Inside the PGU Nu Gundam: A Complete Guide to Its Internal Skeleton and Why It Deserves to Be Seen
TakaraModel
Skeleton Deep Dive
Inside the PGU Nu Gundam: A Complete Guide to Its Internal Skeleton and Why It Deserves to Be Seen
Multi-layer frame construction, gold-plated joints, metallic truss framing, 3D stickers — everything Bandai built inside the kit, and how clear armor makes it visible.
When Bandai developed the PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-93 ν Gundam, the product team made a decision unusual in the model kit industry: they engineered the internal skeleton with sufficient detail, material variation, and structural complexity to justify displaying it independently of the exterior armor.
This is not standard practice. In most Perfect Grade kits, the internal frame exists to be covered. The PGU Nu Gundam's frame was designed to be seen. This article documents what is actually inside, and why the Takara Model Studio Clear Armor GK Kit is the most direct way to make that engineering visible.
Scale and Structural Complexity
557mm
Assembled height
110
Page manual
77
Runner sheets
At 1/60 scale, the PGU Nu Gundam allows Bandai's engineers to represent each structural zone with multi-component assemblies showing realistic mechanical layering. Unlike smaller-scale kits where internal detail is necessarily simplified, the scale enables genuine engineering complexity to be built into the frame.
Multi-Layer Structural Construction
Layer 1 — Core Structural Frame
The primary load-bearing skeleton. Gray-toned ABS construction with high-precision articulation points at all major joints. This layer defines the machine's poseable range of motion.
Layer 2 — Secondary Mechanical Detail
Surrounding the core frame at key structural zones, secondary components add visual depth. They do not primarily contribute to articulation — they create the impression of mechanical complexity. In shoulder blocks, hip joints, and upper torso, this layer creates a "machinery behind the machinery" effect through clear panels.
Layer 3 — Surface Detail Elements
Applied directly to the outer frame surface: metallic-finish truss components at elbows, knees, and spine sections, plus multi-layer metallic 3D stickers representing psycommu activation zones.
Key Visual Elements by Zone
Head
Internal sensor housings and visor mounting structure visible. The distinctive ν Gundam head silhouette reads as transparent framework through clear panels.
Torso
Most dramatic zone. Multi-layer construction, psycommu stickers, gold core components, and cockpit docking area all exposed. With LED lighting, the entire torso surface illuminates from within.
Arms
Elbow gold pivot joints are the primary visual focal point. Forearm conduit routing and upper arm structural layering create dense mechanical texture through clear panels.
Legs
Thigh zone shows the most secondary mechanical detail. Knee gold components and shin structural framing read as complex assemblies through clear leg panels.
Fin Funnels
Each unit contains a beam emission assembly visible through clear panels. Six mounted on the backpack creates a repeating modular visual pattern emphasizing the systematic weapon design.
Cockpit
Core fighter docking mechanism and cockpit approach corridor visible through clear chest panels. Layered view: clear armor → chest cavity → cockpit access zone → core fighter housing.
⚡ LED Integration: Illuminating the Skeleton
The KOSMOS PGU Nu Gundam LED Kit (4-channel RGB, KOSMOS UNIVERSE app) illuminates the frame through corresponding clear armor zones:
| LED Channel | Body Zone | Clear Armor Effect |
|---|---|---|
| RGB Channel 1 | Head / sensors | Head panels glow in selected color |
| RGB Channel 2 | Chest / core block | Torso illuminates from within; cockpit visible |
| RGB Channel 3 | Arm conduits | Arm panels glow; elbow joints highlighted |
| Single-color channel | Back / power systems | Back and shoulder armor glow; Fin Funnel backpack illuminated |
Both products available at Takara Model Studio. Full Body Clear Armor Version recommended for maximum illuminated skeleton effect.
Display Configurations
Pure Skeleton
Requires: Full Body Version
Maximum visibility from all angles. Machine reads as a mechanical sculpture. LED kit highly recommended.
Half Anatomy
Requires: Left-Half Version
Technical cross-section look. White armor on right, clear on left. Strong front-facing impact.
Staggered Layering
Requires: Left-Half minimum
Most sophisticated. Clear panels alternating both sides. Preserves silhouette, reveals selective interior zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many structural layers does the PGU Nu Gundam skeleton have?
Three primary layers: the core structural skeleton, secondary mechanical detail components around key structural zones, and surface detail elements including truss framing and metallic 3D stickers. In the most detailed areas (torso, shoulders), all three layers are distinguishable through clear outer panels.
Q: Are the gold joints painted or molded in gold plastic?
The gold-colored joints are molded in metallic-finish plastic — not painted. The gold tone is consistent across all joint surfaces without any additional painting.
Q: How does the clear armor interact with LED lighting?
Clear GK resin transmits light efficiently. When LED channels illuminate the frame interior, light passes through the clear panels as diffused surface glow — closer to the "glowing frame" animation effect than a concentrated LED point source.
Q: Does the clear armor affect the model's posability?
No. The clear armor panels attach to the PGU frame using the same connection points as the original armor. Posability is fully retained.
Q: Can I switch between clear and original white armor?
Yes. Both panel sets use the same frame connection points. Many builders keep both sets and switch for photography sessions. Each swap requires partial disassembly and reassembly.
Q: Is this an officially licensed product?
No. This is an independently produced studio GK kit by Takara Model Studio, not affiliated with or licensed by Bandai Spirits or any rights holder.
The PGU Nu Gundam was engineered with one of the most detailed internal frames in Bandai's Perfect Grade history. Clear armor makes it accessible.
View the Clear Armor GK Kit →PGU Nu Gundam internal frame descriptions are based on community documentation and Bandai Hobby Site official announcements. The Clear Armor GK Kit is an independently produced aftermarket product by Takara Model Studio, not affiliated with or licensed by Bandai Spirits or any rights holder. The Bandai PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-93 ν Gundam is sold separately.