How does the hi nu compare to the rg nu Gundam? Put that kit together a year ago and it's in great shape. Our kids even play with it regularly and it's held up to that. Articulations are near perfection.
@@rollingvice The wings are a nightmare. The tabs are on a ball joint-and to be fair, they would snap immediately if they weren't-but it's still a nightmare. The skirts always fall off when I try to flip them around. The gun does not stay put. The ZZ has far fewer issues, predominantly the legs not staying tabbed into the backpack, and the gun not staying tabbed in, but they're far less significant.
I imagine a scene from a movie, where the bad guys, as is tradition, stand back and allow the hero to transform, but it's taking longer than usual and the robot gets stuck in one of the in-between stages, metal screeching and straining, some oarts fall off, coolant is leaking... "Guys, I know we're not supposed to interrupt, but should we, like, help?"
Fun meta lore fact for anyone that might not know: The RG zeta is basically the delta gundam prior to being split off into the zeta gundam project, in disguise, weirdly enough.
You were warned. It's not *that* bad, and most people don't really address the main issue in that if you transform it repeatedly as well it begins to fall apart rapidly. Typically if you build it you keep it in one mode and never change it again afterwards.
Painting war hammer wasn't enough, you just had to build satan in gunpla form... i'm sorry you had to go through such an experience and all the pain you must've suffer.
"Satan in Gunpla form" got me chuckling. I wish someone will do a custom of a satan-themed, battle damaged build, from a broken RG Zeta kit, purely built out of spite and salt.
Most gunpla builders only build gunpla or other kit like gunpla and thus only have gunpla as a frame of refrence. Thus kits like the rg Zeta and Tristan while not being bad kits are seen as bad gunpla. Bandai has just made pepole expect the best in model kit engenering so its odd when a kit comes out and dose not live up to what pepole are used to.
yeah pretty much this I started off build gunplas and only realize glues are generally a must for most model kits after i start dabbling in non gunpla kits
RG Zeta sure, it get a pass since Bandai was feelin ambitious despite not having the know-how at that moment, but to actually thinks Tristan wasn't a bad kit is straight up braindead cope.
@@sate2801 Have you considered Moderoids? Quality in both build and stability is about the same. But it comes with the bonus of some of the parts being pre-painted(Mostly the faces and really small apps stickers could never manage), and a wider range of I.Ps to choose from. Patlabour, Granzort, Rayearth, Getter Robo, and recently SSSS Gridman and Cross Ange. They even have more obscure entries like Megaton Musashi ,Banished from Paradise and Brain Powered. Only downside is that reprints are fewer then Gunpla and the price is expectedly higher, but they're more often then not well worth it. If your looking to turn your Gunpla collection into a Super Robot Wars collection, then Good Smile Companies Moderoids will fill any gaps Bandais HGs(and two RGs in the case of GaoGaiGar) haven't.
@@sate2801 Glue is a must have for Gunpla if you want to remove the seam lines and make the outer armor look more natural and complete. I use Tamiya Extra Thin Cement (the one with the darker green lid) to weld the plastic together and then after it’s dry I sand it down to make it look like a complete piece. Then I will paint my model. Happy building.😊
In terms of Real Grades, ANYTHING that comes after the Tallgeese and the Unicorn is awesome But be careful because some of them have keyhole joints that in my experience have gotten loose very quickly Like the RG God Gundam and the RG Crossbone Gundam
I totally accidentally stumbled onto gunpla ages ago... and fell in love instantly. Having the web as a resource is nice, but it's one of those things where I find it's best to just use for release schedules more than anything.
Same. The twitch community that got me into it is very welcoming and glad to help. Did 4 entry grades and just finished my second High Grade today. . . . I have about 5 more ordered. . . .I really dove into this didn't I?
If you want a modern real-grade kit that still has a transformation gimmick, definitely consider getting a unicorn (there's like 10 different variations but they're all basically the same, just pick the one you like most). I got a RG unicorn as my first kit (before I even had proper nippers) and it went together super easy.
Just my opinion, but Macross has great flight forms and kind of ugly mecha forms while Gundam has great mecha forms and ugly flight forms. The transforming Gundams tend to be my least favorite.
RG Zeta is general just a kit you get for the looks and never touch. It's something that can serve well if you go into it expecting what you did, but know its limits. If you want to check out a transforming RG that shows how far tech has gone, I 100% recommend the RG Impulse Gundam. The transformation isn't as flashy, but it's super solid and an excellent example of how far RGs have come.
RG Epyon also transforms into a cool two headed dragon mobile armor mode, and it's also super cool. It helps it's only about a year old or so, too so it's part of the modern "mini master grade" style of RGs.
Considering it also has 3 distinct variants, sadly the other two are Pbandai, it won me over when I built the Sword Impulse, and I wasn't even a fan of the suit. I'll admit, I'd say the one true flaw of it is the V-fin, it's so fragile, mines broke off on the right side, but the one on my Destiny Impulse is still good so far.
Supposedly the Real Grade Unicorn is supposed to be pretty great, and it has a transformation that actually works (although it’s from Gundam to slightly-fancier Gundam, rather than into a spacecraft) quite well.
Definitely build the Zeta Ver Ka! :D You can compare how much the model has improved since the RG days! Also... ah yes the model impulse buying of more kits. You now are truly getting deep into Gunpla =P
@@GTSW1FT Yes. MG Zeta Ver Ka is the latest MG release and its basically fixed everything and then some. Folks have said it's practically peak for a kit right now
@GTSW1FT Just be aware its a Ver Ka kit they are meant to be more "advanced" MG kits (and have a crapton of water slide decals coz Katoki loves decals xD) they are a treat to build though just a bit more time consuming than the average MG
nah he still haven't reach the peak of being a plamo builder having an endlessly increasing backlog sitting in the corner (stares at my megami device backlog)
seeing as you are going down the RG line. I'd recommend the Gundam Unicorn (bring your WD-40 for the joints) or for the king of Gunpla, The RG Hi-Nu Gundam.
with the reel grade line, make sure you work the moveable inner frame parts a little bit first so they loosen up before you start to assemble them. that way they move a lot more easily. plus you wont snap the parts so easy. thats what works for me.
The RG Epyon has basically redefined the transformation process. Probably the best looking RG transforming kit out ATM... In my opinion. Very straight forward and the detail is perfect.
I highly recommend the RG God Gundam! It was my first real grade and I'm a really big fan of it because of it has both amazing articulation and posability for only $40, I'd love to see you try it out and compare the amount of development done in the last ten years.
had RG destiny as my very first gunpla because I absolutely love Destiny, it taught me to watch reviews first before buying a certain model because if I bought them blindly, I might stumble upon an absolute hand grenade that I wish ive never had in the collection.
Glad you "enjoyed" the experience. Honestly trying something you know is rough just for the experience isn't always bad. If i could recommend some Real Grade kits, either go for the Nu/Hi Nu gundam or the Wing gundam. Both Nu and Hi Nu are freat for possability and build strength. Hi Nu is a bit better but just pick whichever you like more. Wing is a relatively newer RG kit that also has a transformation gimmick. Just make sure you get the newer one and not the one with EW in the name. The EW version doesn't transform.
