07-07-2008, 02:29 AM
![[Image: boxart.jpg]](http://toys.rocketpunch.biz/articles/previews/ako_gmsniper/images/boxart.jpg)
Kit Info
Manufacturer: Akohobby
Scale: 1/100
Media: Plastic Injection
Parts: 44
Price: SGD22.90
The Mecha
The GM Sniper Custom was developed for the ace pilots of the Federation. Performance and capability was upgraded from the standard GM to the levels of the RX-78-2 Gundam operating out of the White Base during the One Year War.
Generator output was increased for the added load the long-range beam sniper rifle produced. The beam saber was repositioned to the forearm for close combat. Additional racks were added for optional weapons and to increase the mobility, the GM Sniper Custom was upgraded with a mass of additional thrusters and verniers. Less than 50 Sniper Customs were built. Each was specifically tailored for its pilot so no two were configured the same way.
The Kit
Akohobby is back again with one of their excellent plastic injection conversions. This time around, they have decided to tackle another GM variant, this time the RGM-79SC GM Sniper Custom. Like their previous Powered GM conversion, you will need a base kit to apply this kit on. The GM Sniper Custom requires Bandai's RX-78-2 Gundam ver. One Year War (OYW) as a base.
![[Image: parts.jpg]](http://toys.rocketpunch.biz/articles/previews/ako_gmsniper/images/parts.jpg)
Inside the plain brown box are 2 sprues of dark grey injection plastic and a simple A5-sized instruction sheet. The whole set is made up of 44 parts and converts the following portions of the Gundam OYW:
1. The head
2. The chest and cockpit area
3. A new backpack
4. Front and rear skirts
5. Beam saber housing on the left forearm
6. Lower legs
7. A huge sniper rifle in place of the beam rifle
The Gundam OYW is actually filled with panel details which the Akohobby replicates on their product. So once installed, they won't look out of place compared to the original parts.
![[Image: parts02.jpg]](http://toys.rocketpunch.biz/articles/previews/ako_gmsniper/images/parts02.jpg)
One minor complain is the lack of clear parts for the head visor. Akohobby molds this as a solid piece like the other parts. The shape itself though, seems to be quite similar to the MG GM kit but I'm not sure if it's possible to use the part from that kit to replace this one. But it also means you'll throw away one kit just for the clear part.
![[Image: parts03.jpg]](http://toys.rocketpunch.biz/articles/previews/ako_gmsniper/images/parts03.jpg)
The instruction sheet is simple enough with large diagrams showing where each part goes. The sheet also indicates the parts that are included in the base kit by shading them in dark grey. Parts in white are from the conversion kit itself. Nicely done on the part of Akohobby.
Fit seems to be OK as the kit is engineered to be snap fit like the base kit. I must add though that I had some fitting problems with my previous Powered GM build. However, a fellow modeler didn't which meant either 1) my construction sucks or 2) my Powered GM kit was part of a 2nd or later production batch, which deteriorated the mold somehow. Anyway, I'm sure this GM Sniper Custom set is part of the 1st batch of production run so hopefully, there won't be any fitting problems.
Using the Gundam OYW as a base means the completed GM Sniper Custom should be just as poseable which should make for an exciting build. Plus, it's very affordable! What more can you ask for?
