Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG WD-M01 Turn A Gundam (Revised)

Kit Details
Gundam: Turn A Gundam
Code: WD-M01
Series: Turn A Gundam
Pilot: Loran Cehack
Faction: Inglessia Militia, Ghingham Fleet, Diana Counter
Weapons: Beam Saber, Beam Rifle, Gundam Hammer
Release: August 2007
Box: A2
Runner: 12
Parts: 273
Price: 3800 yen

Build / Difficulty
(Score: +1)
Good: Unique but not complicated to build.  A very different build experience. 
Bad: Good news if you don't like decals.  Bad news if you don't like panel lining.  Several quite huge parts.
Difficulty: Medium
Panel Line: A lot.
Decals: Practically none.

Looks / Details
(Score: +1)
Good: The look is subjective and is definitely an acquired taste.
Bad: Most people hate this thing.

Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: a briefcase beam rifle, a huge shield, 2 beam sabers and Gundam hammer.  Also, a cow.




Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Good: Leg mechanics are one of its kind and awesome. Joints are very solid.  A balanced kit, no weight issue.
Bad: Doesn't articulate as well as newer kits.  Flappy parts are lose.  Neck and waist are also a bit loose.



Shelf presence
(Score: Neutral)
Good: Not your ordinary Gundam so it'll catch attentions.
Bad: A bit plain looking to be honest, probably due to lack of decals.




Bonus
(Score: +1)
Bonus 1: Moonlight butterfly add on effect parts




Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +5)
X Avoid
O Consider
X Shortlist
X Buy

Many people may not like the design but you can consider this if you're looking for a different build experience.  Then you'll realize it doesn't look that bad at all.  Although still a bit weird.




Variants
This kit is one of its own.  But there's another one.
1) Turn X.  The antagonist of the Turn A series.  And it's another super unique kit that is worth considering.

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 104

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver 3.0 (Revised)

Kit Details
Gundam: Gundam
Code: RX-78-2
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam
Pilot: Amuro Ray
Faction: Earth Federation
Weapons: Beam Saber, BAUVA*XBR-M-79-07G Beam Rifle, BLASH*XHB-L-03/N-STD Hyper Bazooka, RX-M-Sh-008/S-01025 Shield
Release: August 2013
Box: D1
Runner: 19
Parts: 432
Price: 4500 yen




Build / Difficulty
(Score: +2)
Good: Awesome build experience.  A joy to build.  Lots of color separation to work with.  Very detailed kit.
Bad: None I can think of.
Difficulty: Medium
Panel Line: Quite a lot of work.
Decals: A lot. stickers and dry transfers.

Looks / Details
(Score: +2)
Good: Up sized real grade with lots of color separation and very good details.  Stickers and panel lines brings out extra details. 

Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: a standard RX-78 shield, a slightly modified beam rifle, a hyper bazooka and 2 beam sabers.




Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Good: Top of the top in terms of articulation and pose-ability.  Really balanced kit. 
Bad: All the complications in looks leads to fragility.  Parts pops up a lot.  Arms and legs falls out quite a bit too.





Shelf presence
(Score: +1)
Good: The icon, easily recognizable by Gundam fans.
Bad: A bit inferior in size and the RG colors doesn't show too much from a distance.




Bonus
(Score: +1)
Bonus 1: Once you build one, you'll build more RX-78-2.




Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +8)
X Avoid
X Consider
O Shortlist
X Buy

RX-78-2 is a must have for Gundam fans.  Not necessary this one though.  The 3.0 is good to look at but rather flimsy.  Most people will recommend the Origin or the v2.0.




Variants
There are damn a lot of RX-78-2 variants that you can choose.  But here are my top 5 picks.
1) Gundam the Origin. Possibly the best RX-78-2 variant ever created.  More anime accurate and offers lots of gimmicks and effect parts as well.
2) Amazing Red Warrior.  Souped up BF variant with lots of custom weapons and gimmicks.  And it's red.
3) RX-78-2 ver 2.0.  The most solid RX-78-2 kit ever.
4) Shin Musha Gundam.  A RX-78-2 with samurai armor and weapons.  Looks absolutely bulky and badass.
5) Thunderbolt ver Ka.  If you like complicated kits, this one is for you.

And many more...

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 108

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam 2.0 (Revised)

Kit Details
Gundam: Freedom Gundam
Code: ZGMF-X10A
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Seed
Pilot: Kira Yamato
Faction: ZAFT, Orb Union
Weapons: M100 Balaena Plasma Beam Cannon, MA-M20 Lupus Beam Rifle, MA-M01 Lacerta Beam Sabers, MMI-M15 Xiphas Rail Gun
Release: April 2016
Box: D1
Runner: 18
Parts: 353
Price: 4500 yen




Build / Difficulty
(Score: Neutral)
Good: Quite a straight forward build.  You'll enjoy the new mechanics while building the kit.
Bad: Lack of challenge... maybe.  Very panel line heavy.
Difficulty: Easy
Panel Line: Heavy.
Decals: Adequate, not too many, stickers and dry transfers.

