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Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom) front on pose
Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom)
Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam action pose showing the kit with both beam cannons in deployed firing configuration, demonstrating the SEED Action System hip articulation.
Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom) front on pose
Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom)
Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam action pose showing the kit with both beam cannons in deployed firing configuration, demonstrating the SEED Action System hip articulation.

Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom)

$35.99 AUD
Dearka Elthman's Lightning Buster from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom. HG 1/144 with deployable beam cannons, an opening missile-loaded backpack, and the SEED Action System inner frame that lets a heavy artillery kit hold a dynamic pose without falling forward.
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Key features
  1. Two beam cannon configurations: replacement barrel parts let you display the cannons either folded for carry or deployed for firing, plus articulated arm-mount parts for poses from the shoulder, the waist, or in transit.
  2. Opening missile backpack hatch: the hatch on the back of the missile pack opens to reveal the moulded warheads inside. A small piece of engineering most HG kits at this price skip.
  3. SEED Action System inner frame: hip joints that slide and rotate independently. The difference between a top-heavy artillery kit that falls forward and one that holds its pose.
Returns & Refunds
  1. Australian Consumer Law Compliance: Mecha Express Australia strictly adheres to the Australian Consumer Law for all transactions.
  2. Contact Process for Issues: If you encounter any issues with your purchase, you should first contact Mecha Express Australia via email at support@gundamexpressaustralia.com.au, describing the problem and providing photos and contact details.
  3. Response and Advice: Mecha Express Australia will promptly respond to your email to discuss the issue and advise on the next steps.
  4. USA Customer Policy: USA customers are not eligible for returns, refunds, or compensation for any issues including lost, stolen, or incorrectly delivered items.
  5. Return Conditions for AU and NZ: Items must be returned in their original, undamaged, and resalable packaging if requested by Mecha Express Australia.
  6. Refund and Replacement Policy: Australian and New Zealand customers may receive replacements or refunds for reasons like change of mind (before dispatch with a restocking fee), incorrect items, lost/stolen/damaged parcels during delivery, missing parts, or inability to supply an item. Mecha Express Australia will give you a Reply Paid number for you to return these items at no cost to you at your local Australia Post outlet.
  7. Non-refundable Items: Items that cannot be refunded include those that are opened, used, partly assembled, lost parts, self-damaged items, or items found with no issues.
  8. Duplication Promise: Returns are accepted if you receive a duplicate gift, provided the item is returned in resalable condition and at your own expense.
  9. Pre-Order Cancellation: While pre-order refunds are typically not offered, requests will be considered but subject to a 10% restocking and administration fee.
  10. Restocking and Administration Charge: A 10% fee applies to canceled orders or refunds to cover non-refundable third-party fees, calculated on the total value of the products and shipping costs.
Series Assembly Guide FAQ

Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam (Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom)

Bandai 1/144 HG Lightning Buster Gundam. Dearka's heavy artillery from SEED Freedom.

The Lightning Buster is Dearka Elthman's upgraded mobile suit from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom, the 2024 sequel film. It is the Buster Gundam lineage evolved for post-war Cosmic Era combat: a heavy artillery platform built around two long beam cannons, a missile-loaded backpack, and a wide wing-binder that gives the kit its signature outline.

Dearka is the original Buster pilot from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. He is back in the Lightning Buster in SEED Freedom as part of the Compass squadron, alongside Kira's Mighty Strike Freedom and Athrun's Immortal Justice. If you're collecting the Compass lineup, this is the artillery position.

Build difficulty

HG snap-fit, no glue or paint required to look accurate to the box art. Around 300 to 400 parts across colour-separated runners, with a build time of roughly two to three hours for a beginner, ninety minutes for an experienced builder. Skill Level 2 by HLJ's published rating: basic modelling tools (nippers, hobby knife) recommended for a clean finish off the runner.

