This is an MG model kit I purchased back in 2014. At that time, Bandai's release schedule was one PG a year plus a guaranteed MG every month (for a total of twelve a year). Nowadays, with more product lines, the output of MG kits isn't as formidable as it used to be. Back then, my building speed couldn't keep up with Bandai's monthly MG releases. As a result, I kept buying, and the kits piled up. After so long, I had completely forgotten this one even existed.
Today, I'm excited to share with you this technological product of the Dark History, hailed as the terminator of all Gundam worlds and the most powerful existence of them all: the Turn X.
The Turn X's official design height is approximately 20.5 meters, so even at a 1/100 scale, it's a very large kit. The most significant feature of the Turn X is its ability to separate into nine parts for combat (and don't tell me its greatest feature is the Moonlight Butterfly XD).
The backpack serves as a weapon platform (Back-Weapon Platform-Kyaraps), which carries all of its armaments, including a beam rifle and a bazooka. The right hand is a fixed armament, the "3-Barrel Beam Projector System," which functions as both a beam saber and a beam cannon. It also possesses a third function, the melting destruction manipulator "Shining Finger" (Destruction Manipulator-Shining Finger). As for the legs, they are equipped with two powerful mega particle cannons and can be detached to attack independently when necessary.
Additionally, the Turn X has three special systems: the body separation mechanism (allowing the main body to separate into nine parts for independent attacks), the head unit "X-TOP" which contains the control system for the "Kailas Giri" orbital satellite cannon, and finally, the ultimate weapon capable of destroying the entire Gundam world, the Dark History's technology: the Moonlight Butterfly.
The Turn X is also the brother unit to the ∀ Gundam. The X-shaped scar on its chest is a wound from its battle with the ∀, and its power lies in combat capabilities that surpass the ∀ Gundam. Simply put, it's a top-tier "demon king" machine, an existence of ultimate boss-level power.
Destructive Power: It possesses the world-destroying Moonlight Butterfly system that can corrode all kinds of metal.
Melee Combat: The Destruction Manipulator Shining Finger is comparable to that of the God Gundam.
Ranged Combat: The body can separate and be used like funnels.
Defense: The Turn X has a built-in I-Field and regeneration capabilities.
Evasion: In a one-on-one duel, it can separate into nine parts to attack and overwhelm the enemy.
In short, the Turn X is a product of Dark History technology, and it's no exaggeration to call it the most powerful existence. One can only say that the original creator designed this machine to be so overwhelmingly powerful that it has virtually no rivals. Under the Moonlight Butterfly, nothing can survive.
Although it's a demon king machine, due to the power of the protagonist, the Turn X ultimately lost to the ∀ Gundam (Turn A).....
This build was completed with a straight build plus some color correction. The outer armor was sprayed with a light coat of clear gloss paint and pearl powder. The inner frame and weapons were completely repainted. The articulation is basically flawless, as expected from the MG series. For playability, the included stand allows you to display the body separated into its nine parts. An effect part for the beam is also included. Once assembled, it has a very imposing presence. Below is a simple build process and introduction that I hope you will enjoy.
▼【MG Series】A Product of the Dark History: MG 1/100 Turn X Straight Build with Color Correction
▼The entire body can separate into nine parts to attack individually, allowing you to recreate classic scenes from the anime.
▼The opening and closing design of the waist is perfect for clamping down on the "mustachioed" ∀ Gundam.
▼Some parts were repainted. GAIA 133 was used for the gold sections.
▼The frame and inner structure were sprayed with GAIA 125.
▼The waist has a special deployment gimmick that, when opened, can clamp onto the ∀ Gundam to recreate a classic scene from the anime.
▼Using the included stand, the body can be displayed separated into nine parts. Since it was purchased in 2014 and only built now, over 10 years have passed, so some yellowing of the clear parts is unavoidable.
▼The outer armor was sprayed with clear gloss paint mixed with pearl powder, which reflects a pearlescent sheen under studio lights. The Turn X's cockpit is in the head, which can separate from the body to become the "X-TOP."
▼Each position on the stand corresponds to a specific part for display.
▼The placement and angle of each part can be adjusted according to personal preference.
▼The back-mounted weapon platform "KYARAPS" (Back-Weapon Platform-Kyaraps) can store the beam rifle and bazooka. The main body was painted in a metallic matte blue style. First, a layer of surfacer was applied, followed by GAIA EX-02, then a layer of GAIA 121. After drying, GAIA Primary Color Blue was applied, and finally, a clear matte topcoat.
▼Two different metallic paints were used for the backpack's inner frame: GAIA 121 and GAIA EX-07.
▼GAIA EX-07 was used for the silver parts. In my experience, this EX-07 is the easiest silver paint to work with, offering the best coverage and smoothness.
▼The weapons were painted with Graphite Black from the GAIA Real Feel series.
▼GAIA Graphite Black is one of the three brothers in the Real Feel series. The unique thing about this Graphite Black is that you can achieve a great realistic effect by simply spraying it over a primer/surfacer coat. After it dries, naturally rubbing the parts or weapons (e.g., at joint bends, extending a gun stock, or retracting a stored weapon) creates a realistic wear-and-tear effect. A word of caution when using this paint: a thinner ratio of 1:3 is recommended, and it's best to use a 0.5mm nozzle on your airbrush. When I thinned it 1:3 and used a 0.3mm nozzle, the lead particles in the solvent clogged my brush, so a 0.5mm nozzle is much easier to work with.
▼The natural, realistic weathering on the Graphite Black paint from stowing the bazooka.
▼Pulling back the stock weathers the extended parts along its path.
▼There's no need to intentionally create a weathered look; simply stowing and extending the parts naturally produces a realistic wear effect.
▼The weathering occurs on the surface closest to the backpack.
▼Only the parts that make contact are weathered.
▼In its stowed state, you can see the weathered and exposed areas on the bazooka.
▼Weapon storage.
▼The beam rifle and bazooka have dedicated slots, so it's basically impossible to insert them incorrectly.
▼The handgun can also be stowed on the rear of the backpack, mounted on the lower left.
▼The Turn X's unique limb separation gimmick.
▼Even when separated, the parts can wield weapons to attack.
▼The included sticker was used for the chest interior. The X-shaped scar on the chest is a wound from its battle with the ∀ Gundam, which even the Turn X's self-repair function cannot fix.
▼Finally, a group photo of the brother units. Both are technological products born from the Dark History. Which one do you prefer?
The above is a simple introduction to this build. The MG series, under Bandai's long-standing development, has continuously improved in terms of production technology and articulation. For a 2014 kit, this Turn X has excellent articulation and playability. The build itself is quite simple and not difficult; you can easily complete it by following the steps in the manual. The armaments are not overly complex, and the accessories are quite minimal. When displayed alongside the 100th MG kit, the ∀ Gundam, it looks incredibly cool. Below are some simple studio shots to share with everyone.
▼Studio Photos
