At a press conference yesterday (March 12th), Bandai Namco Group has announced a life size Gundam RX-78-2 to be built at Shiokaze Park (潮風公園) in Tokyo. Scheduled to be completed by early July. The statue will be opened for public viewing with no admission charge.
The location at Shiokaze Park as seen from the CG image. However, the actual location has not been confirmed yet.
Yup, it's going to be a non-movable statue. So sorry folks, it's Gundam but no ikimas ^^;
18 meter in height, this statue will have iron frame with FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer) composites as the exterior. It's reported that the head can move up and down, and to the left and right, but the public will not be allowed to operate the movement.
In addition, there will be about 50 light-up components built into the eyes, shoulders, knees and other parts. Also, there will be 14 parts with "mist jet gimmick" (? - ミスト噴射ギミック) installed. Spot lights will be added to the surrounding of the statue to light it up during the night.
The construction cost is undisclosed.
A 1/30 scale replica and other design sketches of this statue were shown at the press conference.
The statue will not stay at Shiokaze Park forever though. It'll be transferred to another location two months after its "birth" at the park ^^
On top of that, the official site for Gundam 30th Anniversary is now opened, and the theme is:
Always Beginning
Expect more information and updates regarding this milestone celebration soon.^^
Images and information from AV Watch, Game Watch, GA Graphic.
