MG Tallgeese II vs the original Tallgeese

The Master Grade Tallgeese II is an interesting release because it is both familiar and distinct. It uses the same broad engineering as the original MG Tallgeese, yet its blue, white and yellow colour scheme gives the mobile suit a more ceremonial presence than the sharp, military look of Treize Khushrenada’s machine.

For builders in Australia, the comparison also comes down to availability and price. The Tallgeese II has often appeared through Premium Bandai or specialist import channels, while the original MG Tallgeese is easier to find second-hand or through established hobby retailers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Both kits remain attractive 1/100-scale projects for Gundam Wing fans. The real question is whether the Tallgeese II offers enough visual change to justify tracking one down when the original already provides an excellent build.

Shared engineering and different character

The two mobile suits share the same core MG platform, including the distinctive shoulder binders, large verniers, articulated legs and compact torso. Assembly feels familiar between them, which is good news for anyone who has already built the original. Parts fit is generally secure, and the construction has the solid, mechanical quality expected from a modern Master Grade.

Their personalities are very different once the armour is on. The original Tallgeese uses a restrained white, navy and red palette that emphasises its prototype military origins. Tallgeese II replaces much of that darker contrast with royal blue and gold-yellow accents, creating a cleaner and more aristocratic appearance.

The revised head is the biggest visual change. Its crest and face give the Tallgeese II a more refined, almost knightly silhouette, while the original looks severe and utilitarian. Builders who display both will immediately notice that the machines feel related without appearing like simple colour variants.

Build experience and articulation

Construction is approachable for an MG, although the inner frame contains several small mechanical sections that reward careful cutting and test-fitting. The shoulder binders remain the engineering highlight, with movement that allows them to sit close to the body or flare dramatically behind the suit. The large thrusters add visual weight without making the finished model feel fragile.

The legs provide a good range for standing poses, and the ankles are capable enough for a wide stance. Stability depends on the chosen pose, particularly when the Tallgeese II is holding its long weapon. Beginners should still work slowly and avoid forcing joints; the advice in this guide to avoid common RG mistakes applies equally well to any complex Gunpla project.

Weapons and display potential

The Tallgeese II carries the familiar dober gun and shield arrangement, so the basic posing options are close to those of the original. The dober gun has a convincing scale and a satisfying mechanical profile, while the shield balances the silhouette on the opposite arm. With the shoulder binders opened, the kit looks especially effective in a launch or braking pose.

The key attraction is the Tallgeese II’s distinctive heat halberd. It gives the model a more dramatic close-combat option than the original’s standard beam sabers and suits the character’s commanding image. A display base is useful for airborne poses, although the suit can stand unaided when its weapons are positioned carefully.

For Australian collectors, this matters because shelf space is often limited and imported MG kits can be expensive after shipping and GST. The Tallgeese II earns its place more easily if it will be displayed as part of a Gundam Wing group alongside the Wing Zero, Epyon or Deathscythe Hell.

Surface detail and painting

The moulded colour separation is strong, but a painted or panel-lined Tallgeese II benefits from extra attention around the blue armour and yellow trim. Those areas can look slightly flat straight from the box, particularly under bright display lighting. A light gloss coat followed by panel lining can bring out the vents and recessed armour seams without making the finish too busy.

Masking is worthwhile if you want sharper colour boundaries or a more customised military scheme. This tutorial on masking tape patterns is useful for adapting the Tallgeese II into a weathered field unit, although its regal colours also suit a clean, polished finish.

The kit’s surface detail is generally crisp enough that heavy sanding should be avoided. If a seam or small gap appears, use controlled filler rather than removing surrounding detail. The techniques in this guide to filling gaps with putty are particularly relevant around armour joins and weapon parts.

Which Tallgeese belongs in your collection

The original MG Tallgeese remains the better starting point for builders who want the clearest representation of the classic design. It has a versatile colour scheme, a strong military identity and usually a more accessible price on the Australian second-hand market. It is also the safer choice for anyone building their first large Gundam Wing Master Grade.

The Tallgeese II is the more characterful purchase. Its shared construction means you are not getting a completely new engineering experience, but the redesigned head, blue armour, gold accents and heat halberd make the finished model feel genuinely separate. It is especially appealing to fans of Treize and to collectors who value distinctive display pieces.

If prices are close, the Tallgeese II offers more visual novelty. If the original is substantially cheaper, it remains excellent value and leaves room in the budget for tools, decals or a display base. Australian buyers should compare local stock with import postage before committing, as the final cost can vary considerably between a Melbourne retailer, a Sydney hobby shop and an overseas seller.

Build either version, photograph the finished pose and share the result in the Gundam Eclipse Display Case. Progress shots, paint choices and comparisons between the two machines can give other builders practical ideas for their own MG Tallgeese projects.