I need to catch up with announcements made a couple of weeks ago, starting with this guy which I was looking forward to getting. But it looks like I’ll skip it.
Bandai Spirits previously teased they’re releasing a Real Grade kit for the AV-98Plus or Ingram Plus from Mobile Police Patlabor EZY. Many appreciated this further expansion of the Real Grade line though me getting this kit or not depends on what scale it will be. I’m currently collecting the 1/60 scale MODEROID kits, and knowing that Bandai Spirits previously released old Patlabor kits in 1/60 scale, my hopes were there.
But alas, the RG AV-98Plus is going to be 1/48 scale, smaller than their MG 1/35 kits, but larger than the 1/60 I was hoping for.
In fact, they actually matched the 1/48 scale Ingram kit they released for The Next Generation: Patlabor back in 2014 so if you happen to have that one, then this RG should display perfectly. As for me, I’m going to pass, but that’s not saying this is going to be a bad kit – far from it.
For starters, the kit looks really good and captures the details of the Ingram Plus well. That said, I don’t think there are major visual differences between this guy and the original Ingram. I am surprised that for a primarily white kit, they aren’t using multiple shades which has been a staple for Real Grade kits.
Articulation should be great, and as seen here, the RG Ingram Plus can do kneeling poses without looking awkward. In addition, several armor panels can open – including the main cockpit hatch which also reveals an included pilot figure and internal cockpit details, as well as the inner leg panels to reveal spare ammunition.
Still on opening armor panels, those on the top of the torso can actually open to reveal floodlights, while the outer right leg armor also opens to reveal its signature Revolver Cannon being stored inside. In addition, an extended wrist part is also included to display the unit grabbing the weapon from storage.
Still on weapons, the Ingram Plus does still use Stun Sticks, and it can be stored inside the shield to recreate scenes where it’s being drawn.
I’m still hoping Good Smile Company would do a MODEROID kit of the Ingram Plus in 1/60 scale, but if you really want to build the design with the next best thing, then the Real Grade should be a perfect option. The question is whether this will be a one-off thing or we could see more Patlabor kits in the Real Grade line.
RG 1/48 AV-98Plus [Ingram Plus]
June 2026 / ¥5,500
Order from HobbyLink Japan
