| MG
1/100 MSA-003 Nemo
Series: Master Grade (MG) 1/100 Title: MSA-003 Nemo Release Date: 02/2006 Suggested Price: ¥ 2800 No. of Parts: 10 runners + polycaps Plastic colors: gray, deep blue, red, yellow, emerald green, transparent orange, transparent green Gimmicks: beam rifle, retractable shield, beam saber (2)
Contributor: Wilson “Oruma Yar” Lam Date: June 1, 2006 UC 0087: the tension between AEUG and Titans, two opposing factions of the EFF, finally precipitated in direct conflict. The outdated GM-II Mobile Suits of AEUG were at a disadvantage when battling Titans’ new MS, the Hi-Zack. Thus, AEUG enlisted Anaheim Electronics to develop a mass-production type MS for their use. The result was the unique GM variant known as the Nemo. At long last, the ordinary cannon-fodder Nemo of Zeta era is made into a Master Grade model kit. Using the latest model technology yet surprisingly inexpensive, this seems to be an interesting kit. I purchased the Nemo as soon as it becomes available in my area. As I soon discovered, however, the Nemo kit is far from ordinary. Let’s take a look.
The head is very similar to GM’s own, and for good reason: after all, Nemo is a “cousin” to the GM lineage. Although simple in construction, it looks quite good. The double-jointed neck allows movement of the head, but the armor plates prove difficult when you try to turn the head to the sides. Be careful when handling the antennae.
The advance in model technology can once again be seen here. The body of the Nemo is very simple in design, yet when assembled it allows an amazing range of movement. The shoulders can lift up and turn forward; the waist is ball-jointed; and the cockpit hatch can be opened. Yes, these features have all been seen before in other model kits, but no, never have they been done on a kit with so few pieces before. The Nemo is simply amazing. The two side skirt armors have holes for hanging the beam rifle; the rear skirt armor features two racks for the beam sabers. Simple but effective.
As a model, Nemo’s arms are molded after those of the new Gundam Mk II. Along with structures in the body section, the shoulders can tilt and stretch to a high degree of poseability. The shoulder armors are designed after those of Rick Dias. The elbows are quite articulate and allow the arm to reach its own shoulder. The hands are of the same type as Gundam OYW, Mk II 2.0 and Zeta Gundam 2.0. This means that they have ball-jointed bent fingers, plug in the palm for holding weapons, and forward/backward wrist movement. Plug-holes are present on both arms for the shield.
The Nemo has movable ball joints at the hip, double-jointed knees, ball-joint ankles and even upward/downward movement for the feet. Probably the most articulate MG model legs to date, the thigh and leg armor pieces of the Nemo can be detached to reveal the mechanical skeleton within. Nice.
The Nemo is rather limited in terms of weapons and accessories, as compared to the likes of Hizack or Rick Dias. However, it still maintains the basic weaponry: Beam rifle- The same type used by the GM II of this era, very similar to the beam rifle of GM Quel. May be stored on either side of the skirt armor. Beam saber- The two beam sabers can be carried in racks on the rear skirt armor. The model comes with two transparent-green “beams.” Shield- Perhaps the most complicated gimmick for this kit. The shield itself can alternate between battle mode and the retracted mode. There is no handle, however, and the shield must be carried with a specific gripper for the arm- the same mechanism for Mk-II and its shield. May be attached to either arm for use. *Ballute system- If you have purchased the recently remade Hyaku Shiki MG, the ballute system from that kit can be used on the Nemo as well. Minor pieces on the legs and backpack of Nemo can be removed to reveal plug-holes for installing this equipment.
How good is the latest Master Grade kit, the Nemo? VERY GOOD, in my humble opinion: despite the rather average gimmicks, the MS itself is well designed. Simple, articulate, yet the kit is not expensive at all. This kit is fast becoming the favorite in my collection. |
