Academy 15821 - Mechander V

Self-assembly model kit of the Mechander V robot

Academy 15821 depicts Mechander V - the title robot of the 1977 Japanese animated series "Mechander Robo", one of the classic productions of the super robot genre. The model is built from parts moulded in multiple colours, so painting is not required and the colourful silhouette is there as soon as the model is assembled.

The kit features articulated joints that allow the finished figure to be posed. Weapons and accessories are also included, among them the distinctive Mechander Fencer sword.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts moulded in multiple colours (painting is not required)
• Articulated joints allowing the model to be posed
• Weapons and accessories, including the Mechander Fencer sword
• Illustrated assembly instructions with a painting guide

Specifications:

• Catalogue number: 15821
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Year of release: 2025
• Age: 8 and up
• Difficulty: beginner

Please note: This model is intended for self-assembly. The kit does not include paints or modelling tools.

Building the model:

Factory-coloured parts and straightforward engineering make this kit a good starting project. Parts are cut from the sprues with side cutters, cleaned up along the gate marks and joined in the order given in the instructions. Since the model works without paint, it is worth finishing the edges carefully - gate marks show clearly on bare plastic.

The articulated joints let you display the robot statically or in a dynamic pose with the Mechander Fencer sword. Modellers who want to go further can paint the kit following the guide in the instructions, and a wash applied to the armour panel lines suits the angular shapes typical of robots from this era.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Optional: plastic cement for permanently joining selected parts
• Optional: modelling paints and brushes in various sizes
• Optional: a wash to accentuate details and armour panel lines

About the machine - Mechander V:

Mechander V is the title robot of the "Mechander Robo" series - a machine that does not roll out of the hangar in one piece, but is formed by combining several smaller craft. This idea became one of the hallmarks of 1970s Japanese animation and is still popular in scale modelling today.

In the series, Mechander V is Earth's main line of defence against invaders from space. Its equipment includes the Mechander Fencer sword, which is also supplied in this kit.

About the series - Mechander Robo:

• Japanese animated series from 1977
• Produced by Wako Production / Toei
• Belongs to the classic super robot genre
• The title robot is formed by combining several machines
• The story follows Earth's defence against invaders from space

About the manufacturer - Academy:

Academy Plastic Model is a Korean model kit manufacturer that has been in business since 1969. Its catalogue covers aircraft, armoured vehicles, ships, cars and subjects drawn from popular culture, in scales from 1:144 to 1:32. The brand is known for kits with multi-coloured mouldings and snap-fit assembly, which make it easier for newcomers to get started. Academy also produces lines aimed at experienced modellers, with finely rendered detail and extensive decal sheets. Alongside military and aviation subjects, the company develops lines inspired by Japanese and Korean animation, Mechander V among them. Academy kits are sold worldwide and are among the best-known modelling products to come out of South Korea.