When I posted my first work in progress update for this HG Gundam Zirius double build, someone over at Threads commented regarding the potential issue with the hip joints, referring to a YouTube video review. While I don’t usually take video reviews as gospel, I did note this potential issue as I went and built the hip assembly. And true enough, the claims have legit validity.
Most High Grades have hip assemblies are done via pegs extending from the central groin section, and are connected to universal joints via polycaps or similarly shaped KPS parts. For the most part, they hold pretty well and don’t stress the pegs when hinged outwards. The Zirius has a similar assembly except that the universal joint uses a larger rotating piece, instead of the usual polycap or similarly-sized plastic part. While this provides a very strong joint when hinging the legs outwards, it’s also very tight that if you hinge the legs outwards without supporting the hip joint, the pegs can break – which is what happened in that referenced video review.
I initially thought this was because of the top coat I applied before putting the joint together, so I did the opposite and assembled the joint then applied the top coat. And the effect is more or less the same. I did reinforce the pegs by applying UV-curing glue on the inside since they are hollow, but I will suggest sanding the axial peg inside the universal joint (not the ones at the groin section) a little to make the connection a little loose. Because the rotating piece is sandwiched between the parts attached to the legs, this should provide friction otherwise lost by sanding the axial peg.
As for my copies, I will be very careful when rotating these joints outwards. In fact, I will not be gluing the rear skirting armor (they are meant to be removable for the armor-purging feature) so that I can remove it every time I spread the legs outwards.
I’m crossing my fingers mine won’t break, but given the chances, I will look for loose hip parts when I visit Japan this November. Regardless, this is something you definitely need to take note when building this kit.
