S.A.F.S. Space Type 2 Snake-Eye
Allegiance: Mercenary Army

Kit currently in production from Wave Corporation, available from HobbyLink Japan.

I am pleased to offer a review of the Maschinen Krieger SAFS Snake Eye, as currently produced by Wave Model Corporation and obtainable from HobbyLink Japan (click the link above). The kit is th first in a wave (pardon the pun) of SAFS-based releases, each packaged in a box showcasing Kow Yokoyama's splendid art. This particular SAFS is the space-based version of the Mercenary Army's Super Armored Fighting Suit, and was one of the first major "new" suits to make a debut in 1998/1999, when Maschinen Krieger was reborn. It differs from the traditional SAFS in a few subtle ways, and the sprue breakdown seems very logical, hinting at the coming other variations in the line. This is clever on Wave's part, by offering a parts breakdown that allows for more variant sprues, the company can offer more varied designs, and Ma.K. fans get more suits into their collection!

So let's start with the box art. Kow's painting depicts a couple of Snake-Eyes fighting near a Strahl Egg Eater!!

Once inside the box, we are met with off-white plastic, vinyl, and clear plastic.

Instruction booklet includes a paint guide, is in Japanese, but easy to follow and well illustrated. The decals are superb - waterslide, clean and crisp. A new shark mouth design is featured here, and I am very excited by it!

The first baggie contains the vinyl and clear sprue - the vinyl seems slightly less malleable this time, which is excellent news, as it will be easier to trim and clean the parts!

The second bag contains more wonderfully engineered pieces, including some real surprises for those more familiar with the older Nitto kits.

ONE PIECE ENGINE BELLS. Have we died and gone to heaven?!?

A female pilot head, again presented as one piece that will require incredibly minimal clean up.

The Snake Eye's gun arm is also a beautiful casting... simply amazing.

Next up - assembly!

Maschinen Krieger © Kow Yokoyama