REVIEW HG 1/144 RMS-179 GM II [ Desert Color Ver. ], Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 RMS-179 GM II [ Desert Color Ver. ] from Mobile Suit Gundam UC series.

P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 RMS-179 GM II [ Desert Color Ver. ] Review

A while ago, various Gundam UC series kits were re-released. Among them was the HGUC RGM-82 GM II Desert Color Ver. I purchased and assembled it. The price is 1,512 yen, available through Premium Bandai, although the kit itself was originally released in 2012. The package is monochromatic, and the manual is reused, with an additional paper supplementing some different parts.

Included Accessories

The kit comes with a beam rifle, shield, gun-holding hand, and saber blade. One saber blade and the collar parts shown at the bottom right are surplus parts.

Stickers and Markings

The kit includes foil stickers for the neck and cockpit hatch, as well as marking stickers to supplement the abdomen and sensors. The marking stickers are shared with the normal version and include the Torrington base emblem.

Kit Overview

The HGUC RGM-79R GM II Desert Color Ver. from Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn is back for a limited re-release. Although this color did not appear during the Torrington base attack in the anime, it is available as a Premium Bandai exclusive. Most parts are reused from the HGUC GM II, but due to the color separation, new collar parts are included on a separate runner.

The construction of the kit remains unchanged, with proportions staying the same. The GM's design is enhanced with additional thrusters. The joint structure is unchanged, using polycaps PC-001A without ABS. Despite being over 10 years old, the kit does not feel outdated.

Color and Detail

True to its desert color theme, the main color is sand, giving it a subdued look compared to the flashy normal version. While the color separation is decent, some areas require stickers for the neck gray, abdomen sand color, and cockpit hatch red. Fine details such as duct interiors and backpack verniers need painting.

Head and Body

The head is identical to the normal RMS-179 GM II except for the sand color. The visor color remains the same, with well-replicated Vulcan details requiring paint. The camera has detailed interiors. The torso features a Federation-like simple design with a split waist front armor. The collar uses new parts, but the design is unchanged.

Backpack and Arms

The backpack has four verniers. The connection hole is a square type, different from the modern two-hole type. The arms have seams on the shoulder armor and forearms, with a more complex structure than the usual GM. Elbows have a deep bend with a double joint, and seams on the shoulders cross over details.

Legs and Feet

The legs have the same structure as the HGUC version, with a short thigh and long shin balance. Thrust parts need painting, and seams appear on knee joints, ankle armor, and calves. The foot soles have cover parts without hollows.

Articulation

The articulation is the same as the normal version. While it doesn't move as much as newer kits, the simplicity allows for good elbow and shoulder movement. The legs have a thigh roll axis and knees bend about 100 degrees, with decent ground contact.

Comparisons

Comparing with the normal HGUC RGM-82 GM II, the design and division are the same. Some parts are supplemented with stickers, but the color scheme remains consistent.

Comparing with MG RGM-79R GM II (Unicorn Ver.), the MG UC version has significantly different armor details. The HGUC version is a normal color variant with different proportions, having larger shoulders and longer shins. Lastly, comparing with HGUC Nemo (Unicorn Ver) and HGUC Unicorn Gundam, the GM's 18m class average size stands out.

Weapons and Equipment

The weapons include a beam rifle, shield, and saber, with simple content. The hip joint has a 3mm hole for various stands. The beam rifle maintains the compact GM design with a movable foregrip and monocoque split seam. The muzzle is a separate part, making seam removal easier. The right hand includes a gun-holding hand, allowing for two-handed poses. The shield is angular, similar to Gundam designs, with a well-colored cross part. The joint attaches to the forearm with two connection pins and rotates for various angles. The beam saber blade has changed from clear yellow to clear pink, with the same length. One saber blade is surplus and can be bent as desired.

Summary

The HGUC GM II Desert Color Ver. review concludes that while the MG UC version has intricate armor changes, this kit remains a normal color variant with no major changes. The collar uses new parts but retains the same design. Despite being a novel color from the series not appearing in the anime, the sand color gives it a grounded look, suitable for land operations. The RMS-179 GM II kit lacks large-scale gimmicks but is perfect for display alongside other mobile suits.