REVIEW ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78F00/E Gundam, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla EXPO2025 ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78F00/E Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam Next Future Pavilion.

Bandai Gunpla EXPO2025 ENTRY GRADE 1/144 RX-78F00/E Gundam Review

As part of the EXPO2025 celebrations, Bandai has released a special kit of the RX-78F00/E Gundam in ENTRY GRADE (EG) format. Previously, we covered the HG version with the Glass Feathers. This time, we’re taking a look at the stand-alone EG kit of the RX-78F00/E Gundam. The kit is priced at 1,320 yen, and the Glass Feather set is sold separately.

What’s Included

Beam Rifle
Shield
Two Beam Saber Grips
Right open palm and left fist for statue pose
Marking stickers

This EG version is a newly molded kit, separate from the HG-based set version. While simplified, it features some improved color separation such as the twin eyes and waist V-fin. Despite being ENTRY GRADE, it comes with all the standard weapons and is fully playable out of the box.

Color Separation & Mold Details

Some areas are color-separated (twin eyes, V-fin), but other parts like the thigh frames and Achilles heel areas are not. Unlike the set version, the EG kit doesn't replicate the varying armor tones, so painting is necessary for full accuracy. However, the molding quality remains high, with no noticeable drop in surface detail.

Head & Body Design

The head sculpt features slightly larger twin eyes, giving a softer expression. The usual EG-style black-shadow effect around the eyes is present. Vulcans and cheek vents are not color-separated.

The torso retains sharp molding, and the color-separated V-fin adds a touch of polish.

Backpack

The EG kit comes with dual thrusters only (one type), unlike the set version which offered selectable thrusters. However, the separately sold Glass Feather for EG includes the larger thruster option. The backpack uses the common dual-peg connection.

Arms & Legs

No elbow roll joint; arm rotates at the upper bicep
Wrist is molded as a single piece; no removable backhand plate
Exposed peg holes on forearms and mold lines are visible
Leg joints use C-clips; thigh and Achilles areas lack color separation
Feet have visible hollow sections and exposed pegs

Articulation

Though simplified, articulation is comparable to the set version. Shoulder and torso joints allow decent dynamic posing. The knees are double-jointed, but ankle movement is limited. Shoulder swing is slightly more restricted than the HG-based version.

Weapons & Accessories

Beam Rifle: Thick design, but scope is not color-separated. Lacks trigger hand and grip is non-adjustable.
Shield: Well-detailed front and back. Fixed grip; no repositioning. Easy to attach with square peg for stability.
Beam Sabers: Includes two saber grips (blades not included). Compatible with other EG or HG saber blades.

Glass Feather Compatibility

We tested the EG Glass Feather parts with the set version. Shoulder armor can't be attached directly due to different ball joint directions. However, waist and leg armor fit without modification. Backpack is also compatible out of the box. The EG version’s feather set is non-clear plastic, offering a solid alternative for those preferring opaque parts.

Comparison with EG RX-78-2 Gundam

While the core engineering is similar, this kit has refined areas like reduced hollows and better-sealed elbows/knees. It shows a clear evolution from the original EG Gundam.

Summary

The EXPO2025 EG RX-78F00/E Gundam is a budget-friendly yet well-designed kit that improves on previous EG standards. Though simplified compared to its HG counterpart, it still offers good articulation, solid proportions, and full weapon support. Ideal for casual builders and fans of the Yokohama Gundam.

No official paint guide was included in the kit.