Released in 1999, it was the fourth kit in the popular High Grade line.
In September 1999, Bandai released the HGUC 1/144 AMX-004 Qubeley, a foundational piece that became the fourth model kit in the influential High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) line. This release marked one of the company's first efforts to standardize the 1/144 scale with a new level of quality and detail, becoming a pillar for modern Gundam modeling and a key representation of one of its era's most iconic mobile suits.
Product Information
- Price: 1,650 JPY
- Release Date: September 1999
- Scale: 1/144
- Size: Approximately 12.8 cm
- Series: Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam & Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
- Line: High Grade Universal Century (HGUC)
- Product Type: Regular Sale (discontinued in major stores)
Features
This model captures the "artistic armor shape and color" of the Qubeley. Despite the technology of its time, the kit incorporates several functions to increase its fidelity. The neck joint is movable, allowing for a range of head poses. The characteristic shoulder binders are deployable, as is the rear funnel container, allowing for the recreation of its attack silhouette. To deliver these features, the ten funnels can be individually detached from their storage container at the rear.
Its late 90s engineering feels dated by modern standards.
This model includes ten funnels that can be detached from their rear container for display.
Contents
- Parts to build the HGUC 1/144 AMX-004 Qubeley
- Funnels (x10)
- Interchangeable hand parts to recreate its flight pose
Comparative Analysis
While the 1999 HGUC kit was a fundamental product in establishing the line, its engineering falls short of modern standards. In direct comparisons, this model is outclassed by its successor, the HGUC #195 AMX-004 Qubeley "Revive", released in 2015. The "Revive" version delivers an immense qualitative leap, offering a total reconstruction with modern technology. Its main advantages are far superior articulation—including double-jointed knees and elbows for an exceptional range of motion—and a modernized aesthetic with finer, more stylized panel lines. Therefore, while the 1999 model is an important historical artifact, the "Revive" version stands as the recommended choice for modelers seeking fidelity and posability.
Despite being a foundational product, it features very limited articulation by current standards.
The AMX-004 Qubeley
The AMX-004 Qubeley is a prototype mobile suit developed by Axis Zeon for Newtype pilots. Based on the technology of the MAN-08 Elmeth, its main innovation was a miniaturized Psycommu System that allowed it to operate an arsenal of remote weapons (funnels) from a standard-sized platform. Its organic and elegant design distinguishes it from other units of its time.
The Qubeley's elegant and menacing design has made it a fan favorite for decades. While the 1999 kit is a piece of Gunpla history, the 2015 Revive version offers a modern building experience. Which version do you prefer, and what makes the Qubeley so special to you? Let us know in the comments below!
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Sources
- HGUC AMX-004 Qubeley | Gunplapedia. (Accessed June 16, 2025)
- AMX-004 Qubeley | Gundam Wiki. (Accessed June 16, 2025)