In terms of Real Grade horror stories, my first actual real grade that I built was the RG Crossbone Gundam (The smallest Gundam in the known UC timeline). It looked really cool since it's sort of pirate based, and came with many accessories that interested me such as a cloak, and beam shields. I uh ... was a little too ambitious. Some of the parts are so microscopic, that I had to use tweezers to put them in place. Many hours were sacrificed, and many bullets were sweated in the process if finding these pieces that managed to disappear in the infinite void that is my carpet. Taught me the importance of a neat building space. Another traumatic gunpla building experience was when I built the RG Sazabi. One of the best real grades around for sure. But I mistakenly snapped a peg because I tried to rotate a joint that wasn't meant to be rotated. (Use baby oil to loosen up the pre-molded joints if you feel it's too stiff.) Thankfully, I somehow managed to get a free replacement from Amazon prime. I've disciplined myself to build more kits until I feel like I've gained enough experience and technique to build the Sazabi properly. I see that you bought yourself the true GOATED Master Grade Zeta Gundam Ver. Ka. Just know that that model truly does transform, no parts forming required, and also comes with the superior water slide decals instead of stickers.
There's a little note at the top of the decal guide that basically says "season to taste" lol. Some kits come with extra alternate decals and stuff. That said, I actually really like the busy look of all the "space OSHA" warning stickers everywhere. As far as real grades _to_ build, the stock answer is generally gonna be the Nu Gundam or the Sazabi, both look cool and are really solid. From a content perspective there's actually an improved version of the original Gundam (and first Real Grade), the RX-78-2 coming out in August-ish. It might be neat to compare it against the original, or against some of the 4(!) different master Grades for that model, etc.
There's a little note at the top of the decal guide that basically says "season to taste" lol. Some kits come with extra alternate decals and stuff. That said, I actually really like the busy look of all the "space OSHA" warning stickers everywhere. As far as real grades _to_ build, the stock answer is generally gonna be the Nu Gundam or the Sazabi, both look cool and are really solid. From a content perspective there's actually an improved version of the original Gundam (and first Real Grade), the RX-78-2 coming out in August-ish. It might be neat to compare it against the original, or against some of the 4(!) different master Grades for that model, etc.
You want to suffer? Try real grade #01, the RG RX78-2. Being the first real grade it has a lot issues, what we call the early real grade syndrome started here. A lot of people really hate this kit, personally I thought "Im built different" and bought one anyways. It is loose and easily falls apart. Another one is the MG Unicorn or MG Banshee and any variations (excluding the MGEX Unicorn thats a different kit), the unicorn is a transforming kit and the mg has some issues in the leg. This aside, the two kits you got the RG Epyon and MG Zeta verka are fantastic. For the mg zeta, please be careful when building the head, wont be as bad as the rg but it requires extra attention.
The first RG Rx-78-2 was really solid, there's really no such thing as early real grade syndrome. People for some reason treat the model kits as figures and get too rough, avoid using glue and mess with them too much.
@@d3bugged idk man, id already been building kits for years. Not rough with my kits or used glue, still came out loose and hand-grenady. Especially when compared to other earlier rgs like mk2, zgok, or astray
This a you probably. My Rg RX-78-2 isn't indestructible or anything, but it isn't a nightmare. The worst issue it has is that the skirt joints are shallow ball joints. Other then this, the lower ankles go loss. But honestly. I just need to hit it with a thin layer of clear coat on the ankles. Don't get me wrong. It ain't perfect. But it ain't no saint.
The main issue with those early RG's isn't that they're particularly bad to assemble, it's that they actually get worse as time goes on and those inner frame joints get weaker and weaker. Anything based on the "Strike" Gundam I've had an issue with, like the Aile Strike or the Build Strike. You've already bought the Epyon which is one of the best RG's with a Transforming gimmick. The newest version of the Wing Gundam is my personal favourite (#35) which is based on the same frame. 2018 seems to be the last year that has notoriously tricky kits or kits that have a design weakpoint and break in the same place (like the Tallgeese's waist joint) although I do want to say the Sazabi (#29) is the exception that year. That was a good one, skip the Unicorn (#30) and then anything from 2019 onwards (#31 and after) should see you right.
Fantastic job my dude, you built the RG Zeta, finished transforming it, broke and fixed the model all in one video. That's gotta add at least 10 levels to your gunpla skills. 👍
The RG Zeta Gundam is definitely an interesting kit in that it shows the mechanical potential of a full transformer at a 1/144 scale, and that it actually is indeed physically possible to do a transformation that complex at that size with only snap-fit plastic. The issue of course is that the technology isn't yet quite at the level it needs to make said transformation fun or stress-free. While there are other RG's capable of transforming into airplane mode or other alternate modes, none of them approach the level of mechanical complexity that the RG Zeta does. If you're interested in doing more though, the RG Force Impulse Gundam (and its Premium Bandai limited editions the Sword Impulse and the Destiny Impulse), RG Wing Gundam, and the RG Gundam Epyon are great picks for transforming RG's that are a lot more stable than the Zeta. There is one RG though I'll happily recommend in terms of transformation just for the sheer novelty of it: the RG GaoGaiGar. That one is not from Gundam, and instead is an actual honest-to-goodness Super Robot, the one that gets my inner 12-year old hyped, that is comprised of 3 individual craft and a transforming mecha lion that combine into one humanoid mech. It's an awesome kit, and definitely a must-try for any RG collector even for those that may not like mecha outside of Gundam.
Sinanju wasn't that bad. You *do* need to glue the small trim pieces on and reinforcing the joints is kind of a must. The biggest flaw is it was designed around the Gundam Mk. II's frame and it wasn't designed to handle the extra weight the Sinanju has. It's really nice that they color separated the gold trim unlike the HG and MG kits, and the glossy red on the plastic is really nice.
@@PaulIsBadAtStuff When you build it you're gonna have to make this little reference in the video The RG Sinanju's inner frame was reused from the RG Gundam Mk. II, and while the Gundam Mk. II is able to handle it, that frame is too small to handle a mobile suit as big and ornate as the Sinanju.
Out of all the rg gundams you could have built for a youtube video, you chose this one the legit demon incarnate of pain "for play". But if its "for display" its good especially if you dont transform it repeatedly. Just glue the tiny pieces.
I have a couple of Real Grade kits. The Real Grade Strike Gundam wasn't too painful, more complex than a High Grade but ultimately just builds a nice, solid Gundam. The Unicorn Gundam is something else. It's brilliant in that the transformation functions work really well, but also a nightmare because you have to build those transformation functions which depend on loads of really, really, really tiny pieces which you have to scalpel every last micron of sprue off of or they won't slide past each other properly. It's surprisingly solid in spite of this. My worst and least stable kit is the High Grade Gundam Exia which has never once felt solid. It falls apart if you so much as look at it wrong. It has a sword thing which is supposed to be able to unfold but it just doesn't. My personal favourite kit is the High Grade Aerial from the Witch from Mercury line, it's a really solid kit which replicates the gimmick of the Gundam in the show well (there's bits that can be attached to various points as extra armour or combined to make a shield), and I really really loved Witch from Mercury as a series so I'm attached to it in that way.