Technical highlights

The standout engineering is the SEED Action System inner frame. The hip joints slide and rotate independently, which is what lets a heavy artillery kit like this hold dynamic shooting and reload poses without falling forward under the weight of the back rig. The two beam cannons swap between a folded carry configuration and a deployed firing configuration using replacement barrel parts in the box. The arm-mounted cannon parts are articulated so you can pose the kit firing from the shoulder, the waist, or in transit.

The backpack hatch opens to reveal moulded missile warheads inside. The wing binders spread to give the kit a wider, more imposing silhouette for display. The whole kit is moulded in colour, so the Cosmic Era yellow trim and the cannon detailing read accurately straight off the runner.

What makes this kit worth picking up

  • Beam cannons swap between folded and deployed: two distinct display configurations from one box, using the included replacement barrel parts.
  • Backpack missile hatch: opens to show the stored warheads, which most HG kits at this scale don't bother with.
  • Wide wing binder spread: opens up the silhouette for a wider, more imposing display pose.
  • SEED Action System hip joints: the slide-and-rotate inner frame is the difference between a top-heavy artillery kit that falls over and one that holds its pose.
  • Dearka's Compass-era unit: the third member of the SEED Freedom protagonist trio alongside the Mighty Strike Freedom and Immortal Justice.
  • HG accessibility: snap-fit, no glue, no paint required for the box-art look.

What's in the box

  • Lightning Buster Gundam main body (colour-separated runners)
  • Beam cannon parts in both folded and deployed barrel configurations
  • Wing binder assembly
  • Missile-loaded backpack with opening hatch
  • Hand parts (open and gripping)
  • Marking sticker sheet
  • Instruction manual

Compatible accessories

Recommended display stands for 1/144 HG scale, all in stock at Mecha Express today:

  • Bandai Action Base 2. The 1/144 stand with a longer adjustable arm. Best choice if you want to lift the Lightning Buster into a firing pose with the cannons deployed.
  • Bandai Action Base 5. The compact 1/144 hex base. Best for a grounded, planted stance with the wings open.

Build your SEED Freedom collection

The Compass squad and the wider Cosmic Era kits, all in stock at Mecha Express:

Build specifications

  • Series: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom
  • Grade: High Grade (HG)
  • Scale: 1/144
  • Mobile suit: Lightning Buster Gundam
  • Pilot: Dearka Elthman
  • Faction: Compass (Cosmic Era post-war coalition)
  • Timeline: Cosmic Era
  • Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
  • Packaged weight: 350 g 
  • Packaged dimensions: 29.9 cm x 18.9 cm x 7.9 cm
  • Barcode (JAN): 4573102671714
  • Bandai SKU: 5067171
  • Skill Level: 2 
  • Assembly: Snap-fit, no glue required
  • Special features: Folded and deployed beam cannon parts, opening missile hatch, wing binder spread, SEED Action System inner frame
  • Original release: 19 September 2024
  • Country of manufacture: Japan

Perfect for

  • SEED Freedom fans completing the Compass squad alongside the Mighty Strike Freedom and Immortal Justice.
  • Cosmic Era collectors who want Dearka's upgraded artillery unit on the shelf.
  • Builders who want a kit with two distinct display configurations from one box.
  • HG builders ready to step up to a kit with more presence than a standard mobile suit silhouette.
  • Beginner builders looking for an accessible SEED Freedom kit that delivers strong visual payoff straight off the runner.

Fast Australian shipping

Orders placed before 2 pm AEST on a weekday ship the same day from Brisbane. Free shipping on orders over $199 within Australia. Subsidised shipping to New Zealand.

What to watch for

The Lightning Buster is back-heavy. Cannons, backpack missiles, and wing binders all sit behind the kit's centre of gravity. Without a display base, the kit will lean back over time, particularly in poses with the cannons deployed and the wings fully open. The Action Base 2 is the recommended pairing for any dynamic display.

The wing binder is the kit's signature visual and also its most fragile area. The thin clear or yellow accent parts on the wing edges can stress-mark if you flex them too hard during assembly. Take it slow on those steps and don't force any panel into place.

