Series: High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) 1/144
Title: RX-77D Guncannon Mass Production Type
Release Date: 02/2004
Suggested Price: ¥ 1000
No. of Parts: 80+
Plastic colors: red, dark olive green, black
Gimmicks: retractable 280mm cannon, high poseability

Introduction

Contributor: Winn Sevilla
Date: September 18, 2004

I've never really liked the Guncannon - the bulky, roundish kiddie design just gives it away. However when the 0080 OVA was shown I saw its supposedly mass-produced version - the RX-77D. It was just pitiful Bandai never thought of putting it into any kit form except for the expensive "integral" resin. I snagged this baby once it was available at a local shop and constructed it at home immediately, much to my heart's content. I would admit though, when I was constructing this kit, it strangely felt like a Macross Destroid... (a Kawamori effect?!)

After the success of its mass produced "GM" the Earth Federation proceeded to mass-produce one of its prototype mobile suits: the mid-range fire support RX-77 Guncannon. The RX-77D's design however has been modified to ease production costs: titanium ceramic composite armor was used instead of luna titanium and the core block system design was scrapped. To compensate for the revisions incurred, additional verniers were added to increase mobility and performance. Aside from its 230mm cannons, the MP Guncannon comes equipped with vulcan guns and a 90mm machine gun (instead of the prototype version's beam rifle). Only a few units were produced in the last few weeks of the One-Year War: two were assigned to the Pegasus class Gray Phantom's Scarlet Team while one unit was assigned to the White Dingo Team in Australia.

Box art- The box format is uses the same format for HGUC kits, with a CG art of the kit mixed with the actual illustration of the kit - the MP Guncannon shooting with one of its cannons still retracted.

Package- 3 runners in all for a bulky MS?! All molded according to each part's color.

Head

The head is composed of 5 parts, with each colored component a separate piece. There's no clear visor so you get a metallic green sticker instead. Details (EFSF crest, communications antenna, "helmet bar", 30mm vulcan guns) are well defined and articulation is quite fair.

Torso

Composed of predefined color parts while the crotch area's front skirt armor is articulated (for unrestricted sitting/kneeling poses). I just love the blockish design - makes it look a lot more buff and refined while the details are excellent in all aspects.

The backpack is composed of pre-colored parts (except for the verniers, which are red,) and by design, looks really cool compared to the prototype's design. I would warn you however to take caution when constructing this area - I broke off a portion the backpacks' cannon cover locking shaft which connects to the backpack because it was simply too thin. Plus, construction is not defined clearly by the manual so please study it first. (I strongly suggest you drill holes on the covers cooling holes to make it look better.)

Arms

Simple construction. The shoulder armors are massive and looks great. The elbow joints are covered with an "armor cover" which I find quite aesthetic. The lower arms look great too, despite the almost visible seam lines. The hands come in two sets: 1 pair closed fists while a right hand for holding the 90mm machine gun.

Legs

The upper legs, thanks to the front skirt armor look great, while the lower knee joints (there are two points of leg articulation) are hidden by the "armor covers" which allows the legs to swivel sideward! The lower legs' design looks fair although being less blocky. Foot articulation however, is excellent thanks to the wide range of motion. I would have to say, this kit is quite well balanced!

Weapons and Accessories

30mm vulcan gun- Well detailed in the head. Cool.

90mm machine gun- The 0083-style machine gun. Fits well into the assigned right hand. Honestly, Bandai should've at least given this kit a special MP version of the prototype's beam rifle, because I find it ironic for a Guncannon (whether prototype or mass-produced!) to have such a peashooter!

240mm cannons- The construction the cannons were complex to me at first but after careful hand-eye coordination, I managed to finish it. The cannons can be moves to retracted and positioned upwards for non-use and be extended and positioned to any desirable degree for firing poses. Also, the cannons do not come in contact with the head. Details are excellent here except for a certain flaw: the base of the cannons (that connect to the backpack) tend to loosen after some time - I would suggest that you glue them in place.

Conclusion

For an HGUC kit released in 2004, Bandai sure is making lots of improvements. Being a poseable and well-defined kit, the MP Guncannon is one bulky yet buffed-up cannon fodder! Kawamori fans, this is simply a must buy!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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