Ay the hg exia isnt that bad Its just a little old and most of it can be solved with a little glue aside from that everything else works perfectly Its strange your sword doesnt work though
I have an HG barbataurus, and while it's cool (barbatos centaur? Sign me in!), it's VERY flimsy and even posing it a bit it's easy to come apart (nothing breaks, luckily). Not the best kit to start with.
"If this is the worst modern gunpla has to offer, it's really not that bad." You're so right! Built RG Zeta Gundam as maybe my fifth kit or so, and while it's quite fiddly, I don't think it deserves anywhere near the hate it gets. It looks nice regardless, just give it some care!
I kept thinking while watching that you should definitely give the RG Epyon a go, so good going on picking it out - that’s been my favourite real grade kit so far! Had an absolutely horrible experience with the original RG RX-78 2, but cautiously optimistic about the ver. 2 that’s coming out this year.
If you ever want to consider going to some of the highest highs of Gundam after this, I cannot speak highly enough of the Wing Gundam Zero Ver.Ka Endless Waltz kit. It's a marvel and an absolute triumph. Mine stood on my table for weeks after just to be admired.
2:45 was my reaction to building the RG Sinanju I spent years hearing nothing but how it was a hand grenade, complete piece of shit, barely holds together, etc etc... But it went together easily and looks great right out of the box. The beam effect parts are the best ever included with a kit and the chromed gold plating is icing on the cake. The wrists tend to fall off thanks to the frame not being custom designed for the kit, but we have this insane invention called glue that, when carefully applied, fixes the issue. Granted, the Sinanju doesn't transform...
I had this experience wirh the mg unicorn. Everyone online said specifically not to get it as my first one because it is very over engineered but thats the reason i loved every second of it.
My second gunpla kit ever was the real grade nu gundam. I had been warned that the fin funnels were hell, but I didn't listen, All I'll say is that glue is a magical thing.
You're going to have a MUCH better time with the MG Zeta VerKa. The only frustration with it, (to me) is the ammount of waterslide decals for it, but at the same time, those water slides have trasformed the kit into something beautiful. Far more stable than the RG as you just showed.. Just remember to top coat the decals when you're done
If you want a fun kit that transforms and is still sturdy I’d recommend the hg age 2 (normal, dark hound, or double bullet versions) all very fun and cool looking in both modes and only takes a minute or two to change back and forth with only a single part being swapped.
Oh man, I was just working on this last night and I do understand the frustration. It's fiddly compromise of a kit. I'm two thirds into it and I know I will never transform mine. I completely agree with your review and I believe anything will be a better choice after this. Especially the RG Hi-Nu, literal night and day! Happy building!
I suppose others have already said it, but the obvious follow-up to building this kit would be to build the MG 1/100 Zeta Ver Ka. I just got the Zeta Ver Ka after having not built any Gunpla for a while, and I really love it. It was an enjoyable build that makes a nice mobile suit, with a mostly solid transformation.
Man, i remember my first gunpla kit. Bought a 2011 RG full burnen kit. Didnt sand it, cut the nibs with a knife instead of a nipper, was fragile as hell and difficult to pose. Oh, and broke one of the shoulder parts that attach the arm to the torso. Still liked building it, so i bought a few more kits, all being hguc from 2002 (zaku ii, bawoo and gaplant).... those kits really have not aged all that well... And because im insane enough, my next kit was a RG full armor unicorn gundam, took me a whole week to complete (includind adding all the decals). So even tho i think i mighy have had the worst start into gunpla, I still love it.
I'd recommend the Zeta Master Grade (Specifically the Ver.Ka version released two years ago, makes all the difference) It's like the RG Zeta but larger and better in every conceivable way. The transformation is smooth, doesn't fuck up the stability of the suit during, before, or after, and is far more detailed and visually appealing. Would be good to have in robot form to complement your permanently Waverider'd RG Zeta.
Consider the fact that its design was aesthetics first, screw the feasibility (of making it toy) to a point that its successor ZZ was designed by sponsor/ toy manufacturer first to make it merchandisable. Meanwhile it took almost couple of decades for Zeta model or even Cho Gokin toys to come out with anime-faithful look. It didn't help that the design wasn't even finalized at the start of TV broadcast either (hence the black shaded thingy at the 1st opening). Meanwhile, every single variable fighters of Macross franchise have Lego block prototype built by Shoji Kawamori to ensure transformation is possible.
I bought this build twice. Both of them snapped in the same spot the first time I transformed it. The tiny clip holding the left leg onto the body. Specifically the left one, both times. Same leg, but the next part out into the leg.
Now that you've explored the hand grenade section of Gunpla I suggest checking out the ones with notoriously large sticker sheets like the HGIBO Gusion Rebake Full City. It would be interesting to see if you'll decide to use every sticker or just give up and give the thing a full paint job
I'd be interested for you to try out a HG from the start of the modern line. I've recently been on a ZZ kick and building the old HGs from that and its impressive how much the quality has improved in the last 25 years. Its like night and day between any of the Witch from Mercury line (2022-2023) and the Mashmyre Custom Zaku III I built (HG #3 from 1999) in terms of not just details and ease of assembly but just quality of molds and quality of plastic being used
I'm also very new to this hobby and haven't built this kit (and probably wont), but yeah like people in the comments and you yourself have said, it really seems like one of those things where if its your first RG it doesn't seem *that* bad until you try moving it and everything starts falling off, but once you know how much better it gets its terrible, *plus* the added wrinkle of this being a niche hobby, so whenever they see someone getting into it they get a bit over-cautious out of fear that a bad experience could drive someone off. For recommendations, I can *personally* vouch for the RG God gundam, absolutely fantastic kit and the first RG I ever built, I've heard nothing but incredible things about the RG Hi-Nu Gundam, and if you want a villain mobile suit rather than another Gundam, I've heard that so long as you keep its fragile shoulders in mind, the RG Sazabi is a beautiful kit. Also for High Grades wanna recommend the Gouf Custom, not because its an incredible build or anything, most of the witch from mercury kits probably feel better to put together, I just really like that specific mobile suit, and it'd be a good idea to get some more standard kits anyways
I recommend the MG Barbatos, its such a fun build which comes out amazing looking. It has these pistons all over the joins that move and just look cool in general.
Buy yourself a RG Tallgeese. I would be absolutely right up your alley, it looks like a giant spartan/white knight mech, totally could pass for something out of 40k, and its one of the GOOD RGs out there.
I've built two P-Bandai ones and a regular variant in Wave Rider mode. Never had issues and painted them. It's not a bad kit if you know what you're doing. I've had worse experiences with the early HIRM ones and the RG Sinanju waist. Worked with Non-Bandai ones too, part of the whole experience is working on the kit because they're not supposed to be easy like Lego.
