Ok EZ-8, let’s do this.
The first thing I noticed is that this kit has the fewest amount of runners of any I’ve built. I’m guessing that unlike the Tryon-3, this model isn’t reusing runners from an older kit, and that this is a more accurate depiction of the piece count for the average High Grade. Thankfully, I’m not too worried about piece count anymore. It’s quality that matters.
The build begins with the chest. It involves no more than six pieces and three joints. It was jarring how fast it came together. I noticed that they molded the cockpit door into the chest, though you can’t open it up.
Despite how relatively small it is, the chest actually has a number of good opportunities for panel lining, some of which I wouldn’t have caught if not for all the reference photos in the instructions. Good panel lining is going to be especially important for the EZ8, since it has the same color scheme as a 90’s era desktop computer (considering the 08th MS Team came out in the 90’s, I’m not entirely sure that’s coincidence). Without a bit of contrast it would end up looking very ho-hum.
The unit’s backpack was a bit tricky. It isn’t fragile, but most of the pieces snap together on hinges that don’t look at all like hinges at first glance. I kept thinking the manual was lying to me, until I applied the right amount of pressure and everything fit into place. The backpack will support the EZ8’s parachute, but it can also hold onto other mission packs that are sold with the RX79G and RX79 “GM Head”, which is pretty cool.
The EZ8 comes with a decent number of accessories, but there’s nothing here that stands out as being special. It has a beam rifle, a machine gun, a shield, and two beam sabers. It would have been great to have the long gun that’s used by the RX79G in earlier episodes of the show, but technically the EZ8 itself never used it.
First, the shield. I love the shields used by the 08th team. They’re like a proto version of the Gundam Mk II’s shield, and the “08” stenciled onto them makes it clear that this is a piece of military hardware.
Here’s the beam rifle. It’s two toned in color, and has a lot of opportunities for panel lining. Overall, I don’t have a strong opinion on it. On one hand, it’s a powerful symbol. The RX79G isn’t as powerful as the OG Gundam, but having a beam rifle shows that it is more powerful than a standard GM. On the other hand, there’s nothing about it stylistically that makes it stand out.
Next there’s the machine gun. It has some spots for panel lining. Filling out the muzzle in particular makes it look a lot more lethal. The ammo clip and foldable stock are nice touches.
The beam sabers for this kit each come in two pieces, which is a little weird to me. I tried panel lining the handles; seems it came out OK. I also like that the saber beams are not as absurdly long as they are in some of the Real Grade kits.
Other Thoughts
I’m really starting to like the beige color more and more in contrast with the dark teal. These colors may not be 100% accurate, but they’re strong enough to play nicely against each other. I’ve talked a lot about panel lining so far, which I think is going to be the theme of this build. I’ve always done it, but never with any sense of technique of finesse. But now I’m starting to see just how many different effects you can create with a good marker, and how each technique is applicable to certain section of a kit. I’m also starting to discover lines that I wouldn’t have noticed on my own, lines that add so much more they add to the look of a piece.
You can find some more photos from this part over here. Next up is … whatever I feel like doing next.