HG RX-160S Byarlant Custom (Bandai)

Hi guys, long time :) I've been busy with work lately thus not making much review. I got this kit in order to participate the lucky draw event but not so lucky as I get nothing :P

Nevertheless, this is an excellent HG kit.

Manufacturer: Bandai
Scale: 1/144
Grade: HG
Origin: UC0096 Gundam Unicorn
Price: 2800 Yen

Section 1: Runners

Detailing are fantastic as usual for a Bandai production :) Part separations are pretty nicely done. Just wish that Bandai can do more on color separations instead of using stickers for certain large parts...

Section 2: Stickers and Decals

It is great that Bandai included some decals, but I am a little disappointed by the large amount of stickers (the red colored) used instead of proper parts and colors separation.

Section 3: Legs

Very good detailing and parts separation :) I color the thruster covers with metallic red instead of using the sticker, which I find is pretty silly for curvy inner surface...

The knee can only bent to 90 degree but it is good enough for me on this kit. The hip joints, however, allow large articulations.

Section 4: Waist

Pretty straight-forward waist unit with very good parts and colors separation.

Lower Body ;)

Section 5: Chest

Another section with good parts and colors separations :) I painted the "armpit" with metallic red instead of using the silly stickers...

Chest + Lower Body

Section 6: Arms & Shoulders

Massive thrusters! This is the part that makes Byarlant Custom into a stranger proportion as compare to other humanoid mecha. The arms are highly articulated, and the side thrusters also individually poseable.

Upper Body + Lower Body

Section 7: Head

Well, beside some minor parts and colors separation for the thrusters, I would consider this kit as excellent. The head unit is also having very good parts and color separation.

Section 8: Back Thrusters and Fuel Tank

Massive back thrusters and fuel tanks. Each sections are individually moveable.

Section 9: Standing Pose

Despite this mecha is less than humanoid proportion, it does look pretty nice :)

Section 10: Size Comparison

Size comparison with MG RX-78-2 v2.0 and HG 0 Gundam.

Section 11: Action Pose

This is supposed to be an aerial mecha, so flying pose it is ;)

Quick Review

Plastic Quality and Detailing

No complain on Bandai's plastic quality and detailing  ;)


Articulations

Articulations are fantastic for this HG! Although I wish that the hip articulation could be a little more, what currently has is pretty good :)

• Head/Neck: Normal.
• Shoulder: Excellent!
• Arm/Elbow: Good!
• Wrist: None.
• Hand: Claw I supposed :P Pretty good design.
• Waist: Good.
• Skirt Armour: None.
• Hip/Tight: Good.
• Knee: Normal.
• Ankle: Good.

Looks and Feels

This is a massive mecha as you can see from the size comparison :) I actually had a fun build with this kit and the end result is satisfying and is highly poseable with an action base. Although this is a HG, I would recommend an Action Base 01 or its variation.

Be it an UC fan or not, I highly recommend this kit. This kit sits on the 3rd place of 2012 best seller for a reason ;)


Fin :)