| MG
1/100 RB-79 Ball Ver. Ka
Series: Master Grade (MG) 1/100 Title: RB-79 Ball Ver. Ka Release Date: 12/2004 Suggested Price: ¥ 2000 No. of Parts: 5 runners + wire + 2 metal rods + polycaps Plastic colors: white, grayish-white, gray, black, red, transparent Gimmicks: 180mm cannon (fixed armament), display base
Contributor: Wilson “Oruma Yar” Lam Date: August 23, 2005 June, UC 0079: The Earth Federation Force is still in a deadly struggle with the invading force from Principality of Zeon. However, counter-offensives are already hatching to retake the space theatre. After designing the standard mass-production MS the GM, another prototype is designed to supply mid-range support for the GMs. That prototype will strike fear into the hearts of Zeon soldiers, and become famous as the Federation’s powerful mobile weapon—Ball?! Ever since its appearance in Mobile Suit Gundam, the Ball has been a favorite among Gundam fans as one of the most beloved cannon fodder mechas. Finally, after almost a quarter century’s time, the Ball is remodeled by master designer Hajime Katoki into a Master Grade model kit. The model itself is primarily based on RB-79C, the refined Ball from the OVA Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory.
This is the largest and most important part of the whole model. Construction of the main body is not particularly difficult. Like all new Master Grade models, the Ball model is composed of an inner “skeleton” of mechanical details plus detachable armor plates. After combining the core pieces of the Mobile Pod, you go on to build up the inner mechanical form of the Ball. The interior is beautifully detailed. The “eye” (with red frame): serves as both the main window and cockpit hatch of the Ball. It can be opened to reveal the cockpit seat and pilot inside. The “eye” window itself is transparent with a green glint; some may prefer to paint it into an actual green. Thrusters: numerous thrusters all over the Ball, but the primary ones are the two thrusters on the back and the one at the bottom of the Ball. The two at the back are ball-jointed, so they can move around; the bottom thruster, however, has no joints, and is too small to balance the Ball. Thus, the model cannot “stand” on the bottom thruster alone. Armor plates: grayish white color, they can be snapped onto the Ball’s internal frame quite easily. There are two “handles” on top and under the Eye: the model’s mold, however, are too white in color, so I would recommend re-painting them.
For the Ball, there are arms but no humanoid hands; instead, each arm has a manipulator plus a sub-manipulator, which are used to handle large objects when necessary. The upper manipulators require a little more care and patience when modeling; there are wires which must be cut and knotted with precision. Two pieces of metal rods are used on the arms as well, giving the Ball a more realistic feel. The two arms are fit onto a bottom section (the equivalent of a lower waist/crotch), which is then fit onto the bottom side of the Ball.
180mm cannon- The reliable, 21-round weapon is the Ball’s only weapon. Not particularly complicated, the cannon is fitted onto the top of the Ball. It can rotate 360 degrees around, point 15 degrees up or 30 degrees down. Display base- The other accessory for the Ball. It is supposed to be the stand for the Ball when it is repaired. In the case of the model, though, the Ball cannot “stand” on its own, so it must be placed on the base to be displayed.
Some additional notes before closing: -Coloring- The basic coloring is done well and can be tolerated without painting. -You know there aren’t supposed to be any, so don’t complain about lack of accessories. -Posing the Ball with both manipulator arms at the same angle requires some skill. You just can’t get it quite right… -Posing the Ball (II): one can try to pose the Ball by hanging it via the white clips on the cannon. It will be interesting to see a scene of GM & Ball VS Zaku…a battle of cannon fodders!! -The instruction paper includes an interview with designer Hajime Katoki. Naturally, this is quite different from your standard MG models. Pose-ability is limited compare to other models. However, I must say that the Ball is worth its ¥ 2000 price, and quite a delight to add to my model collection. It is currently serving as pen-holder on my desktop. |
