1/144 HG UC MSK-008 DIJEH Review
Posted by Steven Furin on Jan 10, 2019
1/144 HG UC MSK-008 DIJEH Review
The MSK-008 Dijeh is a mobile suit that appears in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam from the Universal Century timeline.A series that first aired in 1985 in Japan, this classic mech was piloted by 'Ace Pilot' Amuro Ray.
Today we're going to review the 1/144 HG UC MSK-008 DIJEH kit. The original art on the box is amazing and will definitely bring excitement to any imagination.
The most notable point about this model is that the 1/144 scale kit seen here stays true to the original anime colors of the original broadcast show.
In the instruction color guide, the main body is said to be “Emerald Green,” but in the 1/100 version, this color seems to have a completely different, almost turquoise blue shade.
Balance and overall weight of the kit are very good, the bulky legs and armor skirt are on point.
Although it is a HG kit, the parts are very detailed; finishing with a panel pen would make this kit look marvelous.
What I like most about this kit is the usage of the flexible TPE (Thermoplastic elastomer). It's flexible like silicone or rubber and emulates well the Gundam piping for the head and leg units. Being flexible, this piping moves with the parts, giving a real authentic feel and added quality to the kit.
The articulation of each part is great. The head doesn't move up and down much, but it has good rotation with added “cool” points for the flexible piping mentioned earlier.
The armored skirt, however, can get in the way of some positions. In particular, raising the knee up can sometimes be obstructed but it’s not a large enough error to be a major critique here.
A signature part of the 1/144 HG UC MSK-008 DIJEH are the wings on the backpack; they are actually heat radiation fins for the boosters.
The DIJEH style mech is from a different era of over 30 years ago and the designs were simply different then. Some people may not be fans of this look, but I personally like it. It gives a somewhat different flavor compared to the current generation of super cool sharp edges and angled parts.
Each part snaps in neatly, so be sure to cut off the nib nice and cleanly when fitting these parts as it's a close fit.
To the left and right of the rear thrusters are small hook-type protruding parts that allow storage of the CLAY BAZOOKA. Additionally, below the rear armored skirt are concealed thrusters. The kit also comes with open hand parts that look great.
When you need to be in full attack mode in close quarters, use the BEAM NAGIATA which itself is a very cool piece modeled with transparent yellows.
To give a nice beam effect, I like that the handle color matches the yellow of the chest parts; this really gives life to those action poses.
When not in use, this weapon can be stored neatly on the backpack below the wings, leaving you free to use the 3rd weapon the BEAM RIFLE.
Definitely one of the more unique and eye-catching mechs from the UC timeline -- and making a debut after more than 3 decades -- this kit still looks fresh as ever and would be a welcome addition to anyone’s collection.
This kit stands, when stood fully extended upright, at about 17 cm from the tip of heat dispersion fans and accessories.
Overall a very good, fun kit that has a good clean look to it, classic beam type weapons, and mean looking head parts.
The unique flexible piping is also a really high merit feature for me; it just really adds to this HG kit.
The 1/144 HG UC MSK-008 DIJEH is in stock AND on sale right now at Plaza Japan.
This is a great kit for anyone and a highly recommended hot buy!