Kit Building - 1/144 Fire Valkyrie (Part 3)

So with the individual builds done, what do they look like together?

Knowing this was an old kit, I didn't expect much out of it. For the most part, I got what I expected. Seam lines everywhere, poor color separation, bad numb marks, and limited articulation. Was a little surprised that there was a clear canopy. Thought they might opt for a solid piece and a sticker. In the end, unless you need a practice kit and don't want another Gundam or you're a huge Macross fan, I can't recommend this kit.

Kit Building - 1/144 Fire Valkyrie (Part 2)

As mentioned before, this kit comes with 2 models. In part one, the Battleroid was built. In this part, the Fighter mode will be assembled.

First up is the main portion of the fighter.

So far, this kit is not looking too good. It's all red, except for the all yellow pilot and the clear canopy. There's a very noticeable seam line all the way around the kit too.

Time to build the landing gear.

I have no idea what these parts are yellow, but other than that, I have no complaints.

The next two steps are adding on the details.

Well that's all for the Fighter mode. Unfortunately, there isn't a 3rd kit for GERWALK mode. In the next part I'll discuss my thoughts on both models. So until then...

Kit Building - 1/144 Fire Valkyrie (Part 1)

Felt like snapping together and this guy seemed like quick vacation build.

First up is the right arm.

So the age of this kit is very obvious even at this early stage. Poly cap hand and elbow joint is not something you see any more. The seam line running down the middle of the forearm, upper arm, and shoulder is annoying and the reason why I stopped building 1/144 kits.

Next up is the left arm.

Exactly the same issues as the right arm.

Time for right leg.

Much like the arm, there's seam lines everywhere.

Now for the left leg.

Yeah this is the same as the right leg.

Time for the head and chest.

So the chest and head have seam lines. Kind of like how the face plate is separate. Not much articulation in the shoulders and waist.

Time for final assembly.

Obviously the gun has a seam line around the whole thing. The shield is pretty lame too. Single piece of plastic with nothing on the back but a whole to attach it to the arm. So I don't really care much for Macross kits and building a 1/144th kit is not really helping to change my opinion. On the plus side, there's two kits in this box. Next part will cover that kit.

Kit Building - 1/100 MG Aile Strike (Part 6)

Time for final assembly.

Kit looks good. Obviously it's back heavy. I'm willing to bet that wont be fixed in the 2.0. Hand doesn't hold the gun well. I assume this will be fix and the hand will be fix posed. Not a fan of fixed posed hands, but I understand why they changed.

Also get a nice little bonus with this kit, a launch pad action base.

Base looks pretty amazing. Big fan of this. Seems unlikely that it will make the 2.0.

Putting the kit on the base...

Kit fits really good on the base. It's also very sturdy. If you've got the space, this is a great base. Wish Bandai would put this out as an Action Base 4.

Final Thoughts...
This kit is pretty solid. Articulation in the arms and legs are what you expect from an MG. Waist could use some help in the articulation department. I assume there will be so details added to the armor. Hopefully there will be backing parts to the skirt armor and the shield. Love the action base, but I don't think it will make the 2.0 upgrade. It's pretty obvious that the kit is outdated compared to the newest master grades, but I don't think it's so bad that it needs a 2.0. There are so many suits that don't have an MG (DOUBLE X!!!!!!) that I would rather have than a 2.0 Aile Strike. And I would be saying that even if I didn't have the 1.0. Hopefully there's something unexpected in the 2.0 that makes it worth getting for those that have the original.

Kit Building - 1/100 MG Aile Strike (Part 5)

Now for the Aile Strike pack.

First up are the wings.

The parts that hold the beam sabers look kind of lame, but other than that, this looks good.

Next are the thrusters.

Once again I think this looks pretty good. I assume on the 2.0 the thrusters will be gray and the red part will snap on over it.

Next up is the white part. I have no idea what this is for. Aesthetic appear I guess.

This thing is kind of weak. Just two parts snapped together. Nice seam line on the base part. Not sure it will show up on the final product though. The other end doesn't appear to hold together well. Hopefully Bandai will make this part more interesting.

Next are the beam sabers.

Other than some flash, these parts are good.

Time for final assembly.

This guy seems pretty sold. Looks pretty nice.

Next part will have the completed kit and my thoughts on the finished product. So until next time...

Kit Building - 1/100 MG Aile Strike (Part 4)

Time to build the accessories.

First up, the gun.

As with all beam rifles, there's a nice solid seam line all the way around. I don't expect this to change in the 2.0 version.

Next up the shield.

Much like the back of the skirt armor, the back of the shield is meh. And the handle is just lazy by Bandai. Having to re-peg it just doesn't cut it for me. The SD has that! I really hope they improve this.

Last of the accessories are the Armor Schneider Combat Knives.

Never seen anyone actually pose their kit with these so whatever. Don't really care what Bandai does with these.

Next part will cover the Aile pack.

Kit Building - 1/100 MG Aile Strike (Part 3)

Continuing the build...

Next step is the waist.

This part I expect some major changes. The pegs to the legs are stationary. Seems unlikely that will still be the case. Other thing I really don't like the hollow skirt armor. There is detail on the other side, but they don't look good to me. I expect that they will add backing to these parts in the 2.0.

Next is the right leg...

Then the left leg...

For the most part I think the legs are good. Little seam line issue on the back of the legs, just below the knee. Hopefully they do something about it in the 2.0, but even if they don't it isn't a big deal.

Time to attach the legs and the side skirts.

I'm sure it was intentional, but the backing of the side skirts are hollow. I'm not a fan of this, but I guess that's how it's suppose to be.

Time to attach it to the upper body.

Well that's it for the Strike Gundam. Time to build the accessories...