REVIEW HG 1/144 MS-06-SSP Police Zaku, Bandai

This is review of Bandai Gunpla plastic model HG 1/144 MS-06-SSP Police Zaku from Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX series.

Bandai Gunpla plastic model HG 1/144 MS-06-SSP Police Zaku Review

The HG Military Police Zaku kit has been released from Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX (Zeeque-Ax), which recently began airing on television. The price for the kit is ¥2,200.

Accessories :

Zaku Machine Gun
Heat Hawk
Electromagnetic Baton
Shield
Left Open Hand

There are no surplus parts in this kit.

Stickers and Decals

The kit includes stickers for the mono-eye, a "Police" emblem for the shield, and additional markings such as numbers and lines to complement various parts.

Design Overview

Appearing in thefirst episode of the TV show, the "Military Police Zaku" is an MS used by the military police. Based on the Zaku, a general-purpose MS from the Principality of Zeon, this version features a bold redesign that reinterprets the classic Zaku appearance. While it retains elements of the original Zaku, such as the overall shape, there are noticeable differences. For example, the thigh frame has round tank-like parts, and the lower legs are designed with human-like lines, giving the Zaku a fresh, innovative look.

The Military Police Zaku is slightly different from regular Zaku models. It features a rotating emergency light on its shoulder, reminiscent of a police vehicle's rotating beacon. Unlike the customized version used in combat against the GQuuuuuuX, this kit represents a more standard model. As a new kit, it uses only KPS joints, meaning no polycaps or ABS parts are included.

Color Division

The kit uses molded plastic for the primary color separation, with some white lines and numbers being represented as decals. The internal parts of the thrusters are red and will require painting to match the color detail.

Head

The head design keeps the signature Zaku look, but the mono-eye is raised and gives a sharp, menacing appearance. The mono-eye is a sticker, but it can be moved using the lever at the bottom. It is not a clear part, but it has decent detailing.

Body

The torso design is quite different from previous Zakus, with a double power pipe structure and no waist skirt armor. The backpack is also omitted, focusing thrusters around the lower body. The soft plastic used for the pipes eliminates the need for bending, and the shoulder plates can move, providing more flexibility.

Shield

The shield is relatively small but offers mobility with swing and rotation options. It also features a backing piece for added detail. The spike armor from the standard Zaku is omitted in favor of emergency lights on the shoulders. The support structures for the lights are reinforced for added strength, but they can be trimmed for those focused on detail.

Arms

The arms have a slim design with an open left hand included. The forearms feature recessed seam lines. While the shoulder blocks do have seam lines, they are hidden beneath the armor. The upper and lower arms offer rotation, though they cannot be bent in the classic "Gawara bend" style.

Legs

The legs stand out due to their radically different design compared to traditional Zakus. The round tank-like parts on the thighs are particularly eye-catching. These components are integrated into the frame and connected to the outer pipes. The thrusters are also attached to these tank parts, but they do not hinder the knee's articulation. However, the thrusters are prone to wear, so those who plan to paint should be cautious.

The ankle joints, like other parts, move smoothly, and the feet are designed with a sole-like pattern, with no hollowing on the underside.

Articulation

The kit's articulation is quite flexible. The elbows and knees use single-axis joints but offer good range. The torso also has excellent movement. The shoulders are somewhat obstructed by armor but still provide decent mobility. The lower body can spread widely, though the tank parts near the waist can interfere with the pose. Despite this, the knees and ankles perform well for stable poses.

Weaponry

Zaku Machine Gun: Based on the traditional Zaku machine gun, it has a compact drum magazine and a thicker barrel. The magazine is removable but features hollow parts on the reverse side. Some parts have a monaka split, leading to visible seam lines.

Electromagnetic Baton: This simple weapon lacks an extendable mechanism but offers a clean design.

Heat Hawk: The Heat Hawk is molded as a single part, with the blade requiring painting to achieve a proper metallic finish.

Overall Assembly

The kit's joints are strong, and the movable parts are secure. There are no issues with parts falling off during assembly or play. The Zaku is solid, with a sturdy frame and secure joints.

Comparison with HG GQuuuuuuX

The Zaku's head height is 17.5 meters, while the GQuuuuuuX stands at 18 meters, making the size difference just right. The two kits are comparable in scale, with a nice balance between the designs of the military police Zaku and the special forces models.

Summary

This HG Military Police Zaku is a fresh and interesting addition to the Zaku lineup. While it is based on a standard Zaku, the unique design elements make it stand out, particularly the thigh structure and the added police-style accessories like the rotating emergency lights. With a solid build and flexible parts, this kit offers a satisfying assembly experience and is an exciting preview for more future variations, such as the civilian Zaku with a crane arm.