Caricamento
This Metallic Nano Puzzle kit from Tenyo allows you to build an all-metal replica of the RX-78-2 Gundam, the iconic Mobile Suit from the original *Mobile Suit Gundam* series. Once assembled, the model stands approximately 12 cm tall and captures the instantly recognisable silhouette of the RX-78-2 in a compact format designed for display.
Unlike a traditional Gunpla made from injection-moulded plastic parts, this model is constructed from thin, 0.2 mm steel sheets that have been precisely engraved and cut. The various parts must be detached, folded and then assembled using small tabs that slot into the corresponding openings. No glue is required: a pair of pliers and a pair of wire cutters are all that is needed to complete the assembly.
The kit comprises three metal sheets containing the various parts required for construction. The parts are pre-painted in the classic colours of the RX-78-2, with white as the dominant colour complemented by blue on the torso, red, yellow and various black or metallic elements. Once completed, the Gundam is depicted holding its Beam Rifle in one hand and its large shield in the other, featuring two of its most distinctive pieces of equipment.
The engraving work allows for the reproduction of numerous mechanical details on the armour despite the model’s small size: panels, joints, technical lines and various armour separations are visible directly on the surface of the metal sheets. The result thus combines the appearance of a Gundam model with a construction technique akin to precision metal folding.
The finished model officially measures approximately 7 cm wide, 5 cm deep and 12 cm high. It is a static model intended for display once assembled, rather than an articulated figurine. The manufacturer recommends this Metallic Nano Puzzle for ages 15 and over, particularly due to the delicacy of the metal parts and the tools required to handle them.
Technical specifications
Manufacturer: Tenyo
Range / Collection: Metallic Nano Puzzle
Licence: Mobile Suit Gundam
Model: RX-78-2 Gundam
Manufacturer’s reference: T-MP-020M
Type: 3D metal model kit / jigsaw puzzle
Material: Steel
Thickness of metal sheets: approx. 0.2 mm
Assembly: folding and inserting tabs
Glue required: No
Recommended tools: pliers and wire cutters
Number of metal sheets: 3
Assembly instructions: included
Dimensions when assembled: approx. 7 x 5 x 12 cm
Height: approx. 12 cm
Scale: Non-scale
Recommended age: 15 years and over
EAN: 4905823220566
Origin and background of the RX-78-2 Gundam (Lore)
The RX-78-2 Gundam is the central Mobile Suit in *Mobile Suit Gundam*, an anime series first broadcast in Japan in 1979. In the Universal Century timeline, it was developed by the Earth Federation during the One Year War to counter the initial superiority of the Principality of Zeon’s Mobile Suits. It quickly became one of the most important machines of the conflict.
The RX-78-2 is primarily piloted by Amuro Ray. When Zeon’s forces attacked the Side 7 colony in U.C. 0079, the young Amuro found himself at the controls of the Gundam and used the machine to defend the survivors. He subsequently joined the crew of the White Base and took part in numerous decisive battles of the One Year War. The official Gundam website notes that the RX-78-2 activated at Side 7 specifically became Amuro’s machine during these engagements
The Gundam is particularly notable for its advanced armament. Its Beam Rifle gives a Mobile Suit firepower comparable to that of certain weapons mounted on warships, whilst its Beam Sabres enable close-quarters combat. Its large red and white shield provides additional protection and, together with its Beam Rifle, is one of the most recognisable features of its silhouette.
As the war progressed, Amuro developed increasingly significant Newtype abilities and managed to harness the RX-78-2’s potential far beyond what had originally been envisaged. The machine thus took part in several now-iconic battles, notably against Char Aznable and his various Mobile Suits.
The RX-78-2 has since become the founding model of the entire Gundam franchise. Its combination of white, blue, red and yellow, its front V-Fin, its shield and its Beam Rifle have served as a reference for countless Gundams that have appeared since. This Metallic Nano Puzzle faithfully recreates this historic silhouette in a steel construction that particularly highlights the Mobile Suit’s mechanical lines and armour panels.