BANDAI SPIRITS Unleashes the Next Evolution A Vision for Patlabor’s Future with the RG 1/48 AV-98Plus Ingram

A New Era for Patlabor Real Grade

This is genuinely exciting news for anyone who appreciates complex mecha design realized through precision engineering. BANDAI SPIRITS’ HOBBY Division is pushing the envelope yet again with their RG (REAL GRADE) line, officially revealing the “RG 1/48 AV-98Plus Ingram Kai”, slated for a June 2026 arrival. This isn’t just a repaint; this is a complete rethinking based on the timeline established in ‘Patlabor EZY’ (機動警察EZY).

‘Patlabor EZY’ sets its story in the 2030s, where the older, human-piloted Labors like the Ingram are being phased out by automation. Yet, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Special Vehicles Section 2, including protagonist Juuga Toshikazu’s team, still relies on these improved machines to combat emerging tech-crimes. The AV-98Plus Ingram Plus is the result of a complete overhaul of the classic 1998 Ingram, boasting massive upgrades to both hardware and control software, including cutting-edge AR HUD technology for the pilot.

What captures my attention immediately with this RG release is the application of BANDAI’s latest molding technology. The “RG 1/48 AV-98Plus Ingram Kai” promises the high detail density the RG line is famous for, but executed on a larger 1/48 scale, which will allow for truly stunning proportions and detail separation. The use of “Simulated Metallic Gloss Injection Molding” for the silver components is a masterful choice; it suggests a depth of finish straight out of the box that avoids the flat look so many kits default to. Coupled with clear parts for the shoulder lamps and chest emblem, the visual fidelity should be absolutely premium.

But the Real Grade philosophy always centers on internal structure, and this model appears to deliver in spades. They’ve engineered a full internal movable skeleton, meticulously recreating the wrinkles and folds inherent in sealed joint coverings—a hallmark of serious mechanized aesthetics. Beyond the excellent articulation, the designers have integrated numerous set-specific gimmicks. We are looking at deployable searchlights on the chest, the mechanism to store the baton in the shield, the holster for the revolver hidden in the lower leg armor, and even extendable hand parts for drawing weapons.

The interior cockpit is given the same reverence, featuring a fully realized space that can accommodate a newly sculpted miniature pilot figure. This level of dedication to capturing the function of the machine, rather than just the form, is what elevates a model kit to a genuine collector’s piece. This Ingram Plus iteration is a tribute to the enduring design legacy of the original, updated for a near-future setting. It’s a beautiful fusion of nostalgia and innovation.

🟢 Product Specifications 🟢

✅ Product Name: RG 1/48 AV-98Plus Ingram Plus (RG 1/48 AV-98Plus イングラム・プラス)
✅ Line: REAL GRADE (RG)
✅ Scale: 1/48
✅ Manufacturer: BANDAI SPIRITS HOBBY Division
✅ Release Date: June 2026
✅ MSRP: JPY 6,050 (tax included) (appx. $38.50 USD, based on current exchange rates)

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