Review: HGUC 1/144 ORX-000 Messala, Part 2

Welcome to the second part of the Messala review!

(Click here for the first part of the review)

Backpack
The backpack is a combination of both simplicity and a bit of complexity - the actual backpack "shell" part has a lot of moving parts, so that the thruster pods can be positioned correctly in both forms. The thruster pods themselves have a lot of empty space inside - you would almost suspect that they want people to do LED light-up mods...

However, even with all the joints in the backpack thruster connectors, the thruster pods still tend to hit the shoulders, given the design. These pods are also the reason why you have to balance the Messala carefully, if you're going to be showing it standing on the ground - the pods make the whole mecha top heavy - and at this point, they're mostly hollow!

Accessories, Etc.
Admittedly, the stand is a big plus - it's large enough to eb a stable platform, and can store all the extra swap pieces, hands and weapons. The specialized mount for the Messala has to be repositioned if you will use it in Mobile Armor or Mobile Suit mode.

And just in case you're wondering: the kit will benefit from about... 6 sets of the 1/100 Saber and rifle/thruster effects part set. The saber parts that the Messala uses are for 1/100 MG kits, and all six thrusters (divided into three per thruster pod) can mount the thruster burn/rifle fire parts.

The photos below show the transformed Mobile Armor mode. In the second photo, you can see how the feet can become claws for the MA mode.

Wrap-Up
The Messala kit definitely is worth it as a display unit, even if there are concerns about its construction. It;s one of those kits that look good enough on its own without painting, and it definitely has a presence, due to the sheer MG-type size.

Oh, and what;s the other reason for me wanting this kit? There is a photo that shows the Thruster pods, the backpack shell, the front armors, and the "arm claws" mounted on an AoZ-Era Hazel Gundam. Unfortunately, the design of the kit form does not allow for this to happen, unless you're willing to make quite a few modifications.

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