REVIEW HG 1/144 CEK-043LBR Beguir-Beu Torche, Premium Bandai

This is review of P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 CEK-043LBR Beguir-Beu Torche from Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury series.

P-Bandai Gunpla HG 1/144 CEK-043LBR Beguir-Beu Torche Review

The HG Begilbeutursch, featured in the side story "Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury - Vanadis Heart," has been turned into a model kit. This limited edition kit is available through Premium Bandai, priced at ¥2,420. The packaging is a single-color design, but the instruction manual includes detailed explanations about the model, similar to standard retail releases.

Included Accessories

The kit comes with a variety of accessories, including a beam rifle, a beam gun unit (with one being surplus), a head for the Lidrick squad variant, and two beam sabers. For stickers, foil decals are provided for the head, knees, and around the clear parts on the shoulders. Due to the use of components from the Begilbeu, there are some surplus parts included with the kit.

Model Design and Features

The Begilbeutursch is a variant developed by the Graslay Corporation, specifically modified for operation on Earth based on the original Begilbeu. While the kit retains much of the HG Begilbeu's base design, the legs feature “greaves” connected by arms that form large claws, significantly increasing the lower body volume compared to the upper body, which alters its balance.

This model allows for the selection between the Kenanji squad and Lidrick squad variants by simply swapping the head parts. Both variants are part of the Dominicos squad, but the longer ears indicate the Kenanji squad variant.

The kit's construction is largely similar to the previously released HG Begilbeu, sharing most joint structures. It continues to use clear parts for the shoulders and hip joints, and all joints are made of KPS, avoiding the use of ABS or polycaps.

The Lidrick squad variant features a distinct bump on the forehead and is more compact without ears. It uses clear parts as well.

Comparison and Assembly

Focusing on the upper body, the design resembles a modified version of the Begilbeu, but lacks rear armor due to the addition of the hover unit at the waist. The rear features a two-hole joint, which can be used for customization.

The large hover unit is designed to be substantial, requiring some gray painting for specific details, although most seams are well-detailed.

Additionally, the hover unit includes a saber rack for storing saber grips, and its internal fins are detailed, contributing to the overall aesthetic.

The hover unit can also open slightly, allowing for flexible posing, and the non-kinetic pod has a clear lens part at its center, attached via a flexible arm that can rotate and swing.

Articulation and Movement

The model retains the same range of motion as the Begilbeu, with the upper body being more mobile due to the absence of a backpack. The shoulders swing well, while the torso rotates and swings adequately thanks to its design. The lower body is slightly less flexible due to additional equipment, but the range of motion remains satisfactory.

The greaves can be deployed without part replacement, housing thrusters and claws that are also movable.

Visual Appeal and Weaponry

When equipped with weapons, the model retains a striking appearance. It can hold the rifle and sabers without issue. The hover unit provides solid support, even during dynamic poses.

The beam rifle features a sleek design typical of Graslay, with a well-detailed seam and a movable sub-grip. While simple in function, it is impressively sized and complements the overall aesthetic. The sensor can be supplemented with stickers, and the gray coloration means minimal painting is necessary.

The model allows for dual-wielding, as it includes enough parts for two complete setups.

Additional Components

The non-kinetic pod is versatile and can be positioned in various orientations, although some individual pieces may have slightly loose hinges. Care should be taken with the clear parts, as they can be prone to falling off.

The greaves can also expand into claws, creating a unique silhouette reminiscent of having four legs. The overall assembly is entertaining and offers excellent play value.

Size Comparison

Lastly, a size comparison with the HG Lubrisjiu shows that, while the head antenna is longer, the Begilbeu remains similar in size, albeit with a bulkier lower body due to the added equipment.

Summary

he HG Begilbeutursch presents a concept of a ground-based Begilbeu with options for both Kenanji and Lidrick squad head configurations. It retains the Begilbeu’s distinctive features while adding large hover units and greaves, resulting in a significant increase in lower body volume and a striking silhouette. The greaves can transform into claws, making for an enjoyable and engaging build.