Guntank RX-77 (U.S. Release)

Synopsis: I have long neglected the Federation Side on this site.  Not that I have anything against the "good guys" of the series.  I just usually end up paying more attention on the newest releases and of the UC figures Bandai puts out most are Zeon.

  This review is not showcasing one of the newest figures released in either Asian or American Markets.  In fact Guntank was one of the earlier Gundam MSiAs released.  In lieu of the 5 year anniversary that the MSiAs have been released (starting in the Asian markets) and in the hopes of filling in the Feddy sections I'll include a few old reviews with the newer MSiAs I review for a few weeks.  With Guncannon covered already last year so HEEERREEEESSS Guntank!

The Figure: Guntank is not my favorite design and is not even in the top ten (Although I do not mind the mass-produced models seen in 08^th mobile suit team) however I am a sucker for completing my collection so alas I bought him when he was released here in the states.

  As one of the first, the Guntank would relay one factor that thankfully is shared with many of the MSiAs that have traveled down the lineQuality.  The Guntank's head had more attention to detail then most of the early lot.  The head is made of several plastics including a transparent canopy showing a little pilot.  Guntank's design is simple and Bandai could have followed previous Guntank toys by making the canopy with a simple paintjob. Whether you find the little pilot hokey or not the effort to place it was well intended.  Articulation is another story.  With the shoulder cannons blocking both sides of the head turning sideways is impossible.  The head can only tilt up with the aide of the ball joint it rests on.

  The arms lack the panel line job of the Asian release with the exception of vents painted in on the forearms.  Basic articulation in the arms are fabulous compared to Gundam version 1 and GM due to the lack of shoulder armor and deep ball joints to prevent the arm popping off problems in the fore-mentioned figures.  The "hands" freely rotate 360 degrees and the elbows bend 90 degrees.

  Legs, well with no legs to speak off I was disappointed in one factor and was not sure to credit it as a flaw or complement.  The treads on the Guntank as well as other parts of the caterpillar drive are made of separate types of plastic.  In fact you can visualize the treads being able to move.  That is sadly not the case here.  The attention to quality was fairly good that I bought the figure hoping they could move even though that was not to be.  In short the drive section looks great for a big chunk of plastic.

  The torso section is well painted for a simple design.  Like most domestic releases Warning decals can be found as well as the EFSF decal (emblem and abbreviation).  The waist can rotate 360 degrees with a little resistance.  The cannon come separate from the torso and connect into place by the same type of joint found in most version 1 elbows.

The Accessories: errr ummmwelll his cannon elevate [grins]!

Play Value:  As a tank I'd say it can get some play value to reenact scenes from mobile suit gundam or give your Ground Gundams and GMs a unit to defend from Gouf custom or other Zeon units.

Display Value:  Like many of the designs from MSG, its simplistic Design can take away from its display value while at the same time it can break up your line up of anthropomorphic Mecha.  

Dollar Value:  Buying this guy at walmart for $5.99 so long ago was an ok price to pay.  Secondary markets usually ask for at least $10 and that is pushing it considering the Guntank's limitations.  I can not imagine the Asian release any better so do not get cheated of your money.

Conclusion:  It was a good figure on the side were Gundam and the GM's arms would pop off at a drop of a hat.