I built the RX-78-2 Ver. Ka back in 2006. I took a trip to Chinatown (NYC) and found a hobby shop (Initial D) and bought it along with a Gouf (1.0). It has been a very long time since I built this kit, so as I write this, I have the kit next to me. I will try my best to recall the events of the build and simply describe it; my likes and dislikes over the years it has been with me.

As a child and young adult, I had experience with building scale model cars, tanks, jet fighters, and many Lego (Technic included) kits, but I was a complete novice to Gunpla. I wasn’t too familiar with the grades and scales but was excited to know these were snap build kits, meaning I would not need glue. I talked briefly with the staff member on duty and walked around the small shop for maybe an hour looking around in awe of the selection. Having had some modeling experience, I felt comfortable with a larger kit with more parts, but my budget prevented me from going too big. That’s how I ended up choosing two Master Grade (MG) kits.

I chose to build the RX-78-2 first because it is the original Gundam from the series that started it all. As I built it, I remember being fascinated by the differences in the Ver. Ka model and what I knew the Gundam looked like in the original series.

I loved building the legs! Seeing the hydraulic pistons move in and out as the knee bent really impressed me. Also, I remember making sure the fabric over the pipes on the back of the knees did not come loose took quite a bit of time.

I was impressed with the gimmick in the waist rear to hold the bazooka. I liked the fact the backpack has four moving thruster bells. I was super impressed with the transforming core fighter that functioned as a core block.

Lastly, I like the larger size of the V-fin and feet, two things I didn’t really notice until after I built the RX-78 v3.0 many years later.

Although the arms are loose and it can barely hold up the shield and weapons, I did finally clean up some of the nub marks and panel line it. After nearly two decades with me, through multiple apartment moves, I still love my Original Gundam.

RX-78-2 Ver. Ka (2002)

MS-07B Gouf (2000)