Bandai HGGS 1/144 MBF-P03 Astray Blue Frame Second L - Review - Part 2

Welcome back!

I'd like to apologize for the long wait, but things got a bit busy in real life. Anyway, here's the second part of the Blue Astray Review.

Gundam Wikia: MBF-P03 Second L
MAHQ.net: MBF-P03 Second L
Click here for the first part of the review

The Tactical Arms Weapons System
I'm a big fan of multiple-mode weapons systems, but even I have to admit, the TA system for the Blue Astray was quite a surprise. It's a flight pack with a "tailgun" that transforms into a cannon/artillery unit, and of course, it has a BFG (Big F***ing Sword) mode.

We've already seen it in the flight mode in the first part of the interview, and as observed, it didn;t look too good in it. Here, in Gun/Cannon mode, it looks passable.

The two ammo clips at top and bottom are stored at the back waist plates.

Of course, it looks much better in Sword mode, as it ends up practically being a rocket-assisted giant spatula. It's no surprise that it needs a stand to be properly posed in this mode - and even then, it looks awkward most of the time.

You get the idea that it really is for use in space - and that it really needs the rocket assist.

Other details
Not to say that the Blue Frame would be helpless without the TA... and yes, it wouldn't be, having two daggers and built-in toe blades in both feet.

Am sure it would look much better with a stand, but I was trying to see how good the kit's joints and balance were.

I'm also relatively sure that a Red Frame with a TA is in the works, thanks to the internal construction details in the sword blades - if you look closely, it has a depression and a circular post near the root of the blade that looks like a handle was meant to fold into that area. There is also a discrete clip-lock tab on the inside of what is part of the Cannon housing. Add the details together, and all that would be needed are the actual handles and beam effect parts... and you would have the bladed, tonfa-like weapons that the TA can be separated into for the Red Frame, Master Grade Type. Do I smell a special here, or another standard variant kit?

The mold says it all.

Conclusion
This kit is practically perfect in terms of looks. However, it's probably the design that makes it have poseability and balance issues, particularly when it's handling the Tactical Arms. It's a good kit, but I'm also waitintg for the Red Frame version to come out, given the "unfinished" Tactical Arms details.

Visual comparison of the old Blue Frame and the new one.

Here it is, with some compatible weapons from some of the older Seed Kits. Do check on the link below to find out more.

If you want to see an earlier non-review entry about this kit, CLICK HERE.

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