Sticker-heavy for the unit markings. Some builders panel-line and decal these with aftermarket waterslides for a sharper finish. The included stickers are accurate to the SEED Freedom design but read as stickers on close inspection.

Build notes

A pair of plastic nippers is recommended for clean part removal. A hobby knife and a small file deal with nub marks on the larger flat surfaces. The colour separation is strong enough that paint is not required for an accurate box-art finish, but panel lining with a 0.03 mm pen sharpens the detail on the cannons and the chest unit.

Build time: approximately two to three hours for a beginner, ninety minutes for an experienced builder.

Recommended age: 8 years and over (per Bandai).

Last updated: 9 June 2026 (AEST)

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Assembly Guide

SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED
Skill Level.2 Basic modeling skills are required. Parental supervision may be required for younger children. These kits are generally suitable for beginner builders. A basic set of modeling tools are required including nippers, hobby knife, sanding sticks/paper, file, and tweezers. No glue is needed for the general assembly. Parts will need to be removed by using a pair of nippers and cutting the part away from the runner. Parts may require clean-up where they were removed from the runner.
No Cement Required

Gunpla (plastic model kits) are a snap together assembly and do not need plastic cement to complete. We always recommend having some plastic cement handy as a part of your modeler's tool kit. If you prefer to fix your model in a particular pose then plastic cement will work. Plastic cement is also perfect to use if a joint is loose. Apply plastic cement in a single thin layer and allow it to dry completely before test fitting. Re-apply more cement if necessary.

No Painting Required

Gunpla (plastic model kits) are designed to be built and displayed without the need for painting. Kits are molded in different colours replicating the colours of the actual mecha from the Mecha series. A technique called colour separation, where multiple parts of the model are molded in different colours on the same sprue is also used. Mecha kits often include stickers or water-slide decals that can be applied to the model to enhance its appearance. Some Gunpla kits come with pre-painted parts or parts with pre-applied details, such as metallic or translucent finishes.

Many modelers still choose to paint their kits to customize and add further detail. Painting allows for more creativity and personalization, enabling modelers to achieve unique effects, weathering, and colour schemes that may not be available out of the box. However, the kits are designed to be enjoyable and visually appealing even without painting, making them accessible to a wide range of hobbyists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pilots the Lightning Buster and where does it appear?

Dearka Elthman, the same pilot who flew the original Buster Gundam in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. The Lightning Buster is his upgraded mobile suit in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (the 2024 sequel film), where he flies alongside Kira's Mighty Strike Freedom and Athrun's Immortal Justice as part of the Compass squad.

Is this a good kit for a first-time HG builder?

Yes, with a small caveat. The build itself is snap-fit at Skill Level 2 (per HLJ), which is accessible for a first HG. The caveat is that the wing binders and cannon barrels are a bit larger and more delicate than on a standard mobile suit kit, so go slow on those assembly steps and don't force any panel. If you've built one HG before, you'll be fine. If this is your very first HG, set aside 2 to 3 hours.

Can I display the beam cannons in their firing configuration?

Yes. The kit includes replacement barrel parts so you can swap between the folded carry configuration and the deployed firing configuration. The arm-mounted cannon parts are articulated, so you can pose the kit firing from the shoulder, the waist, or in transit. A 1/144 display base (Action Base 2 or 5) is recommended for the firing pose to support the kit's back-heavy balance.

Does the missile-loaded backpack actually open?

Yes. The hatch on the back of the missile pack opens to reveal the moulded warheads stored inside. It is the kind of detail most HG kits at this price point skip, and it lets you display the kit mid-reload or in a salvo pose with the missiles visible.

Does the Lightning Buster need a display base?

For a flat parade stance, no. The legs hold the kit upright on a shelf. For any dynamic pose, especially with the cannons deployed and the wings spread, yes. The kit is back-heavy because the cannons, missile pack, and wing binders all sit behind the centre of gravity. The Bandai Action Base 2 is the recommended pairing for dynamic poses.

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