If you can get one, the RG Hi-Nu is goated. If you want another hand grenade, the Victory Gundam Ver. Ka still haunts my nightmares. But the one I recommend the most is the HG Moon Gundam. One of the most fun HG builds I've ever done and the detail is as close to RG as HG is gonna get
now you have to experience the other side of the spectrum... RG Hi-Nu Gundam. Absolute peak (but you'll have to get him an action base 5 cuz his backpack is way to heavy sometimes)
You should try the RG Epyon next for comparison. It's also a transforming gundam (into a two-headed dragon instead of a jet) but it's one of the best RG kit ever
Paul call it crazy I hope you may try since you're getting used to your airbrush, I hope you take the opportunity to paint gunpla. Also you would probably see another RG like the Eva line would be interesting to see
honestly I want to try this myself too but my least fav so far has been the RG Freedom, the wings are just perpetually loose and do not hold up at all!
One of my friends have 2 of these models. 1 in each mode. He said it was easier to show both versions and the kit wasn't too bad price wise when he grabbed them around 2014.
If you ever just want, like, a simple, no stress build that's both dirt cheap and very effective in terms of engineering, articulation, and paintability that *isn't* a hand grenade, may I suggest the HGAC 1/144 Leo? It's the gruntiest grunt that ever grunted gruntily.
mg did the transformation part miles better because of the much solid frame piece , if you keen on trying zeta type kit, delta plus or new ver ka zeta , rezel from mg are pretty nice
For a better experience with real grades. I suggest you try the RG Gundam Epyon. I just finished my own, and its amazing. its one of the more modern Real Grades, so its great. It transforms into a 2 headed dragon. Its dope.
I would personally recommend the real grade sazabi. As you have not tried a zeon kit. However, my personal favorite is the rg gundam MKII. Both are beautiful and fun kits. Ultimately, though, my Rg Hi-Nu gundam is my center piece. I gave it a full custom paint job, 3rd party accessories and components, custom decal work, metal parts, inner frame, and light piping. As much as I love my MKII. It is the adviser to the King HI-NU. Ain't nothing takes that throne.
Older kits with simple designs are fine. Older kits with lots of colors or tiny colored parts usually have stickers (modern HG kits still does in fact) Older kits, especially with curved surfaces and/or those that needed 3 dimensional pieces have seem line and mold line issues. You can still see them in modern kits its just for some of them Bandai hid it better or if bandai really went out with the molds they molded parts as a single piece tho they may still have mold lines.
honestly there is no bad gunpla kits, just special ones emphasis on the special rg sinanju, 00 gundam , quan[t], gp-01 full burnern having issues staying together due to using a frame that was never meant to hold some of the heavier designs rg unicorn having the reverse problem of other rgs in that if you dont fiddle with it the joints become so tight you WILL break its shoulder hg tristan the most underwelming release not because its bad but because its a 2018 kit remold of a 2001 kit also about the sinanju it has a gloss coating, beautifull till you see the cutting marks
Try the RG Sinanju. If this one fell apart thanks to the transformation, then don’t worry, that one spontaneously detonates even without it 😃(looks beautiful tho)
![BabyChiefDoit - Too Slow (feat. STAR BANDZ) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zayaxws7RPg/mqdefault.jpg)
![The best GUNDAM kit ever?! [MG Zeta Gundam Ver. Ka Review]](/img/1.gif)
Now paul, go to the other side of the spectrum,
Build the Rg-Hi-Nu gundam
Or the God. The flexibility of that one is effing nuts!
How does the hi nu compare to the rg nu Gundam? Put that kit together a year ago and it's in great shape. Our kids even play with it regularly and it's held up to that. Articulations are near perfection.
@@KONO_MOTO Hi Nu is leagues better. Once it's in a pose it's SOLID and you don't need to worry about the funnels falling out.
@@d1pstick32Just be sure to get an action base/stand for it.
@jaderabbit898 my Hi-Nu has been free standing for months. You can sue the propellant tanks to lean it a little.
Him transforming it is like watching a hippo performing brain surgery with a sledgehammer
Or an orc repairing a stompa
How does it hold on to the sledgehammer
With its telekinesis (duh)
@@Mosaic117 With such a small head?!
Must be uncomfortable.
To be fair, IT SHOULDN'T BE BRAIN SURGERY!
Love how he is so calm and british. Like "oh thats interesting". Meanwhile I would be freaking out.
We warned you Paul... Now you must suffer the consequences.
On a happier note, it's only uphill from here my dude.
The road to gunpla is paved with broken parts and loose polycaps
There will be light at the end of the gunpla tunnel my friend.
@@First-Name_Last-Name and glue, like.... lots of glue.
@@Keryaken133 Not to mention paint, pla-plate, LEDS and the like if you want to get REEEEEEEAAAAAAALLLLLLLY into it.
unless he builds the RG RX-78-2
@@RedCheckJ Which one?
and meanwhile the Master Grade Ver. Ka version of this kit is one of the most amazing thing ever!
I’ve built it recently. Haven’t transformed it yet, but it’s an amazing MG!!
Its transformation isn't great. It's not awful, just not a good time. The ZZ Ver.Ka is much better in that regard.
Makes sense
The Zeta inherently has a complicated transformatiom in all of its kit( minus the parts forming ones)
@@raccrownkinda disagree. but i get it. zz is a bigger kit after all
@@rollingvice The wings are a nightmare. The tabs are on a ball joint-and to be fair, they would snap immediately if they weren't-but it's still a nightmare. The skirts always fall off when I try to flip them around. The gun does not stay put. The ZZ has far fewer issues, predominantly the legs not staying tabbed into the backpack, and the gun not staying tabbed in, but they're far less significant.
I imagine a scene from a movie, where the bad guys, as is tradition, stand back and allow the hero to transform, but it's taking longer than usual and the robot gets stuck in one of the in-between stages, metal screeching and straining, some oarts fall off, coolant is leaking...
"Guys, I know we're not supposed to interrupt, but should we, like, help?"
"I... don't think we can. OH GOD! Is that even MEANT to bend that way?!"
i can almost guarantee that this has happened in a super sentai series at some point
This would make an hilarious stop motion.
Fun meta lore fact for anyone that might not know: The RG zeta is basically the delta gundam prior to being split off into the zeta gundam project, in disguise, weirdly enough.
Sounds like a Robot Chicken sketch.
On god we’re gonna get you a hi-nu
The RG is divine. The supermodel of mobile suits
the Nu itself also a stellar model kit minus the fin funnel but man does that also blows the Zeta out of the water
You were warned. It's not *that* bad, and most people don't really address the main issue in that if you transform it repeatedly as well it begins to fall apart rapidly. Typically if you build it you keep it in one mode and never change it again afterwards.
Wich is lore accurate!
@@arx3516 No it isn't? Kamille goes back and forth every single fight in the Zeta
I mean...yeah, maybe it's not as bad as people say, but it's not a lot of fun to build either.
@@jrmarcus Plus, I REALLY don't approve of how wobbly the wings in MS mode are.
Which is stupid because the whole point of a transforming MS is to transform it.
You're really going to enjoy that RG Epyon. Beautiful model and so different from the early kits.
I'm currently building it myself, and man is it cool as hell. Can't wait to get it in a sick pose with Wing Zero RG.
If I'm not mistaken, it's both post frame update and transforms so it should be the exact opposite of the RG Zeta.
Painting war hammer wasn't enough, you just had to build satan in gunpla form... i'm sorry you had to go through such an experience and all the pain you must've suffer.
