HG RX-78F00/E Gundam with Feather Unit: Kit Spotlight

If you followed the life-size Gundam statues in Japan, you'll recognize this one. The HG 1/144 RX-78F00/E Gundam with the EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit is the Gundam from the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka-Kansai, now a High Grade kit with a big folding backpack. Here's what makes it different from a regular RX-78-2, which version to buy, and who it's for.

Where this Gundam comes from

The RX-78F00 started as the 18 m moving Gundam at Gundam Factory Yokohama, a reimagined RX-78 designed to look like a machine that could really be built. The RX-78F00/E is the version that appeared at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

The look sits somewhere between the classic RX-78-2 and a modern engineering machine: the familiar white, blue, red and yellow, with extra panel detail and different proportions. It's an easy pick for anyone who loves the original Gundam but already owns a few RX-78-2 kits.

What's special about this kit

The Feather Unit

The EX-001 G.L.R.S.S. Feather Unit is the big backpack. Its solar panels are molded in clear plastic and fold, so you can display them open for a dramatic silhouette or closed for a compact look.

The beam welding gun

Instead of a classic beam rifle, this Gundam carries a beam welding gun. It has a stored mode and a deployed mode, and it attaches to the arm when it's stowed. It's a small detail that fits the "working machine" idea behind this design.

Molded in color

Like every modern HG, the parts come in color and snap together, so it looks right straight out of the box. No paint or glue needed.

Which version should you buy?

Building it

As an HG, expect 1 to 3 hours, plus a little extra for the Feather Unit. A few tips:

1. Handle the clear parts carefully. Clear plastic shows stress marks more than colored plastic. Cut them a few millimeters away from the part, then trim close with a second cut, and sand gently.
2. Fold the panels before you finish. Test the folding once the Feather Unit is together, while you can still see how each hinge moves.
3. Panel line the white armor in gray. This design has lots of panel detail, and a gray line makes it pop. See how to panel line Gunpla.
4. Give it a stand. The Feather Unit makes the kit back-heavy when it's open. An action base keeps it steady on the shelf.

Who it's for

• Great pick if: you love the original Gundam and want something new for your RX-78 shelf, or you saw the statue in Japan and want a souvenir you build yourself.
• First kit? The Entry Grade version is a great start. The HG is also very approachable if you have nippers.
• Collectors: line it up next to an RX-78-2 to see how the design changed. Browse more in Mobile Suit Gundam (0079).

Shipping

The HG Feather Unit kit and the Entry Grade version are in stock in our Fort Lauderdale shop as we publish this, and in-stock kits ship in 1 business day. The cards above always show live stock. Imported items arrive in 3 to 4 weeks (4 to 5 weeks to Puerto Rico and outside the continental US). Economy shipping is free over $75 in the continental US, Standard is $10, and Florida residents pay $5.

FAQ

Is the RX-78F00/E the same as the RX-78-2?

No. It's a reimagined RX-78 from the life-size Gundam projects in Japan, with its own proportions and details. The classic anime Gundam is the RX-78-2.

Do the Feather Unit's panels move?

Yes. The clear solar panels fold, so you can display them open or closed.

Does the Entry Grade version include the Feather Unit?

No. The Entry Grade is the Gundam on its own, designed to build without tools.

What's the Chemical Recycle version?

The same kit made with chemically recycled plastic. Pick whichever you prefer.