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Reviewed by Adam Rehorn
1/100 Scale
Kit # 01
Price approximately $40.00 CDN
The 1/100 X Gundam is a truly fantastic kit in the tradition of the large scale HG Gundam models. The kit is a standard
injection molded model. However, it comes molded in full colour, and just about everything that needs to be a different
colour is molded as such. The only disappointment is that unlike other HG Gundams, the breathers and headwings are molded
in yellow, not gold chrome.
In terms of part separation, the X is almost perfect. All major subassemblies can be completed
separately, and everything can be assembled at the end. The only real tricky part is the face, which goes into the head before
the head is assembled. There are quite a number of foil decals, and you get a load of polycaps, so no joint goes unprotected.
The level of surface detail on this kit far surpasses any previous HG that I have built, so if you're a Gundammarker Junkie,
then you've got your fix. Not outlining this kit is just a waste, believe me. The fit of the kit is extremely good, except
for the main gun, which needed a bit of work.
The instructions are, as always, written completely in Japanese. However,
the parts are numbered with Arabic numerals, and there's nothing that an experienced modeller can't handle. Full colour painting
instructions are provided, and there are numerous pictuers of the X on the Internet, so finding source material isn't too
difficult.
Where the X really excels however is in the "cool extras" department. One of course is the clear beam saber, which
is unusual in that not only is the blade a separate piece from the hilt, but the blade is actually two pieces of clear green
plastic! The eyes, gundam sights and chest window are also clear, although the window needs paint to look right.The coolest
feature, by far, is the X-shaped collection of solar panels. These are molded in an extremely bright, shiny blue chrome, as
is the piping on the X's legs and arms. Unfortunately, trying to match this colour for touchup painting is impossible, although
Pontiac Engine Blue Metallic is okay. This actually looks better for the piping, which needs to be painted because a lot of
the chrome is damaged on cutting the pieces off the rack.
Given its size of over 9 inches tall, the X is pretty flexible.
The solar array can be opened and retracted at will, and the beam rifle actually folds convincingly into the shield. Proportioning
is excellent, and the only problem with the kit is that displaying it with the array deployed is somewhat difficult space-wise.
All
in all, the HG X is a fantastic kit. It is perfect for beginners and experts alike, and with time and care builds into an
extremely impressive display piece. The anime series on which it is based may have floundered, but Bandai definitely hit a
home run with this model.
The kit is #01 in the HG X Gundam series, and is on a par with what I have seen of the others in the series. Its
fit and finish are excellent, although a bit of putty was required. Prices for this kit vary quite widely, but I got mine
for $40 Canadian at Maverick's downtown.
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