Project V (Part 2)

Last weekend I've started the tedious but necessary task of disassembling my V Gundam kits in order to prepare the parts for gluing.  Despite the hurdles I've had along the way, I succeeded, but not before trying one last experiment.

Yep, I've finally broke out the Weapons for Mobile-Suit add-on parts.  Now we really get to see what's inside.

Molded on 2 runners are parts for beam rifles, cannons, bazookas, a gatling gun, a pistol and a head variant for the 1/144 V2 Gundam.  The set also throws in a plethora of stickers that I'm unlikely to use in most sittings, and building instructions that suggest what goes where.

Also forgot the 2 sets of polycap hands included in the set; 2 pairs of open palms, clenched fists and trigger fingers, along with side-skirt armor to mount weapons.

On the back of each runner, you'll notice holes in the fists and open palms.  I'll go see if I can fill them with putty . . . eventually.

Before taking it apart, I tried out the shoulder cannons meant for the Zoloat.  Both are fixed to the holes in Zoloat's backpack; a simple construct.  Trying out the hands, however, resulted in one hand nearly popping out its socket (the curved handle of the rifle was forcing it out).  For the Javelin, I've chosen a beam bazooka to replace its rifle.

So that's pretty much it for now.  Join me next time for Part 3 of Project V.  Until then . . .

So true, sooo true.

Review: 1/144 NG Javelin

General/Technical Data

Series: No Grade 1/144

Title: RGM-122 Javelin

Release Date: 05/1993

Suggested Price: ¥ 500 ($7)

No. of Parts: 51 + Polycaps + Foil Stickers

Plastic Colors: Turquoise, White, Translucent Pink

Gimmicks: Beam Rifle, Shot Lancers (2), Beam Sabers (2), Beam Shield, Display Base

Intro

Another entry from the Victory Gundam line, I built the Javelin (which I always call the Valiant for some reason) alongside the Zoloat.  Designed in the same vein, it's as dated in model form as it is on the show.

Head

The head consists of 2 halves, with the visor protruding from the back.  Stickers are included for the visor and face.

Torso

The photo above should describe the construction of the chest better than what was written for the Zoloat's review.  All stickers pertaining to the torso go on the chest.

At the center of this photo is the backpack, composed of 2 large parts.  Surrounding it are a pair of "Shot Lancers"--basically rocket-powered lances--that hoist onto the backpack.  Watching closely, you'll notice the Lancers have polycaps made of the same polystyrene plastic as the rest of the kit, instead of the soft ABS plastic that's always used.  This would present a problem if and when these joints wear themselves out.  You'll also notice that, having built the Lancers in haste, I've left out the folding handle that the Javelin can grab on to.

The lower torso is basically the same as the Zoloat's, except the side skirt armor's a lot smaller by comparison.

Arms

As with the rest of the kit, the arms are similar to the Zoloat's in terms of construction.  Once fixed onto their respective ball joints in the torso, The shoulder armor, with a tiny thruster piece on the side (first pic), overlaps the exposed shoulder.  The left arm includes a compartment for the beam shield.

Legs

Having about 3 points of articulation, the legs have thrusters molded onto the knee armor and a tiny hole on the side for attaching the included rifle.  My main concern is that the foot is composed of 2 parts that fit loosely at the heel, which is hallow on both sides.

Weapons & Accessories

Besides the Shot Lancers, Javelin's arsenal includes a standard beam rifle, which has holes on the side and a peg to attach to the legs.  It's also pretty small compared to the weaponry of other kits in the same scale.  Next is the beam shield affixed to the left arm with a generator piece, and a pair of beam sabers; one straight, one curved.  As with Zoloat, translucent parts for a display stand with a backdrop card (which has MS data on the back) is also included.

Conclusion

Thrusters, thrusters everythere!  With so many verniers sticking out of the body, Javelin--though looking pretty goofy even for a battle robot--should have no problem in the propulsion department.  In real life, this is basically Zoloat molded in turquoise, and with a better-fitting shield.

Overall Rating: 3 Verniers Out of 5.