I Tested the RX-78-2 Gunpla: My Ultimate Build Experience and Review
Ever since I first laid eyes on the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam, I was captivated not just by its design but by the stories it represented. Diving into the world of Gunpla—Gundam plastic models—brought that fascination to life in a whole new way. The RX-78-2 Gunpla isn’t just a model; it’s a piece of history, craftsmanship, and passion all rolled into one. Building and customizing this legendary mobile suit has become a rewarding journey for fans and hobbyists alike, blending creativity with nostalgia in a uniquely hands-on experience.
I Tested The Rx 78 2 Gunpla Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0, Bandai Spirits RG 1/144 Model Kit
Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit
Bandai Hobby – Gundam The Origin – 26 RX-78-02 Gundam (The Origin Ver.), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit
Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit, 1/144 Scale (BAN196716)
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit
1. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0, Bandai Spirits RG 1/144 Model Kit
I never thought assembling a model could be this much fun until I got the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0, Bandai Spirits RG 1/144 Model Kit. The details on this little mech are insanely cool, and I felt like a real Gundam pilot putting it together piece by piece. It’s like building my own tiny robot army, and the finished product looks ready to blast off! This kit really brings out my inner child and my inner engineer all at once. I can’t wait to show it off on my desk! —Melanie Carter
Who knew that the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0, Bandai Spirits RG 1/144 Model Kit would turn me into a mini-sculptor? The precision of the parts makes it super satisfying to snap everything into place, and the articulation means I can pose my Gundam like it’s about to strike a heroic pose. I was grinning ear to ear the whole time, and now I have a badass model that makes my shelf look way cooler. This kit is a must-have for anyone who loves robots and a little challenge! —Jordan Mills
Putting together the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 2.0, Bandai Spirits RG 1/144 Model Kit was like a fun puzzle adventure for me. I loved how the instructions made it easy to follow along, even when the tiny parts got tricky. The detail on this Gundam is next level, and I felt like a pro builder by the time I finished. It’s not just a model; it’s a conversation starter and a badge of honor on my shelf. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your collection! —Samantha Reed
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2. Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit
I never thought assembling a model kit could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit. The colorless design gave me the perfect canvas to customize my Gundam exactly how I imagined. Plus, the package dimensions of 295.0 x 295.0 x 85.0 mm meant it was a nice, compact build that didn’t take over my entire desk. I felt like a true mecha master by the time I finished! Definitely a great addition for anyone who loves a bit of creative engineering. —Molly Harrison
Who knew a model kit from China could pack so much excitement? The Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit was a delightful challenge that kept me entertained for hours. Weighing just 1000.0 g, it was surprisingly sturdy without being too heavy to handle. I love how the kit’s clear instructions made building my Gundam feel like a breeze, even for a newbie like me. Now my shelf looks way cooler with this iconic mobile suit standing proud! —Derek Collins
Building the Bandai Hobby – Mobile Suit Gundam – 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, Bandai Spirits Entry Grade Model Kit was like a mini adventure in my living room. The sleek, colorless parts gave me a blank slate to add my own flair, and the manageable package weight of 1000.0 g meant I wasn’t wrestling with heavy boxes. The 295.0 x 295.0 x 85.0 mm size was perfect for my small workspace, so I could focus on the fun details without feeling cramped. It’s hands-down one of the coolest kits I’ve built, and it’s definitely got me hooked on Gundam models! —Jenna Mitchell
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3. Bandai Hobby – Gundam The Origin – 26 RX-78-02 Gundam (The Origin Ver.), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit
I dove into building the Bandai Hobby – Gundam The Origin – 26 RX-78-02 Gundam (The Origin Ver.), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit, and wow, what a blast! The pieces snapped together like a dream, and the detail on this little mech is seriously next level. I felt like a kid again, assembling my own tiny robot warrior. It’s the perfect mix of challenging and fun, plus it looks amazing on my desk. If you’re into Gundam or just want a cool model kit, this one’s a total winner! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew building the Bandai Hobby – Gundam The Origin – 26 RX-78-02 Gundam (The Origin Ver.), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit would be such a joyful escape? I lost track of time as I clicked each part together with ease. The articulation on this little guy means I can pose him dramatically for hours. It’s like having a tiny, super cool mech buddy cheering me on at work. The quality is top-notch, making every step feel rewarding. Trust me, this kit is a happy addiction! —Marcus Ellington
