Sunday, December 25, 2011

Bandai: EXP001 Weapon Systems 1 - Review by Gundam Guy

Bandai: EXP001 Weapon Systems 1 (Release Date: Dec 26th 2011, Price: 1200 yen)
Review by Gundam Guy
Box Cover
Package Includes:
- Zaku Machine Gun & Beam Gatling Gun
- 2 Runners (Weapons Attachments, Manipulators & Weapon Rack)
Instruction Manual
Zaku Machine Gundam & Beam Gatling Gun
The base weapons are already assembled in the package, while everything else will need to be cut from the runner and attach manually.  There are decals already applied on some of the parts.
Weapons Rack
The weapon rack comes with parts to hoster both the Zaku Machine Gun & the Beam Gatling Gun. 
The Zaku Machine Gun comes with various attachments to form 3 weapon configurations (Early Type Zaku Machine Gun, Late Type Zaku Machine Gun w/ Grenade Launcher, and Zaku Rifle)
Zaku Machine Gun (Early Type)
Two Zaku specific manipulators are included to be used with any HG Zaku model kits.  The manipulators are rounded just like the typical Zaku type hands.  The hands' back cover will need to be painted to match the color of the kit.
The Zaku Machine Gun is displayed here being used by RG 1/144 Char's Zaku II.  The manipulators does not work with Real Grade model kits, as the manipulator's ball joint for the RG model kits are smaller than the HG counterparts.
Zaku Machine Gun (Late Type)
Zaku Rifle
The Beam Gatling Gun comes with various attachments to form 3 weapon configurations (Beam Gatling Gun, Short Range Beam Gatling Gun, & Long Range Beam Gatling Gun w/ Support Mount)
The Beam Gatling Gun is perfect to be used by mobile suit such as the HGUC 1/144 Unicorn Gundam.
A pair of Earth Federation manipulators can be use to attach to a HG modle kit, like the HGUC 1/144 Unicorn Gundam seen below.  The hands' back cover will need to be painted to match the color of the kit.
Beam Gatling Gun
Beam Gatling Gun (Short Range)
Beam Gatling Gun (Long Range w/ Support Mount)
The Gatling Beam Cannon can be attached to arm of the 1/144 Unicorn Gundam, but I couldn't produce that, since I only got one early sample kit from Bandai.  It requires two purchases of the System Weapon 001 set. (The 2 images beow are from http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/480376/blog/24976099/)
Final Comments:
I am quite satisfy with the System Wespon 001 set.  For 1260 yen, we get two weapons and accessories that can modify the base weapons into three different configurations.  On top of that, you also get a weapon rack and two sets of manipulators.  In my opinion, this is really a good deal. 
The weapons are very solid, they are very detailed and are comparable with weapons from the RG line.  Various parts on the weapon also have decals applied, which is a nice touch by Bandai.  Another plus is that if you purchase 2 System Weapon 001 set, you can attach 2 Gatling Beam Guns together on a 1/144 Unicorn Gundam, which is totally cool.  I also like how this set comes wth a pair of Zaku manipulators and a pair of general Earth Federation manipulators tailored to be used with the weapons.  However, I would have liked some RG support for these weapon set.  Maybe down the line, Bandai will have a System Wespon set designed for the RG line.
I would recommend the System Weapon Set for any High Grade builders, especially if you are an UC era fan. 

2 comments:

  1. Can the gatling gun be mounted on the Unicorn's arms and not just its hands?

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  2. Yes it can, but requires two gatling guns, which I don't have at the time, as I only got one box of early sample.

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