Kotobukiya’s Frame Arms line has long been a favorite among mecha modelers who crave mechanical detail and customization potential. The 035 LX-00 Ray Falx:Re2 1/100 is a reissue of the original Ray Falx, updated with new joint parts and improved articulation. In this review, we’ll break down the build experience, part quality, and poseability to help you decide if this kit deserves a spot in your collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned builder or new to the Frame Arms series, understanding what makes the Ray Falx:Re2 tick is essential. We’ll also touch on how it compares to other 1/100 kits and what tools you might need to get the best out of it.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Ray Falx:Re2 arrives in a sturdy box with striking artwork showcasing its sleek, avian-inspired silhouette. Inside, you’ll find 12 runners of gray, white, and clear plastic, plus a small sheet of water-slide decals and a comprehensive instruction manual. The parts are well-organized, with crisp molding and minimal flash. The clear parts for the wings and sensors are especially impressive, catching light beautifully.
One notable addition is the updated joint system: the Re2 version uses stronger polycaps and revised hip joints to address the original kit’s stability issues. This is a welcome improvement, as the original Ray Falx was known for loose joints over time. The kit also includes a display base and a selection of hands for different poses.
- 12 runners plus decals and base
- Updated joint system for better stability
- Clear parts for wings and sensors
Build Quality: Snap-Fit and Detail
The Frame Arms 035 LX-00 Ray Falx:Re2 is a snap-fit kit, meaning no glue is required for assembly. However, some parts—especially the wing joints and the weapon grips—benefit from a tiny dab of plastic cement for extra security. The plastic is high-quality ABS and PS, with good surface detail including panel lines, vents, and mechanical ridges that look great out of the box.
For builders who prefer painting, the kit is an excellent canvas. The gray and white parts separate nicely, making masking straightforward. If you’re working with weathering paints, consider using a product like the WT04 - Water Based Weathering Paint Gouache Light Rust to add subtle rust effects to the exposed joints and weapon edges. The light rust tone complements the kit’s neutral palette without overwhelming it.
WT04 - Water Based Weathering Paint Gouache Light Rust
- Snap-fit with optional cement for tight joints
- High surface detail ready for panel lining or painting
- Good part separation for masking
Articulation and Poseability
The Ray Falx:Re2 features a full inner frame that allows for a wide range of motion. The neck has a double ball joint, enabling both tilt and rotation. The shoulders are mounted on polycaps that allow for 180-degree forward and backward movement, plus a hinge for lateral raises. The elbows bend past 90 degrees, and the wrists have a swivel joint.
The hip joints are the highlight of the Re2 update: they now use a ratcheting mechanism that holds poses firmly, even with the heavy wing backpack attached. The knees bend to a full 160 degrees, and the ankles have good lateral tilt for dynamic ground poses. The wings themselves are mounted on multi-axis joints, allowing them to fold, spread, or angle independently.
- Double ball-joint neck for expressive head positioning
- Ratcheting hips for stable standing poses
- Multi-axis wing joints for flight or attack stances
Weapons and Accessories
The kit includes a large beam rifle, a shield, and two beam sabers. The rifle has a removable magazine and a folding foregrip, adding to the realism. The shield attaches to the forearm via a peg system and can be positioned at different angles. The beam sabers store on the back skirt armor, a nice touch for fans of the original design.
All weapons are molded in gray plastic, so you may want to paint them for a more premium look. For a quick and effective finish, the Acrysion N16 - Yellow Green (Gloss/Primary) is a great choice for adding accent colors to the weapon bodies or sensor details. Its gloss finish provides a nice contrast to the matte armor parts.
Acrysion N16 - Yellow Green (Gloss/Primary)
- Beam rifle with removable magazine
- Shield with adjustable angle
- Two beam sabers stored on back skirt
Comparison with Other 1/100 Frame Arms Kits
The Ray Falx:Re2 sits in the middle of the Frame Arms lineup in terms of complexity. It’s more involved than the standard Frame Arms Girl kits but less complex than the massive 1/100 Hresvelgr. Compared to the Frame Arms #014 Type 48 Model 1 Kagutsuchi-Kou:Re2 1/100, the Ray Falx has a more streamlined build and a lighter frame, making it easier to pose without a stand.
The Kagutsuchi-Kou:Re2 is bulkier and has more armor panels, but the Ray Falx excels in articulation and balance. If you’re looking for a kit that offers dynamic posing straight out of the box, the Ray Falx:Re2 is the better choice. Both kits share the same updated joint system, so you can expect similar stability from either.
- Less complex than Hresvelgr, more than Frame Arms Girl
- Lighter and more agile than Kagutsuchi-Kou:Re2
- Updated joint system shared across recent Re2 releases
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Frame Arms 035 LX-00 Ray Falx:Re2 1/100 is a solid kit that delivers on both aesthetics and engineering. The updated joints address the original’s main flaw, and the detail is excellent for a snap-fit model. The wings add a lot of display presence, and the articulation allows for a wide range of action poses.
The main downside is the lack of color separation on some parts—the gray plastic can look a bit monochrome without painting. But for modelers who enjoy customizing, this is a blank slate. Overall, it’s a strong recommendation for mecha fans and Frame Arms collectors.
- Pros: Excellent articulation, stable joints, great detail
- Cons: Monochrome plastic, some parts need cement
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced modelers who enjoy posing
If you’re ready to add a sleek, highly poseable mecha to your shelf, the Frame Arms 035 LX-00 Ray Falx:Re2 1/100 is a fantastic choice. Check out the Frame Arms #014 Type 48 Model 1 Kagutsuchi-Kou:Re2 1/100 for a heavier, more armored companion, or grab the Ray Falx:Re2 itself to start building your own custom mecha squad.
