Custom Build: HG 1/144 RGM-79 GM (RFV)

MODELER: Tadano Kei (HJ WEB)

MODEL TITLE: RGM-79 GM [Requiem for Vengeance]

MODIFICATION TYPE: kit bash, scratch built parts, custom details, custom paint job

KIT USED: HG 1/144 Gundam EX (RFV), HGUC 1/144 GM

The GM, a mass-produced mobile suit of the Federation Army, plays a significant role in Mobile Suit Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance. Appearing alongside the Gundam at a recycling facility where the Solari are hiding, it serves as a symbol of the Federation’s strategy of mass production, offering reduced performance but greater accessibility compared to the Gundam EX. Sharing many external features with its more advanced counterpart, the GM embodies the practicality of large-scale deployment during wartime.

To coincide with the special feature, veteran modeler Tadano Kei scratch built a stunning Requiem version of the GM, based on the HG 1/144 Gundam EX kit, with meticulous modifications to the head and torso to capture its distinctive design.

Developed using the experience gained from the Gundam program, the GM’s mass production marked a turning point in the Earth Federation’s military strategy. Despite its reduced performance, it was deployed in large numbers, contributing significantly to the Federation’s victory. In Requiem for Vengeance, the GM first appears in episode 4, with a dramatic seizure operation by the Solari team in episode 5, only to be overwhelmed by the superior Gundam EXs. Tadano’s model not only captures the GM’s iconic design but also incorporates intricate features, including the opening and closing gimmick of the head sensor unit, and detailed paint techniques, such as metallic red accents and rough brush strokes, to recreate the CG aesthetic of the series.

Tadano Kei’s passion for the GM stems from its central role in the series. “The sight of an 18-meter mobile suit engaging in free-flying hand-to-hand combat was both thrilling and terrifying,” he shared. Tadano’s approach to the project was grounded in thorough research, examining test shots of the HG Gundam EX, various documents, and video references to ensure every detail was accounted for. His dedication to staying “on the scene” drove him to incorporate the GM’s operational characteristics and visual nuances into his build.

A standout feature of the GM’s design is its movable head visor, which mechanical designer Kimitoshi Yamane described as a way to visualize the soldier’s emotions through mechanical “facial expressions.” To replicate this, Tadano constructed the sensor unit from scratch. Starting with the head of the HGUC GM, he crafted a transparent sensor core using UV resin poured into a silicone ball mold. After multiple prototypes, the final design incorporated a UV resin ball with a laser-cut targeting pointer molded into a plated base. This was encased in a three-piece configuration, combining precision screws and a carefully designed exterior to achieve the desired look.

While the GM shares many frame and functional similarities with the HG Gundam EX, Tadano made pinpoint modifications to distinguish its exterior and equipment. Each part—including the shoulders, chest, skirt, shield, legs, gun, and backpack—was carefully reworked using plastic sheets and putty. The final model’s coloring played a critical role in capturing the GM’s atmosphere during the twilight and nighttime battle scenes in the series. Tadano’s approach balanced functionality with the reflection of light in low-visibility conditions, ensuring a realistic yet dynamic finish.

The GM’s presence in Requiem for Vengeance highlights its importance in the Federation’s military efforts, despite its limitations. Tadano Kei’s Requiem version of the GM masterfully bridges the gap between practicality and artistry, offering a fresh perspective on a classic design. His innovative techniques and commitment to authenticity make this model a must-see for fans of the series and Gunpla enthusiasts alike. As we await an official kit for the Requiem version of the GM, Tadano’s work stands as a testament to the creativity and passion within the Gunpla community.