Kit Review

Straight build

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Frame and armor separated

SD frame front and back shots

Weapons loadout

The shield handle can be folded down and stored underneath.

SD RX-78-2 Gundam - Typical SD articulation — the shoulders rotate and the legs move slightly forward and back, that's about

Typical SD articulation — the shoulders rotate and the legs move slightly forward and back, that's about it.

The ankle armor is attached to the front of the foot via a ball joint, so it moves around freely.

The beam saber does move slightly forward and back.

Action poses

Together with the old-school SD, BB Senshi, and SD-EX Standard First Gundam.

The RX-78-2 Gundam has launched as the first kit in SDCS, the new SD lineup. The basic concept is a shared SD frame with only the armor swapped out per unit. The proportions have been redesigned in a more modern style, closer to the EX-Standard than the old BB Senshi.

The color separation is noticeably better than previous SD kits, keeping seal usage to a minimum — and as a result, the straight build looks a lot better too. Articulation-wise, the arms and legs are solid single pieces with no mid-limb joints, typical SD style, but the other moving parts have been improved, making poses feel more natural. Joint strength is solid across the board, and parts don't really pop off due to weak retention.

Also, since there's an internal frame, the hollow gaps you'd normally see on SD kits are almost completely gone. If you're into painting, that means a lot less puttying work — definitely a welcome change.

On top of the included SD frame, SDCS also has a separately sold CS (Cross Silhouette) frame available. The key feature is that swapping the frame changes both the proportions and articulation. To see what the RX-78-2 Gundam looks like with the CS frame installed, check out the SDCS RX-78-2 Gundam & Frame Set Reviewfor that.

Anyway, as a major redesign of the SD series for the first time in 20 years since BB Senshi, it delivers noticeably better quality in every way. The price has gone up a little to match, but this is a fantastic kit I'd recommend to SD fans and all Gunpla fans alike. :-)

SD RX-78-2 Gundam | 2018.6 | ¥800

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.