It has been a while since I last shared a mecha-girl kit. This time, I am taking a look at “Zweixing - Bai,” a 1/12 scale model kit from AniMester and its Nuclear Gold Reconstruction line.
In addition to the Zweixing - Bai figure itself, the kit includes a mechanical beast called the Deep Space Viper Striker, which supports several different configurations. Some collectors refer to it by another name, but this article will use Deep Space Viper Striker to match the official English product information.
This kit contains a huge number of parts, but the overall building experience is quite good. What impressed me most was the quality of the white parts, which have virtually no visible flow marks or cheap plastic appearance. The red clear parts, however, are extremely sharp and can easily prick your fingers during assembly, so be especially careful when handling them.
The original package also includes a very large sheet of waterslide decals. In addition to the recommended placements shown in the instructions, you can apply the remaining designs wherever you like. Many areas of Zweixing - Bai feature curved or sharply angled surfaces, so using decal softener will help the decals conform more naturally and adhere securely.
Two common concerns with buildable mecha-girl kits are whether the finished model will look overly plasticky and whether seam removal will be necessary. AniMester has addressed both issues remarkably well with Zweixing - Bai. Even as an unpainted straight build, the kit looks highly polished, with almost no obvious flow marks or cheap plastic sheen. The connection points between parts also use stepped offsets, allowing the seams to blend naturally into the mechanical detailing instead of disrupting the design.
The biggest feature of Zweixing - Bai is the variety of configurations created by combining her with the Deep Space Viper Striker. The only real drawback is that a few sections of the mechanical serpent’s tail can come loose when adjusted. Most segments use universal ball joints, while the troublesome sections rely on peg connections, making them more susceptible to fitting tolerances. This is not a serious problem, however. Once the tail is positioned at the desired angle, a display stand can keep everything securely in place. Here is a closer look at the kit.
▼[AniMester] Nuclear Gold Reconstruction Zweixing - Bai 1/12 Scale Mecha-Girl Model Kit
▼Here is the completed Zweixing - Bai figure
▼The facial expressions can be swapped
▼Even an unpainted straight build delivers an impressively polished finish
▼The white parts show virtually no visible flow marks, so there is no need for a matte topcoat simply to reduce the plastic appearance. Some of the gunmetal sections are pre-painted
▼This chest piece is easy to install backward, so check the front and rear orientation in the instructions before assembly
▼The joints between parts use stepped offsets, allowing the seams to blend naturally into the design
▼The waterslide decals make a major difference to the overall finish. Applying them is highly recommended if you want the model to look its best
▼The seams on the legs also use a stepped design
▼The patterns on the legs and armor are all waterslide decals
▼The stepped construction along both legs makes the seams look much more natural
▼The left and right thighs use differently shaped parts. The black components have a subdued matte finish with no obvious flow marks or cheap plastic appearance
▼A basic articulation check: both arms can be raised horizontally
▼There are no interference issues
▼Black ball joints are also included for connecting the hands, but I chose to use the gold ones throughout
▼The arms can bend this far
▼The gunmetal sections on the armor are pre-painted
▼Rear view. The opening on the back can be covered with an included piece, but I left it open because I needed to attach a display stand during the studio shoot
▼The two red clear parts on the heels are among the few pieces that are not particularly sharp
▼The ankles and feet can be adjusted to match the standing angle
▼In addition to the face installed on the figure, five alternate facial expressions are included
▼A casual contrapposto stance. The head armor can also be lowered
▼Here comes the Deep Space Viper Striker, packed with waterslide decals and sharp, finger-pricking details
▼Side view
▼The waterslide decals add a great deal of visual detail to the overall design
▼Rear view
▼Thankfully, the thrusters avoid that cheap “poop gold” plastic look
▼The tail sections are somewhat prone to coming loose
▼Welcome to waterslide decal hell. The gunmetal sections use the kit’s original molded color
▼Two enormous venomous fangs dominate the front
▼After swapping the facial expression, remove Zweixing - Bai’s legs and connect her torso to the tail to create a White Snake-inspired combined form
▼The three red clear spikes at the end of the tail can open to reveal a white venom needle inside
▼Closed configuration
▼Front view. This was my first time building a kit that combines a mecha girl with a mechanical serpent
▼The main body of the Deep Space Viper Striker can also transform into a flying vehicle
▼Zweixing - Bai can sit directly on top
▼I applied different waterslide decals to the cannons on the left and right sides
▼Both cannon muzzles can open
▼The muzzles in their closed storage configuration
▼These three red clear parts are extremely sharp, so handle them carefully
▼All three can be removed
▼They can be combined with the included effect-display parts. The black lines are made from flexible wire
▼This setup displays the short, medium, and long blades in mid-launch
▼The grip
▼Rear view. Because there is no locking peg between the figure and the vehicle, they can come apart while you are posing them
▼Striking a stylish pose with the weapon
▼Equipped with the bow and arrow
▼I added this waterslide decal to an area not specified in the instructions
▼The vehicle on its own without Zweixing - Bai
▼Side view
▼Top-down view
▼This design also comes from the kit’s waterslide decal sheet. The instructions do not specify this placement, but I added it to suit my own preference
Summary:
That concludes this look at AniMester’s Nuclear Gold Reconstruction Zweixing - Bai. It is a highly polished mecha-girl model kit with a satisfying building experience, and it is well worth considering if you enjoy this style of design. Although the kit contains a large number of parts, assembly is not particularly difficult. It also looks excellent without any painting, making it a great choice for straight-build enthusiasts. Just remember to use decal softener when applying the waterslide decals.
The main weapon is a bow and arrow, which can be reconfigured into a long spear. Personally, I found the spear configuration easier and more comfortable to pose than the bow. To finish, here are some photos from the studio shoot.
▼Studio photos
