Is this gunpla? Universal Unit, RGM-79N GM Custom!
While browsing the local hobby store, I came across this! I had a selection of hobby tools and another kit in hand, and NO idea what a universal unit was, but for $10, I'll try it.
Apparently in Asia, these come with soda gum. The US distributor (bluefin) distributes a version without it, rather than try and deal with making sure they can safely import food overseas and whatever regulations are added there. I was informed by several other gunpla enthusiasts online and in person I'm not missing anything special. On to the build!
So its pretty simple. The box folds out to be "instructions". the parts aren't labeled, but with so few you know what they are. The body/head came assembled but is actually like 5 pieces (the 2 front skirt flaps turn up together, the torso slides up off the waist, the torso is 2 pieces, and the head comes off. THEY DO NOT DO GOOD NUB REMOVAL. I had some divots and stress on these pieces. Do not get these if you want to make them look perfect. You can still remove seams and nubs and sand down, but thats not really the point of them. I'm sad I didn't take good pictures, but it was late and I didn't really look at the pre assembled parts until really late into the build and so I just noticed the nubs and separation then, and I just went to work without taking pictures. Anyways, it assembled relatively quick, a lot like a high grade. The feet deserve special note, the ball joint was INCREDIBLY hard to put in, I had to get a flat spudger and set it on the table and really jam it with a lot of force to get it in, it wasn't going by hand at all. The feet have decent flexability with those ball joints, its got the articulation of an OLD HG, but enough to put it in a few poses.
one thing to note is apparently there are multiple versions of the kits with different accessories. As you can see, I got the GM custom, or kit 2 (which was clearly marked on the top of the box). What i didn't realize is there was a tiny "B" on the top of the box, this meant I got the sword and shield instead of just the gun. I prefer this, so yay, but at first I thought they just forgot the gun. Its got fine detail for something so small. Its cheap. You might be able to make it really nice with painting I guess. I'm happy I got one, but for like $5 more I'll probably almost always rather have another high grade. Still, if space is a concern, maybe you want small figures for a desk or a miniatures game or you just prefer them, these arent awful. and you can probably find them cheaper (I think MSRP is 500 yen).
And those joints do twist and hold in spot, with such a light model and firm plastic on plastic connection (it will weaken if you reposition TOO much). But look at this fine strut as Mr. GM makes his way downtown, the one legged pose works fine and super sturdy.
Apparently in Asia, these come with soda gum. The US distributor (bluefin) distributes a version without it, rather than try and deal with making sure they can safely import food overseas and whatever regulations are added there. I was informed by several other gunpla enthusiasts online and in person I'm not missing anything special. On to the build!
So its pretty simple. The box folds out to be "instructions". the parts aren't labeled, but with so few you know what they are. The body/head came assembled but is actually like 5 pieces (the 2 front skirt flaps turn up together, the torso slides up off the waist, the torso is 2 pieces, and the head comes off. THEY DO NOT DO GOOD NUB REMOVAL. I had some divots and stress on these pieces. Do not get these if you want to make them look perfect. You can still remove seams and nubs and sand down, but thats not really the point of them. I'm sad I didn't take good pictures, but it was late and I didn't really look at the pre assembled parts until really late into the build and so I just noticed the nubs and separation then, and I just went to work without taking pictures. Anyways, it assembled relatively quick, a lot like a high grade. The feet deserve special note, the ball joint was INCREDIBLY hard to put in, I had to get a flat spudger and set it on the table and really jam it with a lot of force to get it in, it wasn't going by hand at all. The feet have decent flexability with those ball joints, its got the articulation of an OLD HG, but enough to put it in a few poses.
one thing to note is apparently there are multiple versions of the kits with different accessories. As you can see, I got the GM custom, or kit 2 (which was clearly marked on the top of the box). What i didn't realize is there was a tiny "B" on the top of the box, this meant I got the sword and shield instead of just the gun. I prefer this, so yay, but at first I thought they just forgot the gun. Its got fine detail for something so small. Its cheap. You might be able to make it really nice with painting I guess. I'm happy I got one, but for like $5 more I'll probably almost always rather have another high grade. Still, if space is a concern, maybe you want small figures for a desk or a miniatures game or you just prefer them, these arent awful. and you can probably find them cheaper (I think MSRP is 500 yen).
And those joints do twist and hold in spot, with such a light model and firm plastic on plastic connection (it will weaken if you reposition TOO much). But look at this fine strut as Mr. GM makes his way downtown, the one legged pose works fine and super sturdy.
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