Series: High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) 1/144
Title: MS-14Fs Gelgoog Marine Commander Type
Release Date: 04/2002
Suggested Price: ¥ 1600
No. of Parts: 60+
Plastic colors: khaki, purple, gray
Gimmicks: extra weapons for the basic F type

Introduction

Contributor: Winn Sevilla
Date: May 6, 2004

When I had its predecessor, the basic F type, I had the slight thought
that there would be a "Cima Garahau custom" coming out; that thought
was forgotten, and hence time passed.

But with the news of the Commander's type coming out, I guess I was right. However, my first impression on the first released pics was full of disgust over its weird colors, preferably the outrageous mix of purple and light brown.

But as the release date drew near, I kinda liked it anyway. But to my demise, Garrick had already taken the last stock (something VERY uncommon for a so-called GM lover...). I waited impatiently for the reorder of the kit, (and for the meantime criticized on Garrick's traitorous loyalty to his GMs and no-mercy "I'll make sure you get no kits" tactics) and finally got it in my hands.

The MS-14Fs Gelgoog Marine Commander Type was the customized Gelgoog Marine for Cima Garahau's use, who played quite a major role (trashing Uraki in the GP01!) in the OVA Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory.

Box art- The box format is usually the same universal format for HGUC kits, with a CG art of the kit mixed with the actual illustration of the kit. The illustration is almost the same pose of the "kodak moment" when Cima confronted South Burning's GM Custom on the 8th episode.

Package- The kit is composed of 6 runners, all molded in purple, khaki brown and bluish-gray.

Note: One good thing that makes this kit worth the value of the price paid for, is that it comes with extra parts of the basic Marine configuration. You can make kitbashes or swap parts to change it to the basic type!

Head

Usually the same as the Gelgoog Marine, but with a more enhanced look. Having a distinguishable commander type antenna, and vulcan guns on the sides of the face. Extra part provided is the basic Marine face.

Torso

The unit itself is an enhanced version of the basic Gelgoog Marine, with an
more sleek chest armor quite similar to the Gelgoog Jager. The back side comes in two types, one is simply the basic type, and another one with extra peg slots to connect the extra fuel tanks. The whole crotch area is similar to the basic type, but with the difference of SINGLE a swappable vernier in front.

The kit comes two backpacks as well: the basic Marine and the Commander type. The Commander type, however, is quite small when compared to the basic type, BUT with extra verniers all around to provide the whole unit with extra maneuverability.Aside from the basic round fuel tanks, it also comes with 2 longer ones, but they're attached to the body, not to the backpack. Also, connection isn't based on polycaps,
hence, a little caution there.

Arms

It's just the the same basic design from the basic Marine kit. There is however, a special right hand for holding the beam machine gun.

Legs

The legs from top to bottom are just like the basic Marine internally, but considering that THIS IS a Commander's type, it's enhanced with extra verniers and details in the back. Most marvelous.

There was a common problem with the basic Gelgoog Marine (basic) kit, which was supported by some experiences of the actual owners. The legs' ball and peg connection, is somewhat weak and breaks off, leading to the fact that the material might be weak to stress or pressure created when moving the legs.

Now, my experience with the basic type is that the ACTUAL BALL broke off, not the peg, with frustration, I sold it off to my friend who seem to have used the remedy of drilling a hole through the ball and peg and connecting it together.

So, plain coincidence or Bandai's material and design defect?! I can't say. But when I got this kit (commander type), there seems to be something new about the legs' ball and peg connection. After consulting and showing it to Ritchie Ramos, a renowned kit enthusiast and hippie, he confirmed that the thickness of the pegs are somewhat thicker, hence indicating proof that Bandai did have realize the problem with their Gelgoog Marine kits and have come up with a solution.

Weapons and Accessories

The kit comes along with its trademark weapon: the beam machine gun, which is flourished with details and I MEAN DETAILS. Its quite similar to the MS-14A's beam machine gun, but with power cables, a different gun sight, a "ammo drum" and even a "latch/cocking" handle on the side. Truly Impressive.

The shield is nicely detailed front and back. It attaches to a slot in the arms' side via a peg supported by a polycap ala HGUC Gundam. One disturbing thing to me about this though, is that the shield's peg is in the middle, which is quite bulky to pose when attached. Bandai should've move the peg higher by an inch.

Other weapons include beam sabers, and the cool 90mm machine gun used by the basic type! Extra parts again!

Conclusion

I would give this kit a "should buy" title because of the great value this gives. It's financially worthy of your money because of the great accessories, extra parts for kitbashes and modifications. PLUS at least Bandai did some improvements over the kit after the "Gelgoog Marine incident." Get it, Cima Garahau's ghost wherever she is, either in the end of the tunnel or not, will not disappoint you.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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