Prof. Layton here! Today we will review the awesome SD Kshatriya, the latest kit finished by Erlangshen.
The Kshatriya is an improved model of the NZ-000 Quin-Mantha developed by Anaheim Electronics. The Kshatriya is much smaller than the Quin-Mantha but has equal firepower.
This is accomplished by the four large shoulder binders similar to that of the Quin-Mantha, each binder storing a pair of mega particle cannons, beam saber holding sub-arms and six funnels. The main body of the Kshatriya also has four mega particle cannons and two beam sabers. Also, the beam gatling gun used by the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam originally belonged to the Kshatriya. Although the Kshatriya lacks the “mega particle deflection system” seen on the NZ-000, an I-field barrier generator was installed instead. Its original psycommu system was also replaced with a more effective psychoframe.
Although the Kshatriya is a massive mobile suit it has fairly good mobility thanks to the thruster-mounting wing binders.
I decided to review SD Loto that comes with this kit separately as Erlangshen plans to do major modification so its articulation will be better.
Erlangshen also plans to modify another SD Kshatriya into SD Gelgomesh, whose design you can view here.
Over-all Look
To me the huge Shoulder Binder is iconic and is just of the right proportion in relation to its main body. As usual, this SD kit also have some hollow part, particularly in the bottom of the feet and the back side of the shoulder. With some pla plate and Epoxy Putty, it would not be a big task to cover them up.
Articulations
Like Gundam W, this kit also has elbow joint, which is awesome. Its new poly-cap parts also allow better movement for the head and waist. The shoulder binder is also very flexible and pose-able.
There is one drawback. As the shoulder needs to support the binders, it also restrict the shoulder joint so that it can only rotate in axis but not hinge out. I heard that Erlangshen is thinking of ways to improve this in Gelgomesh.
Gimmicks
Each Shoulder Binder has a hidden arm that can extend out. Unfortunately, it could not hold anything.
The first variation suggested by the instruction is shown in the upper right corner, making it seem Kshatriya had 4 huge arms. Perhaps this is inspired by the Indian-theme name of the MS.
The next variation, is what I would call as Mobile Armor form, which is shown in the lower right corner. To me, this is very weird and unnatural.
Erlangshen also added a connector part so that the gaitling gun that is used by Unicorn Gundam can be used by this kit as well (from what I heard, this MS is the original owner of the gaitling anyway).
Painting
Painting the ornamnet on the chest and sleeves is a nightmare. As far as I know, Erlangshen only painted the chest part, but finally resort to the provided stickers for the sleeves. I must say the result is not bad at all.
The next a bit complex painting required is the leg part. you will need to apply yellow and black paint.
There are also some painting required on the back of the shoulder and the side of the torso, and the wires in the wrist area.
This kit also comes with a set of decal-like stickers that will provide amazing detail once you have finished your kit.
Weapons & Accessories
This kit comes with a pair of beam sabers. Most SD kits nowadays only provide 1 beam saber, so it’s refreshing to see SD kit that offers a pair of beam sabers.
As I mentioned before, Erlangshen also provided connectors so that gaitling gun can be used by this kit as well, to provide more arsenal to this kit.
Summary
Over-all, this kit is pretty awesome. it is slightly bigger than other SD kit from Gundam UC. Its shoulder binder gimmick is amazing and very pose-able. Although there are some drawback to its articulation, with elbow joint and new poly-cap joints, this kit provides better movement action than several of its SD kit predecessors. I highly recommend this kit for fans of the Gundam UC anime.