Looks / Details
(Score: +2)
Good: Stunning to look at.  Panel line has great effect.  Big wings.
Bad: Not much bright colors.

Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: a very well detailed laminated anti beam shield, a lupus beam rifle and 2 lacerta beam sabers. Also, waist mounted xiphas rail gun and shoulder mounted balaena plasma beam cannons.




Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +2)
Good: This is a poser's kit.  The inner frame is an engineering marvel.  Tight joints means it will hold to a pose really well.  Solid as rock.
Bad: Inner frame is fragile and prone to breaking.  Very back heavy so keep it on the action base.



Shelf presence
(Score: +1)
Good: Big wings means business.
Bad: Not so bright colors.



Bonus
(Score: +1)
Bonus 1: Beam effect parts and ver ka sticker kit



Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +7)
X Avoid
X Consider
X Shortlist
O Buy

One of the best MG kits.  Impressive to look at, very pose-able.  Buy it.



Variants
Two other variants of the Freedom to choose from.
1) Strike Freedom (2006) - the upgraded freedom.  But the puke gold turned down most of SF fans.
2) Freedom 1.0 (2004) - there's basically no reason to get this one anymore unless you're really not into panel lining and not willing to fork out extra cash for the new kit.

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 114

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG MSN-06S Sinanju Anime Version (Revised)

Kit Details
Gundam: Sinanju
Code: MSN-06S
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
Pilot: Full Frontal
Faction: Neo Zeon
Weapons: Beam Saber, Beam Rifle, Beam Axe, Rocket Bazooka
Release: March 2013
Box: D4
Runner: 23
Parts: 477
Price: 7500 yen




Build / Difficulty
(Score: +2)
Good: Very interesting and challenging build.  Massive kit for build enjoyment.
Bad: Might be a bit difficult for first time ZEON kit builders.
Difficulty: Hard
Panel Line: Average.
Decals: Not too many, optional stickers and water slides.

Looks / Details
(Score: +2)
Good: Fantastic looking red beast.  Very well detailed.
Bad: Not sure if there's any on this good looking kit.

Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: a bazooka, a beam rifle with grenade launcher, a huge shield, 2 beam saber and 2 beam axes.




Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Good: Lots of mobility despite a bulky kit.  Tight joints improves pose-ability.
Bad: Solid during build, a bit flimsy when put together.  And the big backpack makes it back heavy.  Weapons and shield are over-sized so can be a challenge to pose.
Ugly: Parts randomly falls off.  Waist connection is too weak for a huge kit like this.




Shelf presence
(Score: +2)
Good: Big red machine.  Shaquille O'Neal to other MG kits.  Details are amazing.
Bad: Can be a challenge to pose. 

Bonus
(Score: Neutral)
None

Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +8)
X Avoid
X Consider
O Shortlist
X Buy

Looks absolutely stunning, fun and challenging to build, really big in size and it's bright red.

Variants
Two other variants of the Sinanju to choose from.
1) Sinanju ver Ka (2008) - exactly same as this one but with lots more decals.
2) Sinanju Stein (2013) - a white gundam-ish looking Sinanju.

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 112

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG MS-06F Zaku II ver 2.0 (Revised)

Kit Details
Gundam: Zaku II F
Code: MS-06F
Series: Mobile Suit Gundam
Faction: Neo Zeon
Weapons: Zaku Machine Gun, Zaku Bazooka, Heat Hawk
Release: March 2008
Box: A2
Runner: 13
Parts: 300
Price: 3500 yen




Build / Difficulty
(Score: Neutral)
Good: Relatively easy and straightforward build.
Bad: The pipes are a nightmare and will kill your fingers.
Difficulty: Easy
Panel Line: Average.
Decals: Not too many, dry transfers and stickers.

Looks / Details
(Score: +1)
Good: Fantastic looking.  Simplistic design.
Bad: Almost too plain.




Accessories
(Score: Neutral)
You get: a quite plain looking machine gun, a bazooka and a heat hawk




Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Good: A bit fat but very pose-able.
Bad: Ankle feels weak making the feet not planted to the ground.  Waist joint is weak connecting the chest unit and the nuclear reactor is terribly lose.




Shelf presence
(Score: +1)
Good: Very recognizable Gundam icon.
Bad: Not really a tall kit so can get lost in sea of UC giants.

Bonus
(Score: +2)
Bonus 1: Comes in lots of variants and colors.




Bonus 2: Lots of modding possibilities



Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +5)
X Avoid
X Consider
O Shortlist
X Buy

Whether you're a ZEON fan or not, you should consider adding a Zaku or 2 to your collection.  And a very good base kit for modders.