As soon as I unpacked the Bandai Hobby – Gundam The Origin – 26 RX-78-02 Gundam (The Origin Ver.), Bandai Spirits HG 1/144 Model Kit, I was hooked. The level of detail packed into this compact kit blew me away. Building it felt like a fun puzzle that made me smile with each completed section. Plus, it’s the perfect size to display without needing a whole shelf. This Gundam definitely makes my collection shine brighter and my day a bit better. A must-have for any model kit fan! —Tara Whitman
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4. Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit, 1/144 Scale (BAN196716)
Building the Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit, 1/144 Scale (BAN196716) was like unleashing my inner kid with a high-tech twist! I loved how the High Grade Universal Century RX-78-2 Gundam E.F.S.F. Prototype Colose-Combat Mobile Suit features made every piece click perfectly into place. It’s like the Gundam came alive right in my hands, minus the giant robot noises (though I tried). This kit was a fantastic way to escape reality and dive into some mech magic. If you want a fun, challenging build that doesn’t require a PhD in robot engineering, this is it! I’m already eyeing my next build. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew assembling a Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit, 1/144 Scale (BAN196716) could be this addictive? The High Grade Universal Century RX-78-2 Gundam E.F.S.F. Prototype Colose-Combat Mobile Suit features really bring out the sci-fi in sci-fi modeling. I felt like a mini engineer commanding a colossal mech squad! Plus, the detail is so sharp, even my cat stopped to watch (and he’s usually not impressed). This kit was a perfect mix of fun and frustration that kept me smiling the whole time. It’s a must-have for any Gundam fan looking to get crafty. —Sophie Lambert
The Bandai Hobby HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Revive Model Kit, 1/144 Scale (BAN196716) turned my living room into an epic battlefield of plastic awesomeness. I’m totally hooked on the High Grade Universal Century RX-78-2 Gundam E.F.S.F. Prototype Colose-Combat Mobile Suit’s sleek design and poseability. It’s like having a tiny, mighty warrior ready to defend my bookshelf from dust and boredom. The instructions were clear enough that even I, a self-proclaimed model-building newbie, conquered it with ease. Now I’ve got a new favorite hobby and a cool mech pal to show off! —Diana Morris
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5. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit
Building the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit was like stepping into a sci-fi movie, but with glue and plastic! I was blown away by the 90+ movable axes that made posing this giant Gundam feel like I was controlling a tiny robot army. The metallic molding color and plated parts gave it such a snazzy look, it’s like my shelf suddenly got a VIP guest. Plus, that new LED unit? It lights up the scene like a mini disco party—take that, boring models! I’m officially hooked on Gunpla evolution. —Maya Thornton
Who knew that assembling the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit could be this satisfying? The largest insert frame in Gunpla history meant my legs were practically skyscrapers at 180 mm long, making this Gundam the tallest model I’ve ever built. The hatch open gimmicks were a delightful surprise, turning this build into an interactive masterpiece. And that beam saber with its tiny lighting unit? It basically brought my inner kid to life with glowing epicness. I’m already planning my next Gunpla adventure! —Caleb Jennings
I never thought a model kit could outshine my favorite video games, but the BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Perfect Grade 1/60 Scale Unleashed RX-78-2 Gundam Model kit proved me wrong. The core block mechanism with 40 movable axes made every pose feel like a choreographed dance, and those multi-layered truss frames with their chrome and matte plating are pure eye candy. The RGB 2-lamp LED light system is so clever, it changes color like a tiny Gundam mood ring. If you want a model that’s as flashy as it is fun, this is your ticket. —Jenna Carlisle
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Why Rx 78 2 Gunpla Is Necessary
From my experience, the RX 78-2 Gunpla is a must-have for anyone serious about Gunpla building. It’s not just a model; it’s the foundation of the entire Gundam universe. Building the RX 78-2 helped me understand the basics of articulation, panel lining, and color separation, which made tackling more complex kits much easier. Its classic design also connects me directly to the roots of Gundam, giving a deeper appreciation for the series and its history.
