REVIEW RG 1/144 MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Dragon, Premium Bandai

The RG Gundam Astray Red Dragon is the latest highlight in the RG Gundam Astray series, offering detailed engineering, articulation, and versatile weapons. Exclusively available through Premium Bandai for 4,950 yen, this 1/144 scale masterpiece builds on the classic Red Frame while introducing the Drei Head and massive Kaletovruff multi-tool weapons.

RG 1/144 MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Dragon from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Astray Review

The RG 1/144 MBF-P02 Gundam Astray Red Dragon is a highly detailed model kit from the Gundam franchise. Part of the Real Grade (RG) line, it features intricate design elements, articulated joints, and striking red-and-gold color accents. Designed for model enthusiasts, this kit allows builders to explore the craftsmanship and engineering of the Astray Red Dragon while offering a satisfying assembly experience.

Package & Accessories Inside RG Gundam Astray Red Dragon Box

The RG Red Dragon comes with a generous set of accessories:

Beam Rifle
Shield
Gerbera Straight sword
Two Beam Sabers
Replacement Antenna
Flight Unit & Backpack Stand Joint
Arm Support Joints
Kaletovruff Connection Parts
Lowe Guele Figure
Movable and Grip Hands (spare set included)

It also includes two mini-stands for weapon and arm support, along with realistic decals for added detail. Some parts from the standard Red Frame remain unused, mainly due to head and runner differences. The kit’s joints are primarily Advanced MS Joints, ensuring smooth articulation across the frame.

Design & Build

The RG Red Dragon uses the RG Red Frame as its base but adds significant new parts:

Drei Head with molded mask details
Flight Unit with three arms for Kaletovruff attachments
Expanded Kaletovruff weapons with multiple modes

Unlike the standard Red Frame, the Red Dragon is heavily armed, giving it a bold, high-volume silhouette. Despite the large backpack and weapons, the kit can stand without a stand using the flight unit tips for balance. Most colors are achieved through molded parts, while clear parts are used for the beam antenna. Some details on the Kaletovruff are sticker-based rather than separate parts.

Head & Torso Details

The Drei Head improves on the original Red Frame: molded mask details for a sharper look, enhanced twin-eye balance, and mostly new parts except for the neck armor. The torso is fully color-separated, despite 1/144 scale, and offers excellent RG-level detail. The cockpit is openable, and the included Lowe Guele figure adds a nice display option.

Flight Unit & Kaletovruff

The flight unit replaces wings with three arms for the Kaletovruff, giving multiple display and weapon-holding options:

Gun Mode (G Mode) – Long-range firepower
Sword Mode (S Mode) – Replaceable long blades for melee
Build Cutter & Build Knife – Lightweight blade options
Twin Sword & Ambidextrous Halberd – Using included 3mm joints for custom setups

The flight unit supports sliding, swinging, and rotation, allowing countless dynamic poses. While heavy weapons may cause slight elbow or shoulder droop, the optional flight-unit-based stand ensures stable displays.

Arms & Legs Articulation

Arms use Advanced MS Joints for wide pose range
Movable hands with partial color separation
Hip joints allow forward bending and kneeling poses
Legs are flexible with detailed toes and solid soles
Gerbera Straight can attach to thigh or waist armor
Knees bend deeply for dynamic combat poses

Weapons Overview

Beam Rifle & Shield: Standard RG design, clear sensor, two-hand poses possible.
Gerbera Straight: Silver molded blade, compatible with poses, non-metallic finish.
Kaletovruff Multi-Tool: Modular and highly versatile; supports multiple modes, dynamic posing, and creative combinations using included universal joints.

Display & Posing Tips

Despite the heavy backpack, careful balancing and stand support allow stable standing poses, flight unit hand grips for dynamic action, and multi-tool weapon switching for custom arrangements. Perfect for display or action poses thanks to detailed flight unit and modular Kaletovruff system.

RG vs HG & MG Comparison

Compared to HG Astray Red Frame, the RG offers superior detail, especially in the flight unit and Kaletovruff. Compared to MG Red Dragon, the RG emphasizes precision, high-detail molding, and 1/144 scale versatility.

Summary

The RG Gundam Astray Red Dragon is a must-have for Gunpla enthusiasts and collectors. While heavy weapons may require minor stand support, the Drei Head, flight unit, and Kaletovruff systems deliver incredible visual impact and customization options. Advanced joints provide smooth articulation, making this RG kit a centerpiece for any collection.