Sorry for the Rant:

I finally got around and clear my only backlog. A RG Astray Red Frame, I was hyped back then but I just didnt have any time for two months I think.

Overall, I am dis-appointed though it offers unique construction cause of it being an ASTRAY. I think the recent RG I build have raised my standard on RG (Astrae F and 00 Raiser) plus the fact that this is a SEED unit without heavy backpack.

My main cons are:
1. The ugly face vent is too distracting, this element is expected on RG but this can be addressed (at least on my end) by tilting the head down like it is looking down while looking left or right (45 degrees). On Astray, this articulation is severely limited by the fins on the chest part.

2. Waist joint is severely the main cause of my frustration, the previous Seed frame are more sturdy when it is new and it will only be a problem if you slap in their heavy back pack and after playing it. This kit had similar problem while I havent played it at all and without any back pack to be a problem.

3. Leg to waist connection is too thin. If I havent read that note on some discussion, I would have broke the said connector cause even while careful, I already cause a stress mark on it while trying to do a bending pose.

4. There is no way to make the astray hold the sword sheath.

Having potential 72 frame does not mean there will be 72 in the show. Some frames can be used in Manga or OVA based on the IBO universe but still, even combined, I doubt they can introduce all 72.

I personally prefer a Sinanju on that list. Flipping that small armors on Unicorn on 1/144 scale will frustrate the hell out of me but I am still okay if they still decide to go with Unicorn.

That statement is general and most of the time copy pasted for each entry and wording usually differs per branch. But in general, it just says "this is a used good and not brand new, align your expectation. Dated items has a chance to yellow both in box and content.

What I usually do for hot items is buy them outright and send a follow email asking for pictures. They actually reply within a few day with pictures.

must be in-accurate in anime, though it seems that Graze ein is like a MS in the UC era where 20meter is normal while other are from other universe like 16 to 18m?

13cm is around 21 to 22meter, graze is 18meter based on internet info.

Bandai is releasing effect parts for the freedom 2.0. They will also release a bundled release with special coating similar to metal build. This will come with special marking I think. I will pass though, as I saw on the previous preview, most armor parts are not under gated.

you are actually buying a 1/100 kit lol

OT: New macross is airing now, new kits will be out in June-July. The new show has many tie-up with multiple plamo company so I do understand that there is impression that Bandai might be focusing on that line but I dis-agree. The slowdown of new MG has been noticeable. Most of the "new" kits last year are based on existing molds, even ver. Ka was a let down since it is based on a very dated V gundam.


That new Freedom is really sexy though, they have added metal build-esque proportion, there are lots of surface details and there is the added articulation.

My favorite part will probably the whole leg assembly. (calves, the heat sink like thruster at the rear to name a few).

This post has been edited by chyll2: Apr 8 2016, 02:37 PM

hobbysearch usually have lower discount compared to HLJ and shipping is approximately the same. I prefer HLJ over hobbysearch but there are times that hobbysearch is cheaper or some tools are still available outright on their site.

based on some review I saw, there are minor differences between the frame though what was not tackled is those minor differences is enough to prevent the usage of Gusion armor parts.

g-self at HLJ for only 400 yen (same with G-Arcane)

http://hlj.com/product/BAN993228/Gun

more of personal preference but Matt/flat is the more popular choice. Matt/flat also helps hide minimal imperfections that might be visible in semi-gloss.

this dude know his stuff. The video is long enough and edited just to show the important aspect of the kit.

@vcky
looks like pre-shaded with dark color or black paint after the primer, Then painted equally with the color of choice (pre shade will bleed and make an un-even color tone)

afaik, that model is very small kit so it might be really hard with spray can, the shift in color on the edge/side might be more doable.

This post has been edited by chyll2: May 5 2016, 02:33 PM

http://tw.gundam.info/topics/white/87334

pretty much the reason why I dont own any sinanju.

P-bandai effect for Freedom 2.0, imo, is not worth it. I want the waterslides though and unfortunately, bandai seems to stuff introducing new separate decal products.

you are correct but from what I know based on the newsfeed before, the water slide from special coating has more marking than the water slide included in the stand-alone p-bandai effect part.

P-Bandai Freedom both got Water slide decal. No need to be confused. 3rd party decal, some are good. Bandai on the record does not really provide quality water slide decal, you will know when you handle other water slide from different brand.

reprinted/copied decal from China though are mostly garbage.