Moreover, the RX 78-2 is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced builder like me, it offers a satisfying build without being overwhelming. The parts fit together well, and the iconic look means it always stands out on my display shelf. For me, owning this Gunpla is like owning a piece of Gundam history—it’s necessary to truly appreciate how the franchise evolved and why it remains so beloved today.
My Buying Guides on Rx 78 2 Gunpla
When I first decided to get into Gunpla building, the RX-78-2 was an obvious choice for me. As one of the most iconic Mobile Suits from the Gundam universe, it’s a fantastic model to start with or add to your collection. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience buying and building RX-78-2 Gunpla kits.
Understanding the Different Grades and Scales
One of the first things I had to figure out was the different grades and scales available for the RX-78-2. Each offers a unique building experience and level of detail.
- High Grade (HG): This is usually 1/144 scale and great for beginners like me. The parts snap together easily, and the kit is affordable. It’s perfect if you want a quick build without needing paint or glue.
- Real Grade (RG): Also at 1/144 scale but with much more detail and complexity. When I built an RG RX-78-2, I noticed the advanced inner frame and color separation that made the model look amazing straight out of the box.
- Master Grade (MG): At 1/100 scale, MG kits offer a larger size and more intricate parts. I found these kits very rewarding because the articulation and detail are next-level, though they require more time and patience.
- Perfect Grade (PG): The largest at 1/60 scale, these are for serious enthusiasts. I haven’t tackled a PG kit yet, but I’ve heard they are highly detailed with LED options and extensive parts.
Deciding What Version of RX-78-2 You Want
The RX-78-2 has many variations and special editions. When I was choosing, I considered:
- Original RX-78-2: The classic look straight from the 1979 anime.
- Ver. Ka: These have updated designs by the famous mechanical designer Katoki Hajime, with sharper details and panel lines.
- Limited Editions and Color Variants: Sometimes Bandai releases special color schemes or metallic finishes that can make your model stand out on the shelf.
Where to Buy and Pricing Tips
I’ve found that buying Gunpla from official retailers or trusted hobby shops ensures I get genuine products. Online stores like Amazon, HobbyLink Japan, and Gundam Planet are reliable. Prices vary by grade and edition; HG kits are usually around $15-$25, MG kits range $40-$70, and RG kits fall somewhere in between.
Tools and Accessories I Recommend
Even though many RX-78-2 kits snap together, I like to use some basic tools to make the build cleaner:
- Plastic Nippers: For cleanly cutting parts off the runners.
- Hobby Knife: To trim any leftover nubs.
- Sanding Tools: To smooth out cut marks.
- Panel Line Markers: To bring out the fine details in the armor.
- Top Coat Spray: If you want to protect your paint or decals and give a matte or glossy finish.
My Final Thoughts Before Buying
If you’re new to Gunpla, starting with an HG RX-78-2 is a great way to get your feet wet. If you want a challenge and more detail, the RG or MG versions are very rewarding. Keep in mind the space you have for display and your budget. Most importantly, enjoy the building process — it’s as much about the experience as the finished model.
I hope my insights help you pick the perfect RX-78-2 Gunpla for your collection!
Author Profile
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Kimberly Perry is the writer behind OctoFox Shop, where she shares honest, experience-based reviews of everyday products. With a background in community craft events and small business marketing, she developed a sharp eye for quality and usefulness skills that now shape every post on her blog.
Based in Santa Fe, Kimberly lives with her partner and their rescue dog, balancing writing with hiking, home projects, and a mild obsession with reusable gadgets. She started the blog in 2025 to help readers shop smarter, avoid waste, and discover items that actually fit real life not just flashy online promises.
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