This is the mother of all HGUC kits. It is still Bandais Largest kit to date. It spans a magnificient 3+ feet long and 1 1/2 feet wide. The kit has 3 metal plates that support the frame and utilizes many screws and springs to complete the kit. As far as painting goes, not much is needed if you want the right colors. They are all accurate and simply need panel lining. The only real painting is the red circles on the inside of its massive thrusters. This kit features fully functional weapons bays that are spring loaded and can be locked shut. This system works great only if you properly sand and prepare the spring units before you isntall them. Make sure you test each spring before you install them, or else they will stick and not be able to pop the weapons containters out. The massive main cannon’s firing mechanism can fold out and up to the GP-03S with ease and folds nicely back into place. Also, the huge manipulator arms underneath have a very complex, yet practical design to them. They are sturdy and can be posed many different ways. The weapons in the weapons bays fit nicely. As far as docking with the GP-03S, there are no real problems with it fitting right in. I have also been able to fit other MS in the docking bay like the GP-01 (not fB), GM Command (all versions) and a few other MS. The stand that comes with it is very study and holds the enormous MA up at a slight angle, which looks great for display. However, don’t think that this MA is limited to its stand for display. Although its too heavy to set down on its own, I have rigged mine up with strong fishing wire and crews in my ceiling and it has not fallen down yet (it guards me at night).
Overall, if you’re willing to pay what vendors are asking for, this monster is worth the buy. Even though only half of the 16 weapons bays are functinal, that is more than enough. I fear that if more were functional, it would suffer from fragility problems like the arms on the GP-03S. Out of the 3 versions of this that are out, being the HGUC (this one), the MSiA, and the HG Mechanics (1/550th), I believe this one is the best. Others will argue that the smaller 1/550th kit has better proportions, but I disagree. I also own the 1/550th scale kit and its downfall is its fragility and painting the GP-03S is a pain (as it is about as big as your fingernail). If you’re like me, this HGUC kit is your dream kit. I never imagined I would ever own it until I was able to find mine for 120 USD from a friend in Hong Kong. I had it Ground Shipped for 50 dollars instead of airmail for 100 and even though it arrived 3 1/2 months later, it was worth the save in money. Most Dendrobiums go for 200+ without shipping, so if you want a good deal, look around on eBay.
June 2nd, 2007 at 8:11 pm
This is the mother of all HGUC kits. It is still Bandais Largest kit to date. It spans a magnificient 3+ feet long and 1 1/2 feet wide. The kit has 3 metal plates that support the frame and utilizes many screws and springs to complete the kit. As far as painting goes, not much is needed if you want the right colors. They are all accurate and simply need panel lining. The only real painting is the red circles on the inside of its massive thrusters. This kit features fully functional weapons bays that are spring loaded and can be locked shut. This system works great only if you properly sand and prepare the spring units before you isntall them. Make sure you test each spring before you install them, or else they will stick and not be able to pop the weapons containters out. The massive main cannon’s firing mechanism can fold out and up to the GP-03S with ease and folds nicely back into place. Also, the huge manipulator arms underneath have a very complex, yet practical design to them. They are sturdy and can be posed many different ways. The weapons in the weapons bays fit nicely. As far as docking with the GP-03S, there are no real problems with it fitting right in. I have also been able to fit other MS in the docking bay like the GP-01 (not fB), GM Command (all versions) and a few other MS. The stand that comes with it is very study and holds the enormous MA up at a slight angle, which looks great for display. However, don’t think that this MA is limited to its stand for display. Although its too heavy to set down on its own, I have rigged mine up with strong fishing wire and crews in my ceiling and it has not fallen down yet (it guards me at night).
Overall, if you’re willing to pay what vendors are asking for, this monster is worth the buy. Even though only half of the 16 weapons bays are functinal, that is more than enough. I fear that if more were functional, it would suffer from fragility problems like the arms on the GP-03S. Out of the 3 versions of this that are out, being the HGUC (this one), the MSiA, and the HG Mechanics (1/550th), I believe this one is the best. Others will argue that the smaller 1/550th kit has better proportions, but I disagree. I also own the 1/550th scale kit and its downfall is its fragility and painting the GP-03S is a pain (as it is about as big as your fingernail). If you’re like me, this HGUC kit is your dream kit. I never imagined I would ever own it until I was able to find mine for 120 USD from a friend in Hong Kong. I had it Ground Shipped for 50 dollars instead of airmail for 100 and even though it arrived 3 1/2 months later, it was worth the save in money. Most Dendrobiums go for 200+ without shipping, so if you want a good deal, look around on eBay.