HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam (2001)

The High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) RX-78-2 Gundam is a 1/144 scale kit released in 2001.

Includes

Shoulder parts can be pushed frontwards for slightly extra articulation.
Chest joint can tilt from left or right if slightly pulled up.
Beam Saber hilts can be optionally removed from the backpack as handheld weapons.
Beam Rifle's foregrip & sensor can swing left and right.
Bazooka can mount onto the rear waist armor via an Adapter.
The Shield can attach onto the backpack.

For better results, most/some of the details are needed to be applied/panel-lined with Gundam Markers and/or Mr. Color paints.
The Dengeki Hobby Magazine (July 2001 issue) exclusive Mechanism Sticker set for HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam decal sheet can be applied on this kit.
Due to the kit possessing it's own unique Beam Saber parts (complete with slightly thick pegs), We recommend that you do not use the Beam Saber parts from the SB-6 & SB-13 runner, which can tighten the assembly between the hilt & the effect parts (or in a worst case scenario, the Beam Saber effect part's peg may break off from the hilt while attempting to remove it.).

High Detail Manipulator 16 can be used for this kit.
The HGUC Gundam (Anime Ver.) Conversion Parts garage kit can be used for this Gunpla to create an Anime-accurate HGUC Gundam.
The Perfect Gundam Conversion Parts for HGUC Gundam garage kit can be used for this Gunpla to create an HGUC-styled Perfect Gundam.
The Full Armor Gundam Conversion Kit for HGUC Gundam garage kit can be used for this Gunpla to create the MSV of Plamo Kyoshiro versions of Full Armor Gundam.
The Red Warrior Conversion Kit for HGUC Gundam garage kit can be used for this Gunpla to create Red Warrior.
The 1/144 WA-7 Shield for E.F.S.F. MS garage kit can be used for this Gunpla.
The 1/144 Hyper Bazooka Ver. Ka. (2.0) garage kit can be used for this Gunpla.

Later reissues includes the backpack (with latch joints) & the modified foot parts included in the G-Armor (RX-78-2 Gundam + G-Fighter) kit.
The Gunpla is also released in the US under the "Skill Level 3 Model Kits" line with a different packaging. This release also omits the Hyper Bazooka and the Core Fighter accessories.

RX-78-2 Gundam (with Gunpla DVD Catalogue) - An unchanged release of the kit comes with a DVD containing a Gunpla catalog.

Several of the designs, including the stout arms and legs, had taken cues from the MG Gundam Ver. 1.5 kit.
Vintage releases of the kit comes with a limited edition Gundam Weapons: HGUC RX-78-2 Gundam Special Book.
There is a common problem for the first version of the kit: the backpack somehow does not hold the Beam Saber handles well.