PG RX-78-2 Gundam

PG RX-78-2 Gundam is the inaugural Perfect Grade release from November 1998, combining a transformable Core Fighter with Bandai’s first fully articulated 1/60 inner frame. The kit re-established the RX-78-2 as a flagship build, pairing layered armor detail with premium lighting and accessory options that set the tone for later PG engineering.

Overview

Bandai launched the Perfect Grade line in November 1998 with the PG RX-78-2 Gundam, setting a new benchmark for large-scale Gunpla engineering. The 1/60 kit introduced a layered inner frame, extensive armor hatch detailing, and a fully transformable FF-X7 Core Fighter that can dock inside the torso as a Core Block. Even compared with modern releases, the original PG remains a touchstone for collectors who want to experience the franchise’s first flagship build.

Features

• Fully articulated inner frame with opening shoulder, thigh, and skirt hatches that reveal mechanical detail.
• Transformable FF-X7 Core Fighter and optional static Core Block for stable display modes.
• LED-ready head unit with an electrical light-up gimmick (bulb assembly supplied with the kit).
• Poseable manipulators featuring articulated fingers and palm hardpoints for secure weapon grip tabs.
• Swinging hip joints with independently hinged front, side, and rear skirts to preserve poseability.

Build experience

The kit’s layered construction starts with the inner frame, which uses polycaps and ABS joints for stability. Armour plates then stack over major sections, with numerous doors and mechanical panels designed to remain operable after assembly. The posed Core Fighter requires careful trimming to ensure a snug transformation sequence, while the finger assemblies demand patience because each phalange is pinned individually. Despite its age, tolerances are tight, so dry fitting before committing to cement or top coat is recommended.

Kit content

• RX-78-2 Gundam main body components
• Transformable FF-X7 Core Fighter plus optional static Core Block
• Beam rifle with folding muzzle detail
• Shield with rear mounting latch
• Two beam sabre hilts with clear blades
• Three 1/60 Amuro Ray figurines (two seated, one standing)

Colour guide

Bandai’s manual specifies metallic and gloss finishes across key armour panels. Primary mixes include:

• White armour: 80% White + 15% Neutral Grey + 5% Light Grey
• Blue torso: 70% Blue + 20% Purple + 10% Neutral Grey
• Red accents: 60% Red + 30% Orange + 10% White
• Yellow vents: 70% Yellow + 30% Orange

All ratios originate from the official instruction booklet.

Comparisons & reprints

Later Perfect Grade releases refined the frame concept, culminating in the PG Unleashed revision, but the 1998 kit still offers distinctive panel layering and a classic silhouette faithful to the animation. Reprints since 2018 carry updated Bandai Spirits branding, while Premium Bandai and event-exclusive colourways—such as the Titanium Finish and Animation Color weapon set—add metallic or re-toned armor options for collectors.

Official assets

Official photography will be added after the box art and promotional renders are processed for web delivery.

Build showcase

Share your Perfect Grade photos in the community—drop progress shots and finished builds in our Discord server’s #gunpla-showcase channel so we can feature them here.

Release notes

The kit debuted in Japan on 1 November 1998 with a tax-exclusive MSRP of ¥12,000. Bandai Spirits has reissued the mould periodically—most notably after the 2018 corporate rebranding—and continues to rotate Premium Bandai finishes such as the Titanium Finish and Animation Color variants through event and online channels. While the core tooling remains unchanged, modern reprints swap in updated Bandai Spirits logos on the runners and packaging.

Where to buy