"Satan in Gunpla form" got me chuckling. I wish someone will do a custom of a satan-themed, battle damaged build, from a broken RG Zeta kit, purely built out of spite and salt.
I can only imagine how he handles the RG Sinanju...
@@First-Name_Last-Name there is kitbashing although I wouldn't do it on an RG Gundam
RG Sinanju : Allow me to introduce myself to you
Most gunpla builders only build gunpla or other kit like gunpla and thus only have gunpla as a frame of refrence. Thus kits like the rg Zeta and Tristan while not being bad kits are seen as bad gunpla. Bandai has just made pepole expect the best in model kit engenering so its odd when a kit comes out and dose not live up to what pepole are used to.
yeah pretty much this
I started off build gunplas and only realize glues are generally a must for most model kits after i start dabbling in non gunpla kits
RG Zeta sure, it get a pass since Bandai was feelin ambitious despite not having the know-how at that moment, but to actually thinks Tristan wasn't a bad kit is straight up braindead cope.
@@sate2801 Have you considered Moderoids?
Quality in both build and stability is about the same.
But it comes with the bonus of some of the parts being pre-painted(Mostly the faces and really small apps stickers could never manage), and a wider range of I.Ps to choose from.
Patlabour, Granzort, Rayearth, Getter Robo, and recently SSSS Gridman and Cross Ange.
They even have more obscure entries like Megaton Musashi ,Banished from Paradise and Brain Powered.
Only downside is that reprints are fewer then Gunpla and the price is expectedly higher, but they're more often then not well worth it.
If your looking to turn your Gunpla collection into a Super Robot Wars collection, then Good Smile Companies Moderoids will fill any gaps Bandais HGs(and two RGs in the case of GaoGaiGar) haven't.
@@sate2801 Glue is a must have for Gunpla if you want to remove the seam lines and make the outer armor look more natural and complete. I use Tamiya Extra Thin Cement (the one with the darker green lid) to weld the plastic together and then after it’s dry I sand it down to make it look like a complete piece. Then I will paint my model. Happy building.😊
You should try some chinese models. Some brands will smoke bandai alive
5:35 the Zeta's alt mode is called the "Wave Rider" mode
In terms of Real Grades, ANYTHING that comes after the Tallgeese and the Unicorn is awesome
But be careful because some of them have keyhole joints that in my experience have gotten loose very quickly
Like the RG God Gundam and the RG Crossbone Gundam
RG Mk II would like to know your location.
You're gonna have to specify which unicorn, cuz there's the normal one and the full armored version
@@LoliconSamalik there's several of them, and they are virtually the same so it doesn't matter anyway
ofc i mean the standard Unicorn
@@GojiraFan-in9oo Oh... I was under the impression that full armor did away with the premolded inner frame. My bad.
Or maybe it’s more that that despite a kit having flaws, RG kits across the board are cool and just need different levels of care
My man showed absolute loyalty to his name.
now you should get the real grade HI NU gundam trust me its phenominol
I can’t stress this enough
Very good kit
Got the RG Sazabi and omg it's bigger than my MG God Gundam and that's without its head even on lol
One of the best kits I’ve built, the standard Nu is also very good
Probably any of the newer RGs like the impulse Nu Hi Nu RG Sazabi or God gundam would be a good idea.
I totally accidentally stumbled onto gunpla ages ago... and fell in love instantly.
Having the web as a resource is nice, but it's one of those things where I find it's best to just use for release schedules more than anything.
Same. The twitch community that got me into it is very welcoming and glad to help.
Did 4 entry grades and just finished my second High Grade today.
. . . I have about 5 more ordered. . . .I really dove into this didn't I?
Yes Hurra for Zeta Ver. Ka
If you want another modern RG than the Hi-Nu gundam really is the way to go. Though the Zeong and Sazabi are also great.
The RG Impulse Gundam is a good replacement.
As for bad gunpla, The HG Gundam Tristan.
It feels like a kit from 2001 made in 2017
If you want a modern real-grade kit that still has a transformation gimmick, definitely consider getting a unicorn (there's like 10 different variations but they're all basically the same, just pick the one you like most). I got a RG unicorn as my first kit (before I even had proper nippers) and it went together super easy.
Just make sure youre careful when building the arms. I didn't have an issue but a lot of people in the community have snapped the arms.
@@anthonymartinez8607 lube up the biceps and shoulder joints
Both me and my cousin have snapped the arms on ours.. his twice when he bought another copy to try and finish his first one.
Put the image with the "this will rotate, this will break" chart, that's important.
Just my opinion, but Macross has great flight forms and kind of ugly mecha forms while Gundam has great mecha forms and ugly flight forms. The transforming Gundams tend to be my least favorite.
RG Zeta is general just a kit you get for the looks and never touch. It's something that can serve well if you go into it expecting what you did, but know its limits.
If you want to check out a transforming RG that shows how far tech has gone, I 100% recommend the RG Impulse Gundam. The transformation isn't as flashy, but it's super solid and an excellent example of how far RGs have come.
RG Epyon also transforms into a cool two headed dragon mobile armor mode, and it's also super cool. It helps it's only about a year old or so, too so it's part of the modern "mini master grade" style of RGs.
Considering it also has 3 distinct variants, sadly the other two are Pbandai, it won me over when I built the Sword Impulse, and I wasn't even a fan of the suit. I'll admit, I'd say the one true flaw of it is the V-fin, it's so fragile, mines broke off on the right side, but the one on my Destiny Impulse is still good so far.
Supposedly the Real Grade Unicorn is supposed to be pretty great, and it has a transformation that actually works (although it’s from Gundam to slightly-fancier Gundam, rather than into a spacecraft) quite well.
You always break your first RG... ALWAYS, nice vid
Your next kit should be the MG Zeta Version Katoki (Ver. Ka.)
The simplicity of the transformation will completely blow your mind.
Someone didn't watch until the end of the video...
Bro didn’t make it to the end.
Definitely build the Zeta Ver Ka! :D
You can compare how much the model has improved since the RG days! Also... ah yes the model impulse buying of more kits. You now are truly getting deep into Gunpla =P
Wait it's the Ver ka improved over the regular one?
@@GTSW1FT Yes. MG Zeta Ver Ka is the latest MG release and its basically fixed everything and then some.
Folks have said it's practically peak for a kit right now
@@RocKM001 nice, then I might get one as my first Master Grade kit.
@GTSW1FT Just be aware its a Ver Ka kit they are meant to be more "advanced" MG kits (and have a crapton of water slide decals coz Katoki loves decals xD) they are a treat to build though just a bit more time consuming than the average MG
nah he still haven't reach the peak of being a plamo builder
having an endlessly increasing backlog sitting in the corner (stares at my megami device backlog)
seeing as you are going down the RG line. I'd recommend the Gundam Unicorn (bring your WD-40 for the joints) or for the king of Gunpla, The RG Hi-Nu Gundam.
with the reel grade line, make sure you work the moveable inner frame parts a little bit first so they loosen up before you start to assemble them. that way they move a lot more easily. plus you wont snap the parts so easy. thats what works for me.
