HGBF 1/144 Beargguy III (SAN)

My latest project for the Let's Build a Model! series was HGBF 1/144 Beargguy III (SAN). Frankly, my particular taste in Mobile Suits certainly doesn't include a cute, mechanized bear in the criteria, yet this particular model looked very strange, but cool altogether. Needless to say, Beargguy drew me in. This model was a straight build with no added customization.


Steps 1 - 9: Assemble the torso and Ribbon Striker.

The color separation is fantastic! Each piece is molded with near color accuracy. Of course, you still have the option to give the robot a matte finish, or color the body a different color, if the mobile suit's original didn't fit your taste.







Steps 10 - 15:  Build the articulated ears and head.

I initially screwed up Beargguy's face by assembling his mouth incorrectly. Luckily the mistake was quickly fixed, and no parts were broken during the process.




My real challenge was picking which sets of eyes to use for only two alternative expressions. This is my biggest gripe about this model kit. There are so many great expressions to choose from, but Bandai couldn't provide at least two more face plates to play with those options. I chose the concerned look Beargguy III showed in some scenes.

Steps 16 - 20:  Piece the arms together.




Steps 21 - 28:  Assemble the legs.

Snapping the thighs together were a little tough because some leg joints would shift around when trying peg some parts in.





Step 29:  Put Beargguy III together.

Prior to putting Beargguy III together, another set of shoulder plates had to be included (pictured above the arms). They aren't secured, just sits on the shoulders sliding around whenever the arms move. 


Step 33:  Assemble the extendable arms weaponry.

Steps 30 - 32, more or less, show how to add other accessories on or demonstrate some articulated features. The extendable arms come as an add on accessory, and as such, must be built separately.


Final Thoughts

Building a mobile suit, without the need to customize anything felt great for once. This model took a lot of time, much more than what I estimated. For something this small and seemingly simple, the entire process to cut, clean, and assemble took about five hours and 10 minutes.

A review of this assembled kit will be done soon!