OLD First Gundam

1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model Box
Release 1981.11
Price ¥2,500
BANDAI BANDAI Japan product info
OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Runners (1/6) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Runners (2/6) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Runners (3/6) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Runners (4/6) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Runners (5/6) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Runners (6/6)

Runners

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The runner lineup is actually pretty colorful.

The runner lineup is actually pretty colorful.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Clear runners

Clear runners

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Seals to attach to the stand.

Seals to attach to the stand.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (accidentally deleted the photos for the stand and weapons parts diagr OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (accidentally deleted the photos for the stand and weapons parts diagr OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (accidentally deleted the photos for the stand and weapons parts diagr OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (accidentally deleted the photos for the stand and weapons parts diagr OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (accidentally deleted the photos for the stand and weapons parts diagr

Parts diagram (accidentally deleted the photos for the stand and weapons parts diagrams T_T)

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (1/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (2/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (3/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (4/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (5/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (6/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (7/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (8/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (9/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (10/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (11/12) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Manual (12/12)

Manual

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Various angles (1/5) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Various angles (2/5) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Various angles (3/5) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Various angles (4/5) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Various angles (5/5)

Various angles

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Upper and lower body from the front. (1/2) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Upper and lower body from the front. (2/2)

Upper and lower body from the front.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Frame detail shots (1/5) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Frame detail shots (2/5) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Frame detail shots (3/5) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Frame detail shots (4/5) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Frame detail shots (5/5)

Frame detail shots

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Back and bottom views, for anyone who's curious. (1/2) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Back and bottom views, for anyone who's curious. (2/2)

Back and bottom views, for anyone who's curious.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The backing panel is a cardboard sheet with the internal machinery printed on it.

The backing panel is a cardboard sheet with the internal machinery printed on it.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Metal parts for the light bulb connection

Metal parts for the light bulb connection

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Red and black wires are also included — half are used for the bulb connections, and

Red and black wires are also included — half are used for the bulb connections, and the other half are purely for detail purposes.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The wires included with this kit are way too thin, as you can see with the left arro

The wires included with this kit are way too thin, as you can see with the left arrow... (Are these microfibers or something?!) They're so flimsy they could snap easily, so I swapped them out for some craft wires I picked up locally — the two thicker ones shown on the right.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Also, since this kit doesn't include any bulbs, I used 3mm diameter LEDs that are ea

Also, since this kit doesn't include any bulbs, I used 3mm diameter LEDs that are easy to find at any hobby shop. (See the old 1/60 review for reference.)

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - After routing the wires inside the frame, I used scotch tape to hold them in place. OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - After routing the wires inside the frame, I used scotch tape to hold them in place.

After routing the wires inside the frame, I used scotch tape to hold them in place. Without it, the wires just flop around everywhere and it's a real pain to keep them positioned.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Fitting the LEDs inside the legs too..

Fitting the LEDs inside the legs too..

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Some of the wires are used like this to add internal wiring detail to the frame.

Some of the wires are used like this to add internal wiring detail to the frame.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The wires run through the inside of the right leg like this, then connect to the pow OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The wires run through the inside of the right leg like this, then connect to the pow

The wires run through the inside of the right leg like this, then connect to the power supply and switch on the stand through a hole in the sole of the foot.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - An LED goes in at the eye position as well.

An LED goes in at the eye position as well.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - At the front of the head, the leftover wires are used in a neat way to complete the

At the front of the head, the leftover wires are used in a neat way to complete the internal wiring detail..

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - For the torso, the instructions say to choose one spot for the bulb — either the Cor

For the torso, the instructions say to choose one spot for the bulb — either the Core Fighter cockpit or the crotch area — but if you have enough wire to spare, you can do both, so I went ahead and put LEDs in both spots.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The wires from the head bulb run through the inside of the torso and connect to the

The wires from the head bulb run through the inside of the torso and connect to the leg wires.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Insert 2 AA batteries into the bottom of the stand as shown and close the cover to s OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Insert 2 AA batteries into the bottom of the stand as shown and close the cover to s

Insert 2 AA batteries into the bottom of the stand as shown and close the cover to set up the power supply.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Assemble the arms, legs, Core Fighter, etc. while carefully managing the wire routin

Assemble the arms, legs, Core Fighter, etc. while carefully managing the wire routing..

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Before closing the torso cover.

Before closing the torso cover.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The shape of the head antenna differs before and after exposing the half-frame.

The shape of the head antenna differs before and after exposing the half-frame.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The light switch is located on the back of the stand.

The light switch is located on the back of the stand.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The lights turned on.

