REVIEW HG 1/144 Meteor Unit, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 Meteor Unit from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED series.

P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 Meteor Unit

The Meteor Unit, which is part of the HG (High Grade) series, was initially released in 2004 as a set with the HG Freedom. The version reviewed here is the standalone Meteor Unit kit released in 2012, recently reissued. Packaged as a Premium Bandai item, it features a simple monochrome design. The instruction manual includes some color but lacks detailed descriptions of the unit. The kit is priced at 7,150 yen.

The kit includes a display stand and a beam sword, with no leftover parts. Additionally, it comes with foil stickers for the gray sections on the torso and purple areas around the barrel, as well as two marking stickers. The large sheet with numerous line marks is a new addition for the standalone version, providing realistic decals.

Meteor Unit in Gundam SEED

The Meteor Unit has appeared from Gundam SEED to the movie SEED FREEDOM, initially serving as an additional unit for the Freedom and Justice Gundams. It is a massive unit designed to embed Mobile Suits (MS) and can connect to the mothership Eternal in its storage form.

Build and Design

The kit is 1/144 scale and impressively lengthy when the arm unit is included. Despite its size, the number of parts is surprisingly low, as the kit consists of large, simplified pieces. The moving parts use a combination of polycaps and ABS, and the design includes unique matte patterns and panel lines to prevent a monotonous appearance.

Arm Unit

The arm unit is connected to the main body with thick joint arms. The front end features:

20cm high-energy concentrated beam cannon
MA-X200 beam sword
60cm Erinaeus anti-ship missile launcher at the base

The barrel is split into left and right halves, with some areas featuring stepped molds. Stickers cover purple areas around the muzzle and sensors.

The areas around the muzzle on both sides are stickers, but the central part is a separate piece. Although some seams appear in recessed areas, the internal details are well-represented. The side of the barrel features duct-like details and intricate panel lines.

Tail Stabilizers

The tail stabilizers under the arm are designed to avoid visible seams. They also house the Erinaeus anti-ship missile launchers, with hatches that can open and close.

Body Unit

The body unit contains two massive engines. Stickers cover the gray areas around the central ducts. Although some seams are present due to the upper and lower division of parts, unique matte molds give the kit a distinctive texture.

Side Weapons

Both sides of the body are equipped with:

93.7cm high-energy concentrated beam cannons, rotatable at the base
60cm Erinaeus anti-ship missile launchers with openable hatches

These parts also require paint for detailed color separation.

Nozzle and Covers

The nozzles are cone-shaped and fixed, without the ability to extend or retract as seen in the series. Large covers on all sides are movable and detailed on the underside.

Comparison with Other Kits

When compared with HGCE Freedom and HGUC Gundam kits, the Meteor Unit's length is notable, requiring significant display space.

Transformation and Docking

Transforming from storage mode to docking mode involves:

Unlocking the arm locks.
Sliding the joint arm connecting the arm unit forward.
Rotating the front of the main body 180 degrees.

Docking Procedure

The arm grips extend, and the connecting arms' stoppers can be removed to free the arms for various poses. However, without the stoppers, the polycaps may struggle to support the unit's weight, often causing it to droop.

Supporting the MS

The arm part supporting the MS body is simple, only requiring the MS to be placed on top. This setup does not provide secure fixation, leading to potential misalignment.

Display and Poses

When docked with the Freedom Gundam, the setup becomes even more imposing. The included stand is stable but lacks height and angle adjustments. The MS can be positioned in various dynamic poses, such as firing all missiles or wielding the massive beam sword effect, which measures approximately 37 cm on its own and 64 cm including the arm.

Compatibility

The Meteor Unit is compatible with various MS, including RG Justice, HGCE Strike Freedom, and HGCE Infinite Justice. Each combination offers a different visual appeal, and the unit's versatile design accommodates different models.

Summary

The HG Meteor Unit is a massive armament kit with impressive length and a giant beam sword, creating a powerful display. While the docking parts are simple and lack stability, the kit's compatibility with various MS from SEED to SEED FREEDOM makes it versatile for recreating multiple combinations. Despite its size, the kit is easy to assemble, and the unique molds and realistic decals enhance its visual appeal, making it a valuable addition to any collection.