Fat Chibi Gundam GK Kit Review: Resin Quality, Magnet System & Paintability
TakaraModel
IN-DEPTH REVIEW
Fat Chibi Gundam GK Kit: Resin Quality, Magnet Assembly & Paintability — Full Review
We break down the engineering, surface quality, and painting experience of the pre-sanded Fat Chibi RX-78 & Zaku II resin set.
Design & Proportions
The "fat chibi" aesthetic pushes RX-78-2 and Zaku II into deliberately exaggerated territory: oversized torsos and heads relative to limbs, smooth rounded surfaces, and a final height of ~10 cm. This is more aggressive deformation than Bandai's SD line — closer in spirit to art toys than scale models.
Both designs remain instantly readable. The Zaku II's mono-eye, shoulder spike, and characteristic silhouette are all present. The RX-78-2's color blocking and fin antennae communicate the character without requiring deep detail. At this scale and proportion, simplicity is correct.
Resin Quality & Pre-Sanded Surface
Most studio GK kits ship raw — you handle washing, sanding, and priming before painting. This kit arrives differently:
- Parts are factory-sanded — 3D print layer lines have been manually worked down
- Parts are pre-primed — base coat applied, paint adhesion already established
- Result: you can open the box and go straight to color application
Note: Pre-primed surfaces are a strong starting point. A light 400-grit touch-up pass before painting is still recommended for the smoothest result. Minor surface variations are normal for hand-processed 3D-printed resin at this price point.
The Magnet + Iron Rod System
The assembly method is this kit's most distinctive engineering choice:
- Iron rods run through the core of each figure — solving the structural instability common in wide-torso chibi proportions
- Magnets connect arms and head without adhesive, allowing zone-based painting workflow
- Paint the arms off-figure, attach cleanly when dry — no glue overflow risk on painted surfaces
Limitation: The system is designed for stable static display, not active posing. Expect a slight range of arm adjustment, not full articulation.
Kit Highlights
✓ Pre-sanded resin (skip surface prep stage)
✓ Pre-primed surface (paint adhesion ready)
✓ Magnetic arm/head connections (paint zones separately)
✓ Iron rod structural core (stable long-term display)
✓ Free STL file (snap-fit version for 3D printing)
✓ Two-figure set (rivals displayed together)
Overall Assessment
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design Originality | ★★★★★ | No direct equivalent in the market |
| Resin Quality | ★★★★☆ | Pre-sanded; minor variations normal |
| Assembly System | ★★★★☆ | Magnet + rod is practical for builders |
| Paintability | ★★★★☆ | Simple geometry rewards clean work |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ | Two figures + STL at $39.99 |
| Beginner Friendliness | ★★★★☆ | Pre-prep lowers the barrier significantly |
Overall: 4.3 / 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the pre-sanding good enough to skip my own prep?
It's thorough but not flawless. A quick pass with 400-grit sandpaper before painting is still recommended for the best result, especially on curved surfaces. But you're looking at 15 minutes of touch-up, not a full prep session.
Q: How does this compare to Bandai's SD Gundam kits?
Bandai SD kits snap together with pre-colored parts — no painting required. This kit requires full painting but offers design uniqueness and the satisfaction of a finished hand-painted piece. The fat chibi proportions also go further than Bandai's SD line stylistically.
Q: Is the resin safe to handle and sand?
Cured resin is safe to handle. When sanding, always wear a dust mask — resin dust is a respiratory irritant. The pre-sanding has already done the heavy removal work, so additional sanding needs are minimal.
Q: Can I use acrylic and lacquer paint on the same figure?
Yes, but order matters. Apply lacquers first, then acrylics on top. Lacquer solvents can dissolve acrylic beneath them. Applying acrylics over lacquers is safe.
Q: Can I use the free STL to print copies and sell them?
No. The STL is licensed for personal use only. Commercial reproduction or resale is explicitly prohibited per the product terms.
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE PURCHASING!
▸ Painting Required
This is an unpainted white resin kit. The final colored result depends on your painting effort and skill.
▸ Intermediate DIY Skills
You will need clippers, sandpaper, model paints, and brushes (or airbrush) to complete this kit.
▸ Artisan Craftsmanship
Hand-processed resin; minor surface variations between units are expected and normal.
▸ Not an Official Bandai Product
This is an independently produced studio GK kit. Not affiliated with Bandai or Sunrise.
▸ Pre-Order Production
Allow ~15 business days production time after ordering. Monthly batch limited to 100 sets.
▸ Damage Inspection
Document and report any defects within 48 hours of delivery.
🛒 Get the Fat Chibi Gundam GK Kit
$39.99 USD · 2-piece set · Limited 100 sets/month · Free worldwide shipping
This is an independently produced studio GK kit. Not affiliated with Bandai, Sunrise, or any rights holder.