METAL BUILD Gundam Astray Red Frame -PROJECT ASTRAY- Review

Metal joints and polycarbonate exterior, create the finest of the red frame!

● Materials
Like “METAL BUILD Gundam Astray GOLD FRAME AMATSU Mina -Declaration of the Sky-“, electrolytic plating is used for the die-cast parts, and polycarbonate material is used for the white armor.
White with a red shining die cast and gloss, has sublimated the red frame in the new area.

● Modeling
As with “METAL BUILD Gundam Astray GOLD FRAME AMATSU Mina -Declaration of the Sky-“, designer Junichi Akutsu (Astrays Co., Ltd.) has newly drawn a modeling arrangement for METAL BUILD.

● marking
Starting with the bold red markings that straddle the whole body, METAL BUILD ‘s unique markings add even more charm.

■ Product Specifications
Height: Approx. 180 mm
Material: ABS, PVC, Die-cast

■ Contents

Stand set

Main body

Backpack

Replacement left wrist five

4 interchangeable right hands

Beam Rifle

Anti-beam shield

Gerbera Straight set

2 Beam Sabers

About the Series

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Astray

Another story that takes place in the same world and time period as “Mobile Suit Gundam SEED.” The main characters are Lowe, a boy who works at a junkshop collecting and repairing broken things, and Gai, a mercenary who lives behind the scenes of war. The story begins when the two accidentally obtain a mobile suit called Astray. Most of the story is serialized in magazines, but it also develops across various works, including comics, novels, and photo stories using models. Part of the charm of “Astray” is the interweaving of all these mediums to create a work connecting to the “SEED” anime.

This is a review of METAL BUILD Gundam Astray Red Frame -PROJECT ASTRAY-.

Whole body. Like Blue Frame -PROJECT ASTRAY-, the legs have been redesigned with Red Dragonics, and the waist joints have also been improved. Some of the red is molded in color, but most of it is painted, so the texture is good.

Face. The head design hasn’t changed since the early days, so there’s nothing particularly new about it.

The eyes are painted metallic as usual, the forehead is made of clear material, and the antennae are also sharply sculpted.

Each part, etc. The chest and abdomen are new designs based on the same Project Astray Blue Frame.Waist.

Arms and legs. These are also the same as Blue Frame, with the arms remaining the same as before, but the legs being thinner than those of Red Dragonix and later.

back.

The gimmick of being able to lower the backpack is the same as always.

option.

Complete pedestal.

Fully equipped.behind.

Beam rifle. Like the Blue Frame, the design of the equipment remains the same as before.

It is possible to mount it on the side armor by raising the rear pin.

Shield. This one is the same, and has the same peephole opening and closing gimmick.

The back side. The joints are the same, and they can slide and have a grip.
 



This can also be mounted on the side armor.

The sheath’s design and gimmicks were the same as previous Red Frames.

Gerbera Straight. The blade is plated and the blade pattern is faithfully reproduced.



Although it is not included this time, the hole on the back is the same as before, so it is possible to equip it with the separately sold flight unit.

The back. It’s made the same way as always, so if you use the included backpack joint it’s possible to equip things like the Air Striker.



The old format Red Frame Kai and the new format PROJECT ASTRAY Blue Frame. The difference in the legs is obvious, but the red and white colors have also changed slightly from before.



Just a few at a time.



The body shape and joints are the same as those of the Blue Frame from PROJECT ASTRAY, so movement is the same.



The joints around the shoulders are still the same as before, but they were good to begin with, so there are no problems holding the sword with both hands.



Thanks to the improved waist joint from the Blue Frame, the swing range of the waist is also wider.



The grounding is not that good, but even with my feet spread wide I didn’t fall over.



Beam sabers are also included.



Equipped with rifle and shield.



Equipped with a flight unit (sold separately). The red and white versions have different colors and textures, but since it’s a backpack it’s not that noticeable.



When I saw the price of 36,300 yen, I assumed it included a flight unit, but it only came with the basic equipment.



The METAL BUILD Gundam Astray Red Frame -PROJECT ASTRAY- marks the second chapter in this ongoing series. While the high price point, similar to the Blue Frame, initially gave me pause, I purchased it to complete the unified PROJECT ASTRAY lineup.

The Red Frame shares the same sculpt as the Blue Frame, with only its equipment swapped to match the traditional Red Frame design. As a result, articulation and overall craftsmanship remain consistent, offering no major surprises. However, the excellent base sculpt, combined with extensive paint applications, delivers a premium texture that ensures satisfaction.

As part of the PROJECT ASTRAY series, this release hints at future installments. I’m intrigued about whether we’ll see the Green Frame or Mirage Frame next.

Pros:

• Premium paint and texture
• Consistent, high-quality sculpt
• Complements the PROJECT ASTRAY collection

Cons:

• High cost may deter some collectors
• Lacks significant updates from Blue Frame

The METAL BUILD Gundam Astray Red Frame is a solid addition for dedicated collectors, though its familiarity may not excite those seeking innovation.