HGUC Palace Athene Gunpla Model Kit Features and Building Tips

The History of HG Palace Athene Gunpla Kits

The Palace Athene is a popular mobile suit model from the Gundam universe that has been released in the High Grade (HG) line of Gunpla model kits by Bandai. The Palace Athene first appeared in the Mobile Suit Gundam anime television series as an amphibious mobile suit used by the Principality of Zeon forces.

The original 1/144 scale HG Palace Athene Gunpla kit was first released by Bandai in 1990. This original kit represented the standard production type Palace Athene as it appeared in the Gundam TV series. The molding and color detailing on this early kit reflected the relatively simple anime animation designs of the late 1980s.

The HG Palace Athene Design and Details

The Palace Athene is designed as an amphibious mobile suit, specialized for underwater combat. It features a distinct sharp angled head design with a single mono-eye sensor, two torpedo launcher assemblies mounted on the shoulders, and reinforced leg armor. The primary weapons are a beam saber stored on the rear waist armor, and a beam cannon mounted within the torso.

As with most Zeon mobile suits, the Palace Athene features a dark blue, gray, and black color scheme with yellow trim detailing. The early HG Gunpla kits reproduced this color scheme through stickers and simple plastic color injection molding.

Revisions to the HG Palace Athene Kit

In 2004, Bandai released an updated version of the 1/144 HG Palace Athene as part of the Gundam Fix Figuration metal composite figure model kit line. This version featured improved part separation, color molding, and more precise sculpting details.

Another major update to the Palace Athene design came in 2017, when the mobile suit was featured in the Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt anime OVA series. Bandai released the HGUC Palace Athene kit to coincide with its appearance in the new Gundam series.

Features of the HGUC Palace Athene Gunpla

The 2017 HGUC Palace Athene incorporates modern Gunpla engineering to reimagine the classic Zeon amphibious mobile suit. The injection plastic molding offers crisp details never before seen on Palace Athene models. Color separation is achieved through multi-colored plastic rather than sticker detailing.

The HGUC Palace Athene stands at approximately 5 inches tall when completed. It contains improved articulation utilizing Bandai's modern Universal Century manipulation joint system. This allows for dynamic posing never before possible for this mobile suit.

Accessories

The HGUC Palace Athene comes with a robust assortment of hands, weapons, and effect parts to expand display and photography options. These include:

• Interchangeable articulated manipulator hands
• Beam cannon and beam saber effect parts
• 2x shoulder torpedo launchers with multiple missile effect parts
• Large missile pod attachment for backpack
• Weapon holding attachments for use with manipulator hands

Color Options

The HGUC Palace Athene Gunpla released by Bandai features color separation with dark blue, gray, and black injection plastic parts. No sticker decals are required. Painting provides options for further customization.

Bandai later produced limited edition bonus variants of the kit featuring gloss injection colors with titanium and gold finishing.

Tips For Building The HGUC Palace Athene

The HGUC Palace Athene kit offers Gunpla builders an excellent modernized take on a classic anime mobile suit design. Here are some tips for getting the most out of building this kit:

Take Advantage of Improved Articulation

Be sure to pay close attention to the advanced manipulation joint assemblies during construction. Proper application of these modern joints will allow for dynamic posing and mobility unmatched by previous versions of this kit.

Customize With Paint and Markings

Consider painting select areas like thrusters or the mono-eye sensor for added depth. The injection plastic colors are accurate, but custom mixes can make your build stand apart. The angular surfaces also provide opportunities for personalized markings and designs.

Utilize Effect Parts

The beam cannon, beam saber, and missile shooting effects included with the kit can be used to create exciting diorama type displays. Combine these with creative lighting and photography setups to make your custom HGUC Palace Athene the centerpiece.

The HGUC Palace Athene Gunpla kit offers excellent value for Gunpla modelers of all skill levels. Take your time, pay attention to detail, and use the tips provided here to end up with a completed model you will be proud to have in your collection!

FAQs

What scale is the HGUC Palace Athene kit?

The HGUC Palace Athene kit is in 1/144 scale, matching the standard scales for most Gunpla kits.

Does the HGUC Palace Athene require glue?

No, the HGUC Palace Athene is a high grade model kit featuring color separated multi-colored plastic parts that snap together without requiring cement or glue.

Is the HGUC Palace Athene kit good for beginners?

Yes, the HGUC line features modern engineering to make the kits very beginner friendly while still offering opportunities for advanced customization and detailing.