silhouettes of mechanical devices.
Sliding molding
Sliding molding not only ensures evolved precision when parts are engraved with details on every vector, but it also reduces the need for multiple parts during the assembly process. This improves ease of assembly and reduces work time.
Sliding molding
Ordinary plastic model kits are formed by injecting resin into the cavity of a two-part mold with three-dimensional etchings on top and bottom. During that process, neither top nor bottom can be shifted to allow for further details or holes, but sliding molding solves that problem by enabling one or more additional molds (in the form of slides) to be moved in and out of the cavity. Depending on their usage, these slides make it possible to create integrated cylindrical parts without any need for partitioning. This enables more detailed parts and shortens the eventual assembly process.
Each of these parts pursues its own meaning as an independent structure. Their role as the smallest compositional units of the mobile suit is emphasized, allowing for a deeper understanding of how individual pieces function. The result is an evocation of the Gundam's internal structure that is rich with visual information, clarifying how it is composed of various structural materials and devices.
A Design with Linked Articulation Structures Created to Reexamine the Gundam, a Close-Combat MS
When interpreting Mobile Suits as actual machines and weapons, their moving parts must be protected by armor at all times and require precise structures that enable the exterior armor parts to move in conjunction with the frame.
In order to rationally implement this structure, the legs incorporate joint structures with composite frames that create silhouettes similar to those seen in humans when they move. Furthermore, it is easy to assemble while having Industrial-like details and precision. The frame, designed with a bold and clever parts configuration, is more durable than conventional insert-mold frame and more stable during assembly and completion.
Traditional interior frame structures are designed to achieve a set appearance in an upright state when the exterior is installed. As such, they are not necessarily conceived with the idea of providing cover by exterior for fragile joints when they move. For this product, however, we have completely reevaluated the relationship between the exterior and the interior frame and incorporated a new design allows the exterior to follow the frame during movement, smoothly connecting the appearance lines.
Joint structure that marks a return to the original design
In conjunction with the reinterpretation of the unit's movement, we have assumed that the cylindrical parts of the exterior would have a field motor underneath and have adopted a joint structure that focuses movement on those areas. This ensures that the parts resembling joints will bend properly and marks a proper return to the original concept, where design and function were not isolated from one another.
Joints such as elbows and knees now focus their movement on the cylindrical parts, as was the case in the original design. This element has often been absent in past GUNPLA, in which the joint structure was re-interpreted to increase the range of mobility. This new joint structure, which focuses movement on the cylindrical parts, enables a return to tradition while still ensuring sufficient mobility.
No compromise on quality, even in places the eyes can't see! A mounting structure that integrates with the design
Details are etched onto every surface, even those that can't be seen from the outside such as joints or the backside of parts. Prominent mount holes have been removed for a fully integrated design that cuts no corners. The result is a new interior frame that maximizes the aesthetic beauty of the mobile suit.
Mount holes in the armor now have reshaped mounting pins that function simultaneously as design elements, enabling seamless integration with the overall design as Mobile Suit. Even areas that are hidden when the armor is attached have been given mechanized details that evoke the feeling of an actual machine.
POINT.02ARMOR & MECHANIC DESIGN
1/144 RX-78-2 GUNDAM Ver.2.0
An appearance designed to merge new interpretations with a return to tradition
In addition to these new details, we paid close attention to the angular edges and curved surfaces of each part that forms the main body. We also used two-toned multi-color molding for the white foundation of the body. The results convey more sculptural information (shading) than ever.
The exterior armor is sharply molded with prominent edges that evoke the outline of the original Gundam design in a highly three-dimensional way. The details on various parts of the surface are based on the white color, and the addition of gray details in a large surface composition creates a variety of contrasts. These are 1/144, 125mm plastic models that possess a sense of scale equal to the actual 18-meter machine.
The dense volume of visual information can even be found in the backpack. Meanwhile, the bell-shaped main thruster nozzle has been rendered with great precision and detail on both the inside and outside. It even includes the engine unit that serves as the core of the unit's mobility. You will be sure to enjoy this mechanical form that reinterprets the outer appearance of the original design.
The white foundation of the body, as well as the blue, red, and yellow tri-color scheme, have all been color-coded according to the original design.
The tiny indentations in the ducts and armor carry a glimpse of gray that evokes the existence of internal devices. This results in more visual information and an expressive sculptural quality that feels more like a complex machine than ever.
Panel lines that reflect mechanized reinforcement
The armor that syncs with the unit's movement is divided into functional blocks. The so-called panel lines are no longer just a design flourish and now evoke the actual partition lines. We have sought to create the silhouette by focusing on an outer appearance with lines that remain attractive, even during movement.
The panel lines serve not only as greater visual information and decoration, but their exterior partitioning reflects an integrated relationship with the internal structure. The partition lines express a compelling sense of authenticity.
The head's complex color scheme thoroughly recreates the color coding of the original design.
The head is designed with color coding via multi-color molding. Details have been added at every level, such as the twin eyes, main camera, magazine drums, and cheek ducts. You will now be able to recreate the complex color coding of the Gundam's head with a minimum amount of assembly steps.
The visor grants the eyes a rich range of expressions, depending on viewing angle, and will inspire images from your favorite scenes.
The main camera is reproduced with transparent parts and engraved with two layers of details which express the inner structures on its sides. The camera details will appear with great depth when viewing from the front.
The latest transformable Core Fighter with auxiliary joint mechanisms
The Core Fighter can transform from an aircraft to a core block. The Core Block is housed within the Gundam's A parts (upper body) and merges with the B parts. The unique RG Ver.2.0 design adds a movable axis to the core block that synchronizes with the forward and backward movements of the A Parts. This expresses the movement of the Gundam's upper body look more natural.
The Core Fighter can transform into a Core Block. While recreating the proportions of the Core Fighter's aircraft form, a newly developed auxiliary joint gimmick is built into the compact Core Block. This contributes to the realization of greater freedom in the Gundam's posing.
As an RG original gimmick, the chest armor covering the cockpit includes a mechanism that opens and closes by moving up and down.
POINT.03ACTION & WEAPONS
GALLERY
RX-78-2 GUNDAM Ver.2.0
*The target age of this product is over 15 years old.
*Please note that specifications, prices and contents of the products are subject to change.