**smacks the table** we warned him **smacks the table again** , oh well
Wow, you picked a Ver.Ka, can't wait for your take, if you ever do plan on reviewing it for the channel.
The RG Epyon has basically redefined the transformation process. Probably the best looking RG transforming kit out ATM... In my opinion. Very straight forward and the detail is perfect.
I highly recommend the RG God Gundam! It was my first real grade and I'm a really big fan of it because of it has both amazing articulation and posability for only $40, I'd love to see you try it out and compare the amount of development done in the last ten years.
had RG destiny as my very first gunpla because I absolutely love Destiny, it taught me to watch reviews first before buying a certain model because if I bought them blindly, I might stumble upon an absolute hand grenade that I wish ive never had in the collection.
I watched the reviews, still got the RG Justice. Still blame myself for buying it even though I was fully aware of the issues
Glad you "enjoyed" the experience. Honestly trying something you know is rough just for the experience isn't always bad. If i could recommend some Real Grade kits, either go for the Nu/Hi Nu gundam or the Wing gundam.
Both Nu and Hi Nu are freat for possability and build strength. Hi Nu is a bit better but just pick whichever you like more.
Wing is a relatively newer RG kit that also has a transformation gimmick. Just make sure you get the newer one and not the one with EW in the name. The EW version doesn't transform.
In terms of Real Grade horror stories, my first actual real grade that I built was the RG Crossbone Gundam (The smallest Gundam in the known UC timeline). It looked really cool since it's sort of pirate based, and came with many accessories that interested me such as a cloak, and beam shields. I uh ... was a little too ambitious. Some of the parts are so microscopic, that I had to use tweezers to put them in place. Many hours were sacrificed, and many bullets were sweated in the process if finding these pieces that managed to disappear in the infinite void that is my carpet. Taught me the importance of a neat building space.
Another traumatic gunpla building experience was when I built the RG Sazabi. One of the best real grades around for sure. But I mistakenly snapped a peg because I tried to rotate a joint that wasn't meant to be rotated. (Use baby oil to loosen up the pre-molded joints if you feel it's too stiff.) Thankfully, I somehow managed to get a free replacement from Amazon prime. I've disciplined myself to build more kits until I feel like I've gained enough experience and technique to build the Sazabi properly.
I see that you bought yourself the true GOATED Master Grade Zeta Gundam Ver. Ka. Just know that that model truly does transform, no parts forming required, and also comes with the superior water slide decals instead of stickers.
The Victory is 0.7 meters shorter than the Crossbones/F97s. It stands at 15.2 m compared to the Crossbone series which stand at 15.9 m.
@@nicodalusong149 You learn something new every day. Thank you. Kit will be on my radar ... eventually.
@@spyroclone152 Well, that was the shortest Gundam specifically. But the actual shortest MS is the RGM-122 Javelin which stands at 14.5 m.
The crossbone was my first RG... it exploded.
There's a little note at the top of the decal guide that basically says "season to taste" lol. Some kits come with extra alternate decals and stuff. That said, I actually really like the busy look of all the "space OSHA" warning stickers everywhere.
As far as real grades _to_ build, the stock answer is generally gonna be the Nu Gundam or the Sazabi, both look cool and are really solid. From a content perspective there's actually an improved version of the original Gundam (and first Real Grade), the RX-78-2 coming out in August-ish. It might be neat to compare it against the original, or against some of the 4(!) different master Grades for that model, etc.
I've built both the RG Epyon & MG Zeta Ver. Ka. Both are excellent builds!
There's a little note at the top of the decal guide that basically says "season to taste" lol. Some kits come with extra alternate decals and stuff. That said, I actually really like the busy look of all the "space OSHA" warning stickers everywhere.
As far as real grades _to_ build, the stock answer is generally gonna be the Nu Gundam or the Sazabi, both look cool and are really solid. From a content perspective there's actually an improved version of the original Gundam (and first Real Grade), the RX-78-2 coming out in August-ish. It might be neat to compare it against the original, or against some of the 4(!) different master Grades for that model, etc.
You want to suffer? Try real grade #01, the RG RX78-2. Being the first real grade it has a lot issues, what we call the early real grade syndrome started here. A lot of people really hate this kit, personally I thought "Im built different" and bought one anyways. It is loose and easily falls apart. Another one is the MG Unicorn or MG Banshee and any variations (excluding the MGEX Unicorn thats a different kit), the unicorn is a transforming kit and the mg has some issues in the leg.
This aside, the two kits you got the RG Epyon and MG Zeta verka are fantastic. For the mg zeta, please be careful when building the head, wont be as bad as the rg but it requires extra attention.
The first RG Rx-78-2 was really solid, there's really no such thing as early real grade syndrome. People for some reason treat the model kits as figures and get too rough, avoid using glue and mess with them too much.
@@d3bugged idk man, id already been building kits for years. Not rough with my kits or used glue, still came out loose and hand-grenady. Especially when compared to other earlier rgs like mk2, zgok, or astray
This a you probably. My Rg RX-78-2 isn't indestructible or anything, but it isn't a nightmare. The worst issue it has is that the skirt joints are shallow ball joints. Other then this, the lower ankles go loss. But honestly. I just need to hit it with a thin layer of clear coat on the ankles. Don't get me wrong. It ain't perfect. But it ain't no saint.
I had the same feeling with the rg exia ! Everyone said it sucks but as my first rg i had a blast building it haha
The main issue with those early RG's isn't that they're particularly bad to assemble, it's that they actually get worse as time goes on and those inner frame joints get weaker and weaker. Anything based on the "Strike" Gundam I've had an issue with, like the Aile Strike or the Build Strike.
You've already bought the Epyon which is one of the best RG's with a Transforming gimmick. The newest version of the Wing Gundam is my personal favourite (#35) which is based on the same frame.
2018 seems to be the last year that has notoriously tricky kits or kits that have a design weakpoint and break in the same place (like the Tallgeese's waist joint) although I do want to say the Sazabi (#29) is the exception that year. That was a good one, skip the Unicorn (#30) and then anything from 2019 onwards (#31 and after) should see you right.
Fantastic job my dude, you built the RG Zeta, finished transforming it, broke and fixed the model all in one video. That's gotta add at least 10 levels to your gunpla skills. 👍
1:27 is genius, you crack me up 😂
The RG Zeta Gundam is definitely an interesting kit in that it shows the mechanical potential of a full transformer at a 1/144 scale, and that it actually is indeed physically possible to do a transformation that complex at that size with only snap-fit plastic. The issue of course is that the technology isn't yet quite at the level it needs to make said transformation fun or stress-free.
While there are other RG's capable of transforming into airplane mode or other alternate modes, none of them approach the level of mechanical complexity that the RG Zeta does. If you're interested in doing more though, the RG Force Impulse Gundam (and its Premium Bandai limited editions the Sword Impulse and the Destiny Impulse), RG Wing Gundam, and the RG Gundam Epyon are great picks for transforming RG's that are a lot more stable than the Zeta.