The lights turned on.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Four spots light up — the eyes, crotch, cockpit interior, and knees.. but honestly t OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Four spots light up — the eyes, crotch, cockpit interior, and knees.. but honestly t OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Four spots light up — the eyes, crotch, cockpit interior, and knees.. but honestly t OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Four spots light up — the eyes, crotch, cockpit interior, and knees.. but honestly t

Four spots light up — the eyes, crotch, cockpit interior, and knees.. but honestly the lighting effect feels a bit underwhelming for all the work that went into it. T_T

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - You can also put the armor back on the exposed frame sections.

You can also put the armor back on the exposed frame sections.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Fully armored look (1/2) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Fully armored look (2/2)

Fully armored look

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Viewed from the front, you can see gaps at the joining surfaces.

Viewed from the front, you can see gaps at the joining surfaces.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - It's a Mechanical Model that stands fixed in place, but the weapon loadout is actual

It's a Mechanical Model that stands fixed in place, but the weapon loadout is actually pretty solid.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The beam saber has a beam part made of red plastic that you can pop in and out.

The beam saber has a beam part made of red plastic that you can pop in and out.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - A total of 4 hands are included.

A total of 4 hands are included.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - The legs have no articulation, but the shoulders, elbows, and neck can move to some

The legs have no articulation, but the shoulders, elbows, and neck can move to some degree.

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Beam saber pose (1/2) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Beam saber pose (2/2)

Beam saber pose

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Bazooka pose (1/2) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Bazooka pose (2/2)

Bazooka pose

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Beam javelin pose (1/2) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Beam javelin pose (2/2)

Beam javelin pose

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Beam rifle pose (1/2) OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Beam rifle pose (2/2)

Beam rifle pose

OLD 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model - Alongside the old 1/100 and 1/60 Gundams. With the stand and backdrop, the overall v

Alongside the old 1/100 and 1/60 Gundams. With the stand and backdrop, the overall volume is about the same as the 1/60.

Among the unique lineups that give you a glimpse of the early Gunpla spirit, there's something called the Mechanical Model — a product that maximizes the mechanical aesthetic by exposing the frame on one half of the body. Two kits, Gundam and Zaku, were released in November 1981. This kit is the RX-78 Gundam Mechanical Model released at that time, and it looks just like one of those internal mechanic diagrams from an old Gundam comic book brought to life in three dimensions. ^^

First off, 1/72 is a scale you rarely see in Gunpla — it's an oddball one. As the number suggests, it sits between 1/100 and 1/60, leaning closer to the 1/60 side. As you can see in the comparison photos above, factoring in the stand and backdrop, it has about the same volume as a 1/60 kit, and thanks to its larger size, the internal frame could be depicted with a fair amount of detail.

The frame structure only exposes the right side — the left arm and left leg have no frame, just the outer armor. The right arm, right leg, torso, and head have the full frame built in, with only half of it exposed. The mechanical frame design is a bit dated, but considering the molding technology of the time, it's quite well made, and the use of wire parts for detail accents here and there gives it a surprisingly impressive look.

In particular, metal parts and wiring are included so you can insert separately purchased bulbs into four spots — the head, Core Fighter cockpit interior, crotch, and knees — for a lighting effect. I separately bought 3mm diameter LEDs (the same ones used in the old 1/60 kit) and installed them. However, the included wires were too thin to be suitable for power connections, so I replaced them with appropriately thick wires that are easy to find at any electronics store.

The wiring work for the lighting is pretty tedious — it took far more time and effort to route and connect all the wires than it did to actually build the kit. And after all that, when I popped in 2 AA batteries at the bottom of the stand and flipped the switch, the lighting effect was honestly a bit disappointing. T_T If you're not confident about dealing with complex wiring, it's totally fine to skip it.

Separate armor parts are also included for the exposed frame sections, so if you put them on you can build it as a normal 1/72 First Gundam. The gaps at the joining surfaces are pretty noticeable so it doesn't look the cleanest, but the color separation is actually better than the 1/100 or 1/60 versions, so even a straight straight build gives you better visuals than you'd expect.

Since the main point is the exposed frame, articulation is kept to a minimum — the legs are completely fixed in place (literally glued to the stand), but the shoulders, arms, and neck do have basic movement. The weapons are also pretty well stocked, including a beam rifle, shield, and beam saber, plus even a beam javelin.

This kit has such a unique concept, and true to its old-school roots, you get a satisfying build experience and a surprisingly large finished product for the affordable price of ¥2500. The color separation is also better than you'd expect, making it a fun kit to just build straight out of the box without any painting or modifications. That said, given the nature of the kit, painting the frame nicely would make it look absolutely stunning. Either way, this is a nostalgic item well worth recommending to old-school fans who have a soft spot for the romance of the '80s. :-) [ Updated at 2016.7.5 ]

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.