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.

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

This is one of my favorite designs from Gundam Seed - scratch that, from all Gundam! The basic design is known as the Astray, and this particular variant is known as the Astray Blue, Second L.

In a nut shell, this mecha is an upgraded unit, now boasting of a multiple-mode weapon and propulsion system known as the Tactical Arms, which has three modes: a winged flight pack, a gun system, and a large sword with rocket thrusters.

For more information, you can check out the history in the following links:

Gundam Wikia: MBF-P03 Second L
MAHQ.net: MBF-P03 Second L

Yes, it can be balanced while at a relaxed stance - but not with a straight-on, equal-footing stance.

HGGS 1/144 Gundam Astray Blue Frame Second L: Add-Ons/Extras

I do believe that there have been many reviews of the rather lengthily-named Astray Blue Frame Second L. So, I won't be concentrating on a review on it, in so much as what possible add-ons or extras will go well with it.

 

Here are the pieces I used:
1) Bazooka and Shield from the original HGGS Astray Blue Frame
2) Leg launchers from the HGGS Ginn (I think it was the original variant that had this - will research and edit this one later)
3) FG Astray rifle (will explain later why it has to be the FG)
4) Hazel/HGUC-type shield clamp and button

First, for the bazooka, the problem is that the grip is to narrow. TO make it posable, I just added blue-tac to the inside of the fist. That way, it can stay in position.

This one was pointed out in quite a few reviews already: it's the leg slot where you can fit the Ginn leg launchers.

Now, the back of the arm does have a peg slot for a shield system - I suppose that this will come in useful, as the incoming Red Frame does have a shield. I found out that the HGUC shield clamp used in many other kits fights tightly with the peg hole. This makes it possible for the Blue Frame to carry the shield from the original. Do take note that I suspect that the peg hole can also mount the FG shields, but then, they would be mounted directly to the back of the arm, rather than on the side. That could make arm movements and posing awkward.

Now, about that FG rifle. Since the old FG astrays had simple hand designs, the trigger guard for the rifles has a gap so it can look like it has a finger on the trigger - even if it really doesn't. It's perfect for use with the left hand of the Blue Frame.

Here it is fully equipped. Not bad.