The ARL-99B Helldiver is a Japanese Self-Defense Force mecha that appeared in the television series Mobile Police Patlabor that aired from 1989 to 1990. Equipment included a parachute sack and LLLTV night vision. The Helldiver was armed with 8 smoke dischargers, one TOW anti-tank missile launcher, and one 40mm rapid-firing machine gun. The prototype, designated the ARX-99, appeared in the Mobile Police Patlabor OVA series that had 7 episodes and aired in 1988-1989. The ARL variant also appeared in the 1989 film “Patlabor the Movie”.

The kit was crisply molded in dark green, gray and black styrene and included vinyl parts for the main body area and the arms and legs. Armament includes the 40mm machine gun mentioned above.

While there was no problem with the styrene parts, the highly-flexible vinyl parts were a major pain in the backside. They are not rigid like vinyl figure kits, but are more like the rubberized plastic parts that have been included as figures in the Revell pre-painted Star Wars EasyKit product line. While paint will adhere to the parts, it won’t adhere without cracking. This becomes pretty much a non-issue because, despite having armature inside the arms and legs that allow the limbs to be positioned, the vinyl coverings don’t allow you to set the limbs in position before the vinyl pulls them back into their neutral position. A little flexibility is possible, but not a whole lot. Mostly rotation at the hips and shoulders, with little or none at the knees and elbows.

I painted the ‘Mech overall in Tamiya J. N. Green, and the machine gun was painted Tamiya Dark Gray. I attempted to paint the vinyl sections in Tamiya Khaki, and was successful, as long as I don’t bend too much. If I do, then paint starts to flake very quickly. The decals went on over a coat of Future, followed by a second coat to seal them in. I also did a bit of dry-brushing with Model Master Chrome Silver to give it some dings and dents.

The completed kit stands 6 inches tall.

If you don’t mind having a model that basically stands at attention all the time, like a rigid stick figure, it’s a decent kit. It is a good representation of a Helldiver, and is worth having in your collection.



Review by: Rich "Lonewolf" Dula

Entry Created: December 10, 2012