There is one RG though I'll happily recommend in terms of transformation just for the sheer novelty of it: the RG GaoGaiGar. That one is not from Gundam, and instead is an actual honest-to-goodness Super Robot, the one that gets my inner 12-year old hyped, that is comprised of 3 individual craft and a transforming mecha lion that combine into one humanoid mech. It's an awesome kit, and definitely a must-try for any RG collector even for those that may not like mecha outside of Gundam.
This is not the ABSOLUTE worst that Gundam has to offer
There is the RG Sinanju
I'll make a note of that thank you
Sinanju wasn't that bad. You *do* need to glue the small trim pieces on and reinforcing the joints is kind of a must. The biggest flaw is it was designed around the Gundam Mk. II's frame and it wasn't designed to handle the extra weight the Sinanju has. It's really nice that they color separated the gold trim unlike the HG and MG kits, and the glossy red on the plastic is really nice.
@@XB3Gaming Mecha Gaikotsu would disagree
@@PaulIsBadAtStuff When you build it you're gonna have to make this little reference in the video
The RG Sinanju's inner frame was reused from the RG Gundam Mk. II, and while the Gundam Mk. II is able to handle it, that frame is too small to handle a mobile suit as big and ornate as the Sinanju.
@GojiraFan-in9oo he isn't the end-all-be-all when it comes to Gunpla lol.
Out of all the rg gundams you could have built for a youtube video, you chose this one the legit demon incarnate of pain "for play". But if its "for display" its good especially if you dont transform it repeatedly. Just glue the tiny pieces.
I have a couple of Real Grade kits. The Real Grade Strike Gundam wasn't too painful, more complex than a High Grade but ultimately just builds a nice, solid Gundam. The Unicorn Gundam is something else. It's brilliant in that the transformation functions work really well, but also a nightmare because you have to build those transformation functions which depend on loads of really, really, really tiny pieces which you have to scalpel every last micron of sprue off of or they won't slide past each other properly. It's surprisingly solid in spite of this.
My worst and least stable kit is the High Grade Gundam Exia which has never once felt solid. It falls apart if you so much as look at it wrong. It has a sword thing which is supposed to be able to unfold but it just doesn't.
My personal favourite kit is the High Grade Aerial from the Witch from Mercury line, it's a really solid kit which replicates the gimmick of the Gundam in the show well (there's bits that can be attached to various points as extra armour or combined to make a shield), and I really really loved Witch from Mercury as a series so I'm attached to it in that way.
Don’t diss the the hg exia mold the repair is nearly as solid as the 00 you just have to tighten the shoulder joints
Ay the hg exia isnt that bad
Its just a little old and most of it can be solved with a little glue aside from that everything else works perfectly
Its strange your sword doesnt work though
I have an HG barbataurus, and while it's cool (barbatos centaur? Sign me in!), it's VERY flimsy and even posing it a bit it's easy to come apart (nothing breaks, luckily). Not the best kit to start with.
@@Morrowinder777 it’s literally to of the most flimsy gunplas human centipede together
"If this is the worst modern gunpla has to offer, it's really not that bad." You're so right! Built RG Zeta Gundam as maybe my fifth kit or so, and while it's quite fiddly, I don't think it deserves anywhere near the hate it gets. It looks nice regardless, just give it some care!
I kept thinking while watching that you should definitely give the RG Epyon a go, so good going on picking it out - that’s been my favourite real grade kit so far!
Had an absolutely horrible experience with the original RG RX-78 2, but cautiously optimistic about the ver. 2 that’s coming out this year.
If you ever want to consider going to some of the highest highs of Gundam after this, I cannot speak highly enough of the Wing Gundam Zero Ver.Ka Endless Waltz kit. It's a marvel and an absolute triumph. Mine stood on my table for weeks after just to be admired.
2:45 was my reaction to building the RG Sinanju
I spent years hearing nothing but how it was a hand grenade, complete piece of shit, barely holds together, etc etc... But it went together easily and looks great right out of the box. The beam effect parts are the best ever included with a kit and the chromed gold plating is icing on the cake. The wrists tend to fall off thanks to the frame not being custom designed for the kit, but we have this insane invention called glue that, when carefully applied, fixes the issue.
Granted, the Sinanju doesn't transform...
I had this experience wirh the mg unicorn. Everyone online said specifically not to get it as my first one because it is very over engineered but thats the reason i loved every second of it.
My second gunpla kit ever was the real grade nu gundam. I had been warned that the fin funnels were hell, but I didn't listen, All I'll say is that glue is a magical thing.
You're going to have a MUCH better time with the MG Zeta VerKa. The only frustration with it, (to me) is the ammount of waterslide decals for it, but at the same time, those water slides have trasformed the kit into something beautiful. Far more stable than the RG as you just showed.. Just remember to top coat the decals when you're done
If you want a fun kit that transforms and is still sturdy I’d recommend the hg age 2 (normal, dark hound, or double bullet versions) all very fun and cool looking in both modes and only takes a minute or two to change back and forth with only a single part being swapped.
Oh man, I was just working on this last night and I do understand the frustration. It's fiddly compromise of a kit. I'm two thirds into it and I know I will never transform mine. I completely agree with your review and I believe anything will be a better choice after this. Especially the RG Hi-Nu, literal night and day! Happy building!
RG zeong is a really good kit, and RG Gao Gai Har is a really interesting kit that also transforms but in a more power rangers type of way
I suppose others have already said it, but the obvious follow-up to building this kit would be to build the MG 1/100 Zeta Ver Ka.
I just got the Zeta Ver Ka after having not built any Gunpla for a while, and I really love it. It was an enjoyable build that makes a nice mobile suit, with a mostly solid transformation.
Man, i remember my first gunpla kit.
Bought a 2011 RG full burnen kit.
Didnt sand it, cut the nibs with a knife instead of a nipper, was fragile as hell and difficult to pose. Oh, and broke one of the shoulder parts that attach the arm to the torso.
Still liked building it, so i bought a few more kits, all being hguc from 2002 (zaku ii, bawoo and gaplant).... those kits really have not aged all that well...
And because im insane enough, my next kit was a RG full armor unicorn gundam, took me a whole week to complete (includind adding all the decals).
So even tho i think i mighy have had the worst start into gunpla, I still love it.
I'd recommend the Zeta Master Grade (Specifically the Ver.Ka version released two years ago, makes all the difference)
It's like the RG Zeta but larger and better in every conceivable way. The transformation is smooth, doesn't fuck up the stability of the suit during, before, or after, and is far more detailed and visually appealing. Would be good to have in robot form to complement your permanently Waverider'd RG Zeta.
The "Planedam Mode" is called a Mobile Armor Mode, or specifically Waverider when it comes to the Zeta.
Consider the fact that its design was aesthetics first, screw the feasibility (of making it toy) to a point that its successor ZZ was designed by sponsor/ toy manufacturer first to make it merchandisable. Meanwhile it took almost couple of decades for Zeta model or even Cho Gokin toys to come out with anime-faithful look. It didn't help that the design wasn't even finalized at the start of TV broadcast either (hence the black shaded thingy at the 1st opening).
Meanwhile, every single variable fighters of Macross franchise have Lego block prototype built by Shoji Kawamori to ensure transformation is possible.
