HG 1/144 MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] – Review!

HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] - Review!
Yes! New Gunpla! This kit was released today in Japan, I headed down to Osaka Gundams first thing to grab one, only to be told, “deliveries turn up around 1pm” – boo. So I killed a couple of hours down in Den-Den Town and headed back later – I was a little early and had to wait around for them to open the delivery, I felt like such an Otaku being the first to buy it(¥1249), but who cares 🙂

Let’s have a look in the box…

HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] - Review!
Seven runners in total, at a glance lots of improvements have been made to the lower legs, feet and shield to require less painting. Lining detail on the arms has changed a bit from the original Red Frame too(I’d imagine this bears some resemblance to the M1 Astray from last year). The BuCUE head is a nice addition too.

HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] - Review!
There are some disappointments, the Gerbera Straight sword is now molded in a dull gray, the detail has also been improved and the hilt is a bit smaller. Tons of stickers are included too, will not be using most of these!

This is just a clean build because I really want to see it finished, and also I’d like to see what I can put together in a short time, seeing as I usually take forever. I’ll panel line and paint properly in due course.

Details
Although quite similar to the previous kit, the detailing has changed a little in the forearms and lower legs. Plenty to panel line though, and a fair bit of white paint is required to complete the upper arms, scabbard and flight unit – I’ll get around to it eventually.

Articulation

HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] - Review! HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] - Review!
During the build it became clear just about every part of this kit has been revised compared to the original Red Frame, numerous improvements to the joints and articulation, especially the elbow joints are welcome! Here are the main changes:

  • Reshaped v-fin(sleeker, longer)
  • Remolded Gerbera Straight and scabbard with extra detail and altered proportions. Attach point to side skirt has changed too
  • New side skirts
  • Remodelled leg parts, they now require less painting and also have improved knee movement
  • Extra polycaps in torso for improved movement
  • Backpack redesigned to accomodate flight pack attachment
  • Hugely improved elbows with great posability
  • New mount for shield, includes space for attaching beam rifle to the rear side
  • New beam rifle with movable parts
  • Redesigned ankle joints, the polycap can extend outwards without popping out, allowing for crazy degrees of movement

 
HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] - Review!
So no surprise articulation is much better, the side skirts could be a little firmer though – attaching the Gerbera Straight seems to be a bit too much weight. The flight unit has adjustable wings, and the lower boosters can be moved around too, plus it looks really cool!

Weapons

HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] - Review!
Wow, so many! Obviously we have the Gerbera Straight sword, which still looks nice even though it’s molded in such a drab colour. Two beam saber handles and blades are included too – although the style of blade is much simpler than previous, with no energy effect at the hilt. The SEED-style beam rifle has had a nice update so the front handle pivots, and the shield no longer needs painting thanks to some extra parts.

HG 1/144 Gundam Astray Red Frame [Flight Unit] - Review!
Last but not least, the BuCUE head! A detached head of a quadrupedal mobile suit armed with 2 beam sabers, Red Frame’s Pilot buys this head on the black market and uses it as a hand weapon, very cool!

This is a great update to my favourite Mobile Suit, I’m looking forward to panel lining and painting it, and possibly modding it into another iteration of my Phantom Astray 🙂

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2 Comments

  1. rich
    14/09/2013
    Reply

    very nice kit and much better looking than the old version. hope your both well.

    • 14/10/2013
      Reply

      I recommend it! Doing good thanks sir, how about yourself?

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