The Bandai 1/144 High Grade Universal Century RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex is the Newtype-use mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket. This HGUC release captures the Alex's distinctive Chobham armour system with dual wrist-mounted Gatling guns, removable armour panels, and enhanced mobility design. It's the definitive 1/144 scale version of the One Year War's most advanced Earth Federation prototype.
This kit includes approximately 250 parts and features snap-fit construction with no glue required. The HGUC engineering is designed for intermediate builders with previous Gunpla experience.
The build centres on the removable Chobham armour system that allows display in standard or fully armoured configuration. You get the dual wrist-mounted 90mm Gatling guns, beam rifle, two beam sabers, and shield. The colour separation delivers the Alex's white, blue, red, and grey scheme with minimal painting needed. The engineering features articulated armour panels that open to reveal the Gatling guns and removable outer armour that exposes the sleek inner frame. The kit includes effect parts for the Gatling guns and beam weapons to enhance combat displays.
What Makes This Kit Special
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Chobham Armour System: Removable outer armour panels allow display in standard or fully armoured configuration
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Dual Wrist Gatling Guns: 90mm Gatling guns deploy from articulated forearm armour panels
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Articulated Armour Panels: Shoulder and forearm armour opens to reveal internal weapons and mechanisms
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Effect Parts Included: Muzzle flash effects for Gatling guns and beam weapon effects
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Enhanced Mobility Design: Proportions reflect the Alex's improved speed and manoeuvrability over standard RX-78-2
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Complete Weapon Arsenal: Beam rifle, dual beam sabers, shield, and wrist-mounted Gatling guns
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War in the Pocket Design: Captures the Alex's appearance from the OVA series
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Dual Display Options: Show with Chobham armour attached or removed to reveal inner frame
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Snap-Fit Construction: No glue required for assembly, parts snap together securely
What's In The Box
- HGUC RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex plastic parts (approximately 250 pieces)
- 2x wrist-mounted 90mm Gatling guns (articulated deployment)
- Beam rifle
- 2x beam sabers
- Shield
- Chobham armour panels (removable)
- Gatling gun effect parts
- Beam weapon effect parts
- Multiple pairs of manipulator hands (weapon holding, open palm, fists)
- Foil sticker sheet
- Marking decal sheet
- Colour instruction manual
Known Build Considerations
This is an older HGUC release from the early 2000s, so it uses engineering that predates modern High Grade standards. I want to be upfront about what that means for your build so you can work with the kit's quirks rather than fight against them.
Chobham Armour Weight (Most Significant Issue): The armour is heavy for the internal polycaps. When fully armoured, the kit loses almost all articulation and tends to slump or lean forward over time. This is the most commonly reported issue across builder reviews. The unarmoured Alex poses beautifully, but the fully armoured version is best suited for static display rather than dynamic posing. Think of the armoured mode as a display piece and the unarmoured mode as your posing configuration.
Loose Wrist Ball Joints: The hands, especially the gun-holding hand, are notorious for being loose. The beam rifle is too long and heavy for the weak wrist friction, causing it to droop or pop the hand out entirely. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or super glue to the wrist ball joints and let it dry completely before attaching the hands. This is mandatory for a solid feel with this kit.
Shoulder Polycap (PC-123 Part): This is the danger zone. Because this kit predates modern swing-out joints, the shoulder polycap is prone to slipping out of the torso housing if you move the arms too aggressively. Be gentle when posing the arms, especially when the Chobham armour is attached. The nail polish trick works here too if you want to tighten the connection.
Gatling Gun Pegs: The small pegs that attach the forearm Gatling guns are tiny. If you swap between the Gatling guns and the normal forearm covers frequently, these pegs will shear off. Pick your display configuration and stick with it rather than constantly swapping parts.
V-Fin (Part A1 10): This part is noticeably thicker than modern V-fins, but the white plastic used in this era is more prone to stress marks. Use sharp nippers and cut away from the part to avoid stress marks at the gate.
Colour Inaccuracy (Sticker Reliance): Many grey details like the thrusters and the yellow vents on the shoulders are missing from the moulded colour and rely on poorly fitting stickers. If you want accuracy, you'll need to paint these details rather than rely on the stickers.
Stability Rating: 6/10 (Armoured) / 8/10 (Unarmoured). The unarmoured Alex is a solid, poseable kit once you've tightened the wrist and shoulder joints. The armoured version is beautiful but best treated as a static display piece due to the weight and articulation limitations.
The Fix: Use the super glue or clear nail polish trick on the wrist ball joints and the shoulder pegs. Since this is a 20-year-old design, tightening the polycaps is mandatory for a solid feel. Let everything dry completely before reassembling.
Compatible Accessories
Display your Gundam NT-1 Alex with these Action Bases designed for 1/144 scale High Grade kits:
Build Your War in the Pocket Collection
Expand your Universal Century mobile suit lineup with these related kits:
Build Specifications
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Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
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Grade: High Grade Universal Century (HGUC)
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Scale: 1/144
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Mobile Suit: RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex
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Pilot: Christina Mackenzie
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Faction: Earth Federation Forces
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Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
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Weight: 501g
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Barcode: 4573102591586
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Skill Level: Intermediate
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Assembly: Snap-fit construction, no glue required
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Compatibility: Action Base 2, 5, and other 1/144 scale stands (sold separately)
Perfect For
Intermediate builders who have completed several High Grade kits and understand removable armour systems. The Chobham armour panels require careful assembly to ensure they attach and remove smoothly. War in the Pocket fans who want Christina Mackenzie's mobile suit with the signature wrist-mounted Gatling guns. Universal Century collectors building a One Year War prototype lineup alongside the RX-78-2 Gundam and other Earth Federation units. Builders who appreciate dual display options and mechanical gimmicks like the articulated armour panels that reveal the Gatling guns. The effect parts for the Gatling guns and beam weapons add dynamic combat display options. Best suited for builders who enjoy kits with removable armour systems and want to display the Alex in both standard and fully armoured configurations.
Fast Australian Shipping
Same Day Dispatch: Orders placed before 2pm weekdays ship same day. Orders after 2pm or on weekends ship next business day.
Australian Stock: In stock and ready to ship Australia-wide from Mecha Express. The Bandai 1/144 High Grade Universal Century RX-78NT-1 Gundam NT-1 Alex features removable Chobham armour, dual wrist-mounted Gatling guns, and articulated armour panels.
Snap-fit plastic model kit requiring no glue for assembly. Foil stickers and marking decals included for enhanced detail. Panel lining and topcoat recommended for best results. Nippers required for part removal from runners. Action Base sold separately for display. The Chobham armour panels remove cleanly to reveal the inner frame and require careful assembly for secure attachment. The forearm armour articulates to deploy the 90mm Gatling guns. Effect parts attach to the Gatling gun barrels and beam weapons for enhanced combat displays.
Last updated: 3 March 2026 (AEST)
