HG 1/144 Rose Gundam Model Kit Review and Customization Tips

The Striking HG Rose Gundam Model Kit

Gundam model kits, also known as Gunpla, have been popular among anime fans and model enthusiasts for decades. One recent release catching the eyes of Gundam builders is the High Grade (HG) 1/144 scale Rose Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam 00.

Background of the Rose Gundam

The Rose Gundam first appeared in the 2008 anime series Mobile Suit Gundam 00 as an upgraded version of the Astraea Gundam. Piloted by Graham Aker of the Overflags team, the Rose Gundam stood out for its speed, maneuverability, and the large plasma flower-like sensor unit on its back.

This plasma sensor gave the Rose Gundam powerful spatial awareness and precision, making it extremely formidable in combat despite its lighter armaments compared to other suits. Its distintive pink color scheme and flower motif also set it apart visually from more standard Gundam designs.

HG Rose Gundam Model Details

Bandai released the 1/144 HG Rose Gundam kit in July 2022. As an HG series model, it balances detail and complexity for a reasonable price point compared to larger Master Grade or Perfect Grade kits.

The HG Rose Gundam snaps together neatly out of the box using colored plastic runners with some decal decorations. The completed model stands about 5 inches tall capturing the slim, agile profile of Graham Aker's mobile suit with accurate proportions and coloring.

Articulation and Gimmicks

For posing, the model features very nice articulation with a full range of motion in the arms, legs, feet, waist, and head. Bandai also incorporated great movement for the large backpack piece with flexible joints allowing it to spread open like Aker's plasma sensor array in the anime.

While it doesn't have full hands, the Rose Gundam does include one closed fist and one open hand part. Its feet utilize sliding joints to expand the stance options. All these details give builders flexibility for dynamic action stances even without stands or extra manipulation.

Customization and Painting

As an affordable HG entry, the Rose Gundam makes a great canvas for custom painting jobs. Its sleek sections of white armor and pink accents lend themselves well to paint detailing or color scheme changes.

The surface detail is also good out of the box for panel lining to make features pop. And as a non-Gundam lead suit, the Rose Gundam design provides a nice break from the traditional Gundam aesthetics for those wanting something a bit different.

Verdict: A Welcome Flower for Any Collection

The HG 1/144 Rose Gundam brings Graham Aker's elegant mobile suit to life in Gunpla form with care and accuracy. For its size and cost, it delivers good quality, articulation, and presence worthy of the Rose Gundam name.

Both anime fans and modelers should be pleased to have this striking flower added to their collections. And its smooth build makes it an enjoyable project for Gunpla enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Tips For Building and Customizing the Rose Gundam

As a recent Gunpla kit, the HG Rose Gundam gives builders plenty of possibilities when it comes time to snap together and customize this unique mobile suit model.

Preparing the Workspace

Having an organized workspace is key for any Gunpla project. Make sure you have a clean flat surface with good lighting as well as the necessary tools like clippers, files, sand paper handy before getting started.

Also get any paints, panel lining tools, decals, or stands prepared ahead of time. This helps the building move efficiently from start to finish without missing any steps.

Extra Manipulation Options

To push the posing even further, consider using display stands, extra joints, or non-permanent bends to get the Rose Gundam in dynamic flying or action scenes.

Simple wire inserts into the legs or torso can add stability for airborne scenes and prevent parts from sagging over time. Or utilize clamps and extra joint parts to pull off extreme poses the original runners don't allow.

Painting Pointers

While impressive straight from the box, the right paint job can put the HG Rose Gundam over the top. When painting, take care when masking off small details likes cameras and sensors to keep those sections clean.

Also consider leaving pink accents like the skirt armor and some frame sections unpainted to preserve the bright color separation that makes the Rose Gundam pop.

Weathering and Battle Damage

For a more rugged look, apply realistic scrapes, burns or paint chipping to the armor using sponge dabbing or dry brushed silver paint. Use weathering pastels or paint chips sparingly and focus on areas prone to damage like the edges of thrusters or the feet and shins.

When done right, subtle weathering can make your Rose Gundam model look like it just flew through intense combat.

With its great surface features and iconic design, the HG 1/144 Rose Gundam gives you everything you need build an eye catching Gundam model. Use these tips when putting yours together to end up with a custom Rose Gundam masterpiece!

FAQs

What scale is the HG Rose Gundam model kit?

The HG Rose Gundam from Bandai is scaled at 1/144. This makes it a smaller High Grade kit compared to 1/100 scale Master Grade or 1/60 Perfect Grade Gunpla. But the HG scale allows for an accurate representation of the Rose Gundam mobile suit at an affordable price and complexity level.

Does the HG Rose Gundam come with any accessories or weapons?

No, the main HG Rose Gundam kit does not include any weapon accessories. As Graham Aker's custom unit, the Rose Gundam itself is specialized for speed and spatial awareness with its sensor array. So the focus is on recreating the suit rather than armaments. Builders can provide their own custom weapons using other Gunpla kits.

How difficult is it to build and pose the HG Rose Gundam?

As a High Grade kit, the HG Rose Gundam is designed to be relatively simple to construct, even for beginners. It may take 1-2 hours to fully snap together. The parts fit precisely with good color separation. And once built, the multitude of joints provide great flexibility to pose the Rose Gundam model in dynamic action stances.

Does the completed HG Rose Gundam need any supports or stands?

The model can stand securely on its own thanks to well-designed feet and balance. But for exaggerated flying poses or aerial scenes, utilizing a display stand is recommended to provide extra support and prevent any long-term sagging or damage to the kit. So while not absolutely necessary, compatible stands help enhance posing options.