I bought this build twice. Both of them snapped in the same spot the first time I transformed it. The tiny clip holding the left leg onto the body. Specifically the left one, both times. Same leg, but the next part out into the leg.
Now that you've explored the hand grenade section of Gunpla I suggest checking out the ones with notoriously large sticker sheets like the HGIBO Gusion Rebake Full City. It would be interesting to see if you'll decide to use every sticker or just give up and give the thing a full paint job
I'd be interested for you to try out a HG from the start of the modern line. I've recently been on a ZZ kick and building the old HGs from that and its impressive how much the quality has improved in the last 25 years. Its like night and day between any of the Witch from Mercury line (2022-2023) and the Mashmyre Custom Zaku III I built (HG #3 from 1999) in terms of not just details and ease of assembly but just quality of molds and quality of plastic being used
"it wasnt really that bad" *starts tearing apart on ur hands*
I'm also very new to this hobby and haven't built this kit (and probably wont), but yeah like people in the comments and you yourself have said, it really seems like one of those things where if its your first RG it doesn't seem *that* bad until you try moving it and everything starts falling off, but once you know how much better it gets its terrible, *plus* the added wrinkle of this being a niche hobby, so whenever they see someone getting into it they get a bit over-cautious out of fear that a bad experience could drive someone off. For recommendations, I can *personally* vouch for the RG God gundam, absolutely fantastic kit and the first RG I ever built, I've heard nothing but incredible things about the RG Hi-Nu Gundam, and if you want a villain mobile suit rather than another Gundam, I've heard that so long as you keep its fragile shoulders in mind, the RG Sazabi is a beautiful kit. Also for High Grades wanna recommend the Gouf Custom, not because its an incredible build or anything, most of the witch from mercury kits probably feel better to put together, I just really like that specific mobile suit, and it'd be a good idea to get some more standard kits anyways
I recommend the MG Barbatos, its such a fun build which comes out amazing looking. It has these pistons all over the joins that move and just look cool in general.
Theres a RX78 RG 2.0 coming out soon that will be the most modern High Grade, the RX93 Nu Gundam is a really good real grade to try out
Buy yourself a RG Tallgeese. I would be absolutely right up your alley, it looks like a giant spartan/white knight mech, totally could pass for something out of 40k, and its one of the GOOD RGs out there.
My first Gunpla model was the RG Atray Red Frame and it was great.
Zeta was my 1st and only gundam. Ngl I didn't find it so hard to build, just a little fragile for the transformation, but I can see your point man.
I've built two P-Bandai ones and a regular variant in Wave Rider mode. Never had issues and painted them. It's not a bad kit if you know what you're doing. I've had worse experiences with the early HIRM ones and the RG Sinanju waist. Worked with Non-Bandai ones too, part of the whole experience is working on the kit because they're not supposed to be easy like Lego.
If you can get one, the RG Hi-Nu is goated. If you want another hand grenade, the Victory Gundam Ver. Ka still haunts my nightmares.
But the one I recommend the most is the HG Moon Gundam. One of the most fun HG builds I've ever done and the detail is as close to RG as HG is gonna get
goes from one of the top 5 worst kits 2 of the top 10 best kits i have built over 250 kits i can confirm
The rg Zeong and the rh God gundam are both fantastic!
I hope you check out the RG Unicorn gundam came out 5 years later. Has a internal transformation gimmick as well
now you have to experience the other side of the spectrum... RG Hi-Nu Gundam. Absolute peak (but you'll have to get him an action base 5 cuz his backpack is way to heavy sometimes)
You should try the RG Epyon next for comparison. It's also a transforming gundam (into a two-headed dragon instead of a jet) but it's one of the best RG kit ever
Shit falls apart more then me at social gatherings
The fact you went with the 2012 Zeta.. true pain..
They need to start making magnetic parts in model kits. That way, they won't fall apart as easily.
for my first RG i bought Wing, Wing zero EW, and destiny they were pretty fun to build
This is the "Sekiro" in gunpla, the "Darksouls" on RG
If you want to torture your self get a mechanicore model. Its a chinese "third party" model.
Paul call it crazy I hope you may try since you're getting used to your airbrush, I hope you take the opportunity to paint gunpla. Also you would probably see another RG like the Eva line would be interesting to see
You chose two excellent kits. The Epyon is one of my favorite builds. The MG Barbatos is one I would highly highly suggest building.
honestly I want to try this myself too but my least fav so far has been the RG Freedom, the wings are just perpetually loose and do not hold up at all!
up next you should do the first ever perfect grade, the PG EVA-01
One of my friends have 2 of these models. 1 in each mode. He said it was easier to show both versions and the kit wasn't too bad price wise when he grabbed them around 2014.
You should get the RG epyon. Has a transforming gimmick too that's a modern day RG
If you ever just want, like, a simple, no stress build that's both dirt cheap and very effective in terms of engineering, articulation, and paintability that *isn't* a hand grenade, may I suggest the HGAC 1/144 Leo? It's the gruntiest grunt that ever grunted gruntily.
mg did the transformation part miles better because of the much solid frame piece , if you keen on trying zeta type kit, delta plus or new ver ka zeta , rezel from mg are pretty nice
For a better experience with real grades. I suggest you try the RG Gundam Epyon. I just finished my own, and its amazing. its one of the more modern Real Grades, so its great. It transforms into a 2 headed dragon. Its dope.
My condolences, even if you were warned, no one deserves to suffer that bad
You will definitely like the RG Hi-Nu Gundam or the RG Sazabi
I would personally recommend the real grade sazabi. As you have not
tried a zeon kit. However, my personal favorite is the rg gundam MKII. Both are beautiful and fun kits.
Ultimately, though, my Rg Hi-Nu gundam is my center piece. I gave it a full custom paint job, 3rd party accessories and components, custom decal work, metal parts, inner frame, and light piping.
As much as I love my MKII. It is the adviser to the King HI-NU. Ain't nothing takes that throne.
Older kits with simple designs are fine.
Older kits with lots of colors or tiny colored parts usually have stickers (modern HG kits still does in fact)
Older kits, especially with curved surfaces and/or those that needed 3 dimensional pieces have seem line and mold line issues. You can still see them in modern kits its just for some of them Bandai hid it better or if bandai really went out with the molds they molded parts as a single piece tho they may still have mold lines.
Now that you've experienced the valley of RG, you should do the peak of RG, the RG Hi-Nu gundam (or the RG Sazabi but I may be a little biased)
honestly there is no bad gunpla kits, just special ones emphasis on the special
rg sinanju, 00 gundam , quan[t], gp-01 full burnern having issues staying together due to using a frame that was never meant to hold some of the heavier designs
rg unicorn having the reverse problem of other rgs in that if you dont fiddle with it the joints become so tight you WILL break its shoulder
hg tristan the most underwelming release not because its bad but because its a 2018 kit remold of a 2001 kit
also about the sinanju it has a gloss coating, beautifull till you see the cutting marks
you should follow up with the MG Zeta ver Ka, it’s super recent and everyone send to love it! or the PGU
Try the RG Sinanju. If this one fell apart thanks to the transformation, then don’t worry, that one spontaneously detonates even without it 😃(looks beautiful tho)