RG 1/144 Celestial Being Mobile Suit GN-001 "Gundam Exia"
Another Real Grade!!! I've been working on this one for quite some time, and applied a lot of new techniques when weathering it. One which i found pretty cool was using a lead pencil over raised edges to add paint chipping and wear - I found this gives a really really cool effect.
Like a lot of older RGs, the Exia has a pre-built inner frame, which can become a little loose with manipulation. Like my RG Zaku II, I tried to stiffen it with PVA glue, however, I still feel like the shoulders and hips are a little weak.
In terms of build quality, this kit is a much better build than the Zaku. The panels sit a lot more securely, and the small little details really pop and look amazing. The colour separation is excellent, although there are a lot of very small parts that can be difficult to deal with.
The kit has a lot of really cool gimmicks, including the deployment of the beam daggers on its back skirt, the GN drive being able to open and close, and holographic stickers over the exposed GN particle conduits.
The kit has great articulation and can hold some pretty impressive poses, which is good because Exia is animated in a very fluid style. The articulation helps match some of the on-screen poses.
Overall, the RG Exia is a great kit and a really enjoyable build with plenty of fun gimmicks and details that any 00 Gundam fan will enjoy. Despite issues with older RGs this one definitely holds up.
