REVIEW MG 1/100 Kämpfer Schwer, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai plastic model kit Gunpla MG 1/100 Kämpfer Schwer from Gundam Build Divers: Genius Head Line series.

P-Bandai Gunpla MG 1/100 Kämpfer Schwer Review

From the Gundam Build Divers Gaiden Genius Head Line series, which continues to feature MG kits, the Kampfer Schwer has been introduced as a new kit. Priced at 6,270 yen, it is available for order on Premium Bandai. The packaging is monochromatic, but the instruction manual includes partial color sections and a brief explanation of the mobile suit.

Set Contents

The kit comes with a variety of accessories, including two Giant Buzz units, two shotgun & non-stock reproduction parts, two Sturm Faust & replacement parts, two beam sabers, movable hands, flat hands, a pilot figure, weapon mount joints, and stand joints.

Water transfer decals are the only included seals. The obsidian emblems and caution marks are pre-printed. Despite sharing several components with the MG Kampfer, this kit omits Kampfer's I-runner and mesh parts, rendering it incompatible with standard Kampfer assembly.

Details

Solo Diver Kokuyo's custom Gunpla, the Kampfer Schwer, is derived from the Gaiden Gundam Build Divers Genius Head Line. This rendition of the Kampfer features armor coated with shock-resistant and beam-resistant paint, primarily in a black color scheme. Significant alterations have been made to parts of the armor, resulting in a distinctive appearance.

The kit's design is based on the 2001 MG Kampfer model. While certain components are retained from the original, many movable parts incorporate ABS and polycaps. New additions, such as grips and stand joints, have been introduced alongside existing elements from the 2001 release.

The armor modifications are evident across multiple sections, including the head, torso, shoulder armor, and legs. Noteworthy changes include the absence of spikes on the shoulder armor, the introduction of new front armor pieces, and a completely reimagined ankle design. These alterations collectively give the Gunpla a distinct customized appearance.

The molding color scheme replicates the original design with precision, though some details are missing, such as parts of the Sturm Faust and the black interior of the verniers. Nonetheless, the final result closely resembles the anticipated aesthetic.

As anticipated, the Kampfer Schwer boasts compatibility with a diverse array of weapons, akin to the standard Kampfer. While the shotgun and bazooka mirror those of the Kampfer, the Sturm Faust has been relocated from the leg to the left arm. Numerous joints now utilize screws, necessitating a small Phillips screwdriver during assembly.

Head Unit

Notable improvements can be observed in the head's design. It features a notably elevated top section, along with distinct alterations to the antenna's shape. Armor additions have been made to the forehead, significantly altering the mask part's appearance. The mono-eye can be rotated, and its clear pink design sets it apart from the original Kampfer.

Body Unit

Modifications extend to the torso, with sharper edges and added armor elements creating a fortified appearance. The chest armor has been reimagined, including the addition of front armor. In contrast to the mesh pipe used in the MG Kampfer, the abdominal pipe is now a plastic component.

The back retains elements of the original backpack's vernier and cover, but a substantial stabilizer has been added in place of the original bazooka attachment point. This stabilizer can be lightly opened and rotated through the BJ connection mechanism.

The cockpit is functional, capable of being opened and closed. The pilot figure originates from the Kampfer design, while the back's vernier is accurately depicted in yellow and remains posable through the BJ mechanism.

Arms Unit

Noteworthy changes in the shoulder armor are apparent, with a less pronounced silhouette and angular design lacking spikes. Movable side plates contribute to the thruster ducts' color-coded detailing. The shoulder joint features a stepped mold construction.

While the arms mostly resemble the standard Kampfer, the inclusion of a new grip is a welcome addition. Shoulder blocks, obscured by the shoulder armor, exhibit seams. Unique to the left arm is a latch for mounting the Sturm Faust.

Yellow accents appear on the back of the armor, backed by underlying components. Light trimming was necessary for assembly. The hip joint relies on a simple BJ design.

Legs Unit

Leg components combine familiar parts with numerous new additions. Enlarged knee armor, side thrusters, and added armor result in a redesigned ankle shape. However, the thigh thrusters limit the knee's range of motion, and joints are present on the thighs and knees' rear surfaces.

The sole section, while not identical, adopts a square shape akin to Sazabi or Sinanju. The increased vertical length contributes to the Gunpla's overall height. The thigh thrusters extend and deploy, adding an extra dimension to its design.

Movability and Articulation

Despite the kit's advanced articulation, its movement capabilities largely resemble the original Kampfer's due to the underlying structure's age. The shoulders offer a modest range of forward and backward movement.

The upper body showcases satisfactory articulation, while the lower body experiences certain limitations. Grounding is stable, but the BJ hip joint restricts the knee's bending range. The new waist armor, however, allows more agile jumping compared to the original design.

Comparison with MG Kampfer

In comparison to the base, the MG Kampfer, the Kampfer Schwer features numerous new parts distributed across its frame, resulting in a notably distinct appearance. Vertical elongation in the abdomen and ankles contributes to its increased height. The bazooka mount's position has been elevated. The kit retains its armament while adding a new stand joint to support action base attachment. The stand proves sturdy, ensuring stable display and decoration.

Despite being a shotgun, the design inherits elements from the Kampfer, facilitating familiar functionality. The top plate can be elevated to replicate the stockless state, and alternate parts enable the reproduction of this configuration.

The movable hands can hold weapons similarly to the standard Kampfer. Although there's no locking mechanism, the finger joints offer stability, albeit with a slight wobble. Attaining a secure grip is achievable.

The detachable muzzle is a separate part, resulting in a visible seam. The unique grip angle and curved forearm shape make gripping the weapon somewhat challenging.

Screws are strategically used in the joints to adjust tension. However, the knee frame's thin plate lacks rigidity, making excessive tightening potentially hazardous—an aspect inherited from the original Kampfer design.

Weaponry

The bazooka remains functional, even when suspended. Giant Buzz maintains movable grip features, drawing from the Kampfer design. Visible seams remain a characteristic detail. Weapons are compared based on their molding colors, with shotguns displaying a similar pattern.

The grip's mobility ensures secure handling. However, due to the Gunpla's increased height, the bazooka might feel slightly undersized. The Sturm Faust can be interchanged to depict firing mode. Notably, the warhead's front half lacks color coding, necessitating manual painting.

While the Sturm Faust is typically mounted on the left arm, it can be inverted with the warhead facing forward. While secure, this positioning may slightly affect stability during dynamic poses.

For the beam sword, a grip component stored within the thigh can be attached to the blade, allowing the Gunpla to wield it. Both grip and blade designs are adapted from existing parts, with the blade featuring a subtle curve. Although no locking mechanism is present, the beam sword can be securely held. The articulating stabilizer adds an interactive element.

Summary

This concludes the review of the MG Kampfer Schwer. While the underlying structure is based on the 2001 release, several additions and updates, including a new grip and stand joint, enhance its capabilities. Weapon handling benefits from solid finger joints. Featuring a unique design with various new parts, common weaponry, and a distinctive black color scheme, the Gunpla is a gratifying addition, effectively distinguishing itself from its base design, the Kampfer.