Now it’s time for one of the huge MS units in the Unicorn series, the RX-160S Byarlant Custom.
The monster MS in the Unicorn episode 4.
This, by far, one of the more unique non-Zeon MS design.
Front 3/4 view.
The in the Unicorn OVA, the Byarlant Custom was an experimental unit designed with additional fuel tanks and thrusters for prolong aerial use.
Rear 3/4 view.
As we can see from the rear, in addition to the large engine pods the side of the shoulders, it also houses an enlarged backpack thrusters with attached external fuel/engine pods. The lower waist thruster is also enlarged.
Details
Head detail.
The Byarlant Custom features a compound eye system, a rarity for a non-Zeon MS. Here the clear green part covers the eyes in the head and extends to the top main camera. Sadly the movement of the head is restricted by the design of the sides of the head.
Arm-Engine pod joint.
The arms are not joined to the torso directly, rather, its’ connected via a three-point joint system. The large side engine pods are attached by these.
Thigh thrusters and details.
Like most recent HGUC kits, Bandai incorporates MG-like frames with large units. Sadly, the inner wall of the thruster shielding had to be done with red seals/stickers, you’ll note the misalignment.
Rear ankle detail.
The foot of this kit is unlike many had done before, the two “claws” are independently movable. So does the front tip.
Front foot detail.
Extra armour-plating for the ankles, the light blue piece at the side is movable.
For those with mecha armpit fetish.
The Byarlant Custom’s shoulder, as a whole, is a dedicated engine, hence the arms are not joined directly to the torso. Yes, the red part for the inner wall of the thruster’s shielding vents are also seals/stickers.
Arm detail.
The arms are… not exactly your typical arm. First off, it has TWO forearms. One houses the rapid-firing short-burst beam cannon, the other is for the claw arm.
Side engine pod.
The engine pod here seems, rather devoid of much detail.
Engine vent.
The vent is large enough that it mandates a colour piece for it, the same case for the rear lower waist thruster.
Well…..
Another hindrance would be the big-ass thruster when you want to hold him up straight, the fin thrusters were also a minor issue, nonetheless it’s a great monster and not to be trifle with easily.
I sense a new arc is coming up, those grunts better be ready lol
LoL. The rear waist thruster is HUMONGOUS! Technically, it’s the thruster’s bell that was huge.
And one heckuva monster.
It would be a very odd toss-up. XD
WOW! He’s huge for an HG kit! Interesting MS design too.. very unique.
Nice build! He looks like a very scary opponent XD
Mecha armpit fetishists?! That’s a new one.
You never know.
Being able to fly without transforming in Universal Century is a rarity, this is one such example.
Very much. This, is an example on how to fly… in brute (and excessive) force.
Ahaha since Byarlant is orginally a Titans suit (the bad guys in Zeta) that probably accounts for the awesome design with a mono-eye! Haha and it’s nice that you painted the inside of those thrusters red to streamline with all the vents..but those red seals…I hate stuff like that =x
The Byarlant Custom has actually four eye on the face and one more at the top (rear camera eye not included).
I had to paint the thrusters, as with most late UC MS units. XD
The seals for the inner vents… GAWD! THEY’RE A PAIN TO PUT ON!
Sorry if you already answered this, I kinda skimmed through. Hows the stability? Looks ridiculously top heavy, not to the mention the really wide shoulders.
Stability-wise, it is, in RRobbert184′s word, a bit “ILeanie” more towards the back.
In other poses, you need to play around with the footing and center of gravity to its’ advantage.
But isn’t the Byarlant Custom a feddy suit as in the OVA it was defending the base from the attacking Zeon forces using outdated Zeonic tech?
Technically yes. But it’s more of an “unofficial” experimentation unit that, not many outside of the base knew about it.
Not the Zeon units that attacked the base are old MS. *points to the Zee Zulu and Marasai units*
I had a fun time building the Byarlant Custom. I actually didn’t bother with the foil stickers since they are a bit too big, but it looks like that Gundam Marker can do the job pretty well too.
Even though this guy appear just for the OVA, there are a lot of interesting background info for this guy. It also has Gabthley’s claws, Baund Doc’s feet, making it more than just rediscovering non-transforming flight as technology demonstrator.
I’m glad that this is released as a model kit, and that we waited out rather than getting the web shop limited Robot Damashii version, which is unfortunately very expensive!
Yes, building this guy is pretty fun with some interesting engineering mixed in one kit. Them stickers… they’re some the biggest ones for a HG kit.
The background info is nearing the level of a hero unit, and to think that it’s appearance is briefer than any hero units. lol
Yeah, them web-shop exclusives are pretty much wallet-killers. It pays to be patient.