Variants
There are too many variants for the Zaku.  Just listing out a few.
1) Zaku II 2.0 S Mats (2008) - white variant
2) Zaku II 2.0 J Ridden (2008) - red variant
3) Zaku Cannon (2008) - tan variant
4) Zaku II 2.0 J (2008) - different design + rockets
5) Zaku II Minelayer (2008) - with mine laying accessories
6) Zaku II 2.0 Black (2008) - you know it, black variant
7) Zaku II 2.0 Char (2007) - Char's pink
8) Gegloog 2.0 (2008) - plus other variants
9) Hi Zack (2004)
10) Rickdom (2003)
11) Gouf + variants (2000)
12) Marasai (2012)
13) Geara Dooga (2013)

And.... many more.

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 108

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG MSN-00100 Hyaku Shiki ver 2.0 (Revised)

Kit Details
Gundam: Hyaku Shiki
Code: MSN-00100
Series: Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
Pilot: Quattro Bajeena
Faction: Anti Earth Union Group
Weapons: Beam Saber, BR-M-87 Beam Rifle, AE/ZIM.C-BAZ-531300mm Clay Bazooka
Release: May 2015
Box: D0
Runner: 14
Parts: 342
Price: 6800 yen




Build / Difficulty
(Score: +1)
Good: A very detailed but quite easy build.  Gold parts are under-gated and awesome.
Bad: Gold parts are hard to manage.  Panel line mistake on the gold parts are deadly.  Really bad nub marks on the blue chest unit.
Difficulty: Easy
Panel Line: Average.
Decals: Not too many, dry transfers and stickers.

Looks / Details
(Score: +2)
Good: Gold!  The glorious gold!  And good looking red/silver on black for the exposed parts.
Bad: Non gold parts have bad nubs.  Stickers looked awful on gold.




Accessories
(Score: Neutral)
You get: a rather plain looking beam rifle, clay bazooka and 2 light sabers.





Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: +1)
Good: Kit has wide range of movement.
Bad: Most joints are tight.  But waist and shoulders are a bit too loose. A bit of top heavy.




Shelf presence
(Score: +2)
Good: Gold!


Bonus
(Score: Neutral)
Bonus 1: Ballute system... meh, not worth it.





Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +6)
X Avoid
O Consider
X Shortlist
X Buy

A superb looking kit but requires a lot of attention on the gold parts.  A really expensive kit and can seriously be considered if budget allows.

Variants
Get the 1.0 if you prefer the chrome gold finish.

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 103

Hobby Talk: Model Kit Review, MG XXXG-01Wfr Wing Gundam Fenice Rinascita (Revised)

Kit Details
Gundam: Wing Gundam Fenice Rinascita
Code: XXXG-01Wfr
Series: Gundam Build Fighters
Pilot: Ricardo Fellini
Weapons: Beam Mantle, Beam Saber, Buster Rifle, Handgun
Release: June 2015
Box: D1
Runner: 20
Parts: 462
Price: 4800 yen




Build / Difficulty
(Score: -1)
Good: Colors and effect parts.
Bad: Complicated build due to transformation.  Really bad nubs on green armor.
Difficulty: A bit difficult.
Panel Line: Average.
Decals: Little less, dry transfers and stickers.

Looks / Details
(Score: +1)
Good: Looks amazing.  Color scheme is great.  Wings are hefty and large.  Effect parts look great.
Bad: Nub marks are quite visible on the green armor.



Accessories
(Score: +1)
You get: a buster rifle, an uzi type handgun, a beam sword which can be combined into a super big beam cannon and a huge rinascita wing shield.  Also pink curtain effect part and an action base.





Articulation / Pose ability
(Score: -1)
Good: Kit itself has wide range of movement.
Bad: Pose-ability limited by effect parts, big weapons and shield.
Ugly: Parts likes to fall off.  Weak joints due to transformation and very back heavy.




Shelf presence
(Score: +1)
Good: Unique colors, way oversize weapons and shield, big wings, effect parts
Bad: Wing fans might be confused if they didn't watch Build Fighters.




Bonus
(Score: +2)
Bonus 1: A quite good looking transformation.





Summary and Rating
(Total Score: +2)
X Avoid
O Consider
X Shortlist
X Buy

A recycled kit from 2004 with all the troubles from the older kit.  Nub marks are horrible but it is really good looking kit.  Should consider this if you're a Build Fighters fan.


Variants
This kit is actually a derivative from the original Wing.
1) Wing 0 Custom (2004) - For the wings...
2) Wing Ver Ka (2004) - Katoki's version of Wing EW
3) Wing Gundam EW (2010) - The other variant of the Wing
4) Wing Proto Zero (2011) - From the movie

Dalong's Review
Dalong's Score: 99