The Bandai Pokemon Gyarados Model Kit, part of the prestigious Pokemon Plastic Model Collection Select Series, brings the fearsome water dragon to life with unprecedented detail and engineering innovation. This model kit stands out for its clever design choices and quality construction, offering both an engaging build experience and an impressive display piece.
Design and Engineering
Bandai’s engineering prowess shines through in several innovative features:
- Sophisticated part separation that eliminates the need for pattern stickers on the main body
- Advanced ball joint system enabling unique expansion and contraction movements
- Strategic use of soft materials for the beard, weapons, and tail sections
- Custom-designed pedestal that provides stable support for the expandable torso
- Careful attention to color accuracy and surface detail
Build Quality and Materials
The kit demonstrates Bandai’s commitment to quality through:
- High-grade plastic with excellent color reproduction
- Precise part fitment requiring no glue for assembly
- Thoughtful material choices, combining rigid and flexible parts
- Official Bandai Namco warning label ensuring product authenticity
- Durable construction suitable for both display and gentle handling
Assembly Experience
Despite its complex appearance, the kit offers a surprisingly accessible building experience:
- Clear, well-organized instructions
- Intuitive part layout and assembly sequence
- Minimal sticker application thanks to clever part separation
- Beginner-friendly design while still engaging for experienced builders
- Satisfying build progression as the legendary Pokémon takes shape
Display Features
The completed model offers impressive display capabilities:
- Dynamic posing options through the expandable torso mechanism
- Included display stand for dramatic aerial poses
- Accurate scale that captures Gyarados’s imposing presence
- Flexible parts that allow for customized positioning
- Screen-accurate coloring and pattern detail
Package Contents
The kit includes:
- Complete set of model parts with color-separated runners
- Supplementary sticker sheet for optional detailing
- Custom-designed display stand
- Detailed assembly instructions
- Authentication label confirming official Bandai product
Value Proposition
This Gyarados model kit offers excellent value through its combination of innovative engineering, quality materials, and display presence. The kit’s accessibility makes it suitable for both Pokémon enthusiasts and model kit builders, while its final presentation quality ensures long-term display appeal. The minimal reliance on stickers for detail and the inclusion of the specialized stand enhance the overall value package.
Final Verdict
Bandai’s Gyarados model kit successfully captures the essence of this iconic Pokémon while offering an enjoyable building experience. The combination of sophisticated engineering, quality materials, and thoughtful design choices results in a model that both builds well and displays impressively. Whether you’re a Pokémon fan, model kit enthusiast, or both, this kit delivers a satisfying experience from start to finish.
The model’s ability to achieve complex poses through its ball joint system, coupled with its screen-accurate appearance achieved through clever part separation rather than stickers, makes it a standout piece in Bandai’s Pokémon model kit lineup. Its accessibility to builders of various skill levels, while still offering engaging assembly and impressive final results, makes it an easy recommendation for anyone interested in bringing this legendary water Pokémon to their collection.
