RG Gundam RX-78-2 Ver 2.0 1/144

14 years of difference

(Picture, bottom, second from the right behind the tiny blue model, with the original RG to the left of it.) Real Grade started in 2010 with the RG#01 - It has 270 parts. 14 years later, the Ver. 2.0 almost doubles that amount, surpassing and rivaling most Master Grade kits. To see the stark difference between the Real Grades, look up the inner frame of the 2010 RG#01 and have a bit of a laugh. Design wise it is similar to the Perfect Grade Unleashed with a deluge of details, but moreso in the way that the multi layered inner frame is built up. While I personally prefer the 3.0 and RG#01 colors and design, there's no questioning that the Ver. 2.0 is a very good looking kit (and mechanically far superior). The midsection is very solid with the core fighter in place and has a great ab-crunch due to the several bending points inside the chest and in the core fighter. It should be noted that most RX-78-02 kits, this especially includes HG's, are special in some way, since it's the original Gundam that Bandai wants to set an example with, each time. Beyond Global, Origin, G40 even the Entry Grade version, all have something interesting to offer in terms of plastic model kits. The MG 2.0, for example, is an anime accurate version with tons of options, while the 3.0 along with the RG#01 are the same as the gundam statue (replaced by unicorn). The RG Ver. 2.0 is more of a 'build experience' product.

The latest Grandpa

This is my first Real Grade kit after only building High Grades, and damn, this exactly what I wanted from Gunpla. The details are amazing, it moves amazingly, and the build is very fun and complex. I see now why some people say "they only build Real Grades". This is just peak Gunpla. A must-buy.

Great kit.

I now see why this kit is receiving the praise it gets. The build is solid but not too tight to move the joints, the kit was a blast to build, and I personally really like the color separation of the white with some gray-ish panels, really giving the kit visual interest. Also the textured lens stickers are really cool and enjouable to look at. If you want to have a nice looking RX-78-2 that doesn't take much space, I don't see a reason to see past this one.