MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.3.0 [Body Unit Completed, Body Unit Part 5 of 5]

As someone who prefers an orderliness to the build process, I had divided up assembly of the Body Unit into specific build sections i.e. the Inner Frame, Outer Panels, Ransel/Backpack and Head. Breaking up a larger body of work into smaller pieces not only made the build processes much more manageable but it also had an added advantage of invoking a greater sense of accomplishment. This is important to stave off the dreaded hobby malaise - a scourge that has resulted in many a scale model kit or miniature figurine to be abandoned half-finished and left in storage to gather dust.  

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0: Body Unit (three-quarter view from the front) 

Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0: Body Unit (three-quarter view from the back)

In the series of photos shown here, you would've noticed the LED lights weren't switched on. That I will leave for after the Head Unit has been attached to the Body Unit. Inside the Body Unit is a huge cavity which houses the LED Unit in the upper torso and the Core Fighter in the lower torso. First though, the fighter will have to be transformed into a compact form before it can fit into the cavity space. But since there is a single molded piece that mimics the fighter in its 'folded-in' form, it's likely I'll paint that part and use it in lieu of the actual Core Fighter which will be displayed separately.

RX-78-2 Gundam's Body Unit completed and awaiting its Head, Arm and Waist/Leg Units

After the neck is attached the LED Unit will be housed within the upper torso, and in order to ...

 ... access to the light's on/off swtich, the Ransel (Backpack) has to be temporarily detached from the torso

Thus far the color scheme is a mix of primary colors, metallic hues, white and a bluish dark grey

Up to this stage, the only complaint I have of this excellent kit is that only sticker decals are provided for detailing work. I prefer either water decals or at least dry transfer decals, both of which provide a more realistic finish. While water decals for this specific kit are available as a standalone purchase, they seem to be out of stock at my favorite Japan online store for the moment. Anyway, below is a series of photos starting with a top down view, then transitioning to a bottom up view.

Top down view of the completed RX-78-2 Gundam (Master Grade Version 3.0) Body Unit

Clear part atop the neck serves to redirect light from the LED Unit upwards towards the Head Unit

Front view of the completed RX-78-2 Gundam Body Unit

Cavity within the lower torso eventually houses the Core Fighter (or a single molded piece resembling the fighter)

Bottom up view of the completed RX-78-2 Gundam (Master Grade Version 3.0) Body Unit

Work on the 1/100 scale Master Grade RX-78-2 Gundam Version 3.0 is progressing surprisingly well, moving along faster than expected. Actual completed work has gone much further ahead of the blog posts, so much so I'm thinking of posting twice a week if I can find the time. For now, I plan to give you, my dear readers, a short break from Gundam, which admittedly isn't everyone's cup of tea. So for the upcoming two posts I plan to reveal the 1/12 scale Race Queen figurine - from her final stages up to the completed photos and videos. All's fine and I feel good. So I leave you for now with the immortal words of Freddie Mercury circa 1985 during Live Aid ... All Right!