Zoids Assembly Line: Dibison

The Zoid was designed with a single intention, and that was to fight the massive Death Saurer that had so far dominated the Helic Forces. To achieve this, the designers loaded it with one of the heaviest weapons loads ever seen on a Zoid. The Dibison's principal weapons are an array of seventeen 105mm mortars mounted on its back. Long-ranged and capable of indirect fire, the weapons can be used to saturate an area or focus on a single target.

Additionally, the Dibison's super-heavy Crusher horns are one of only a few weapons capable of penetrating a Death Saurer's armour, while its Crusher Hooves can be used to trample enemy Zoids underfoot. While not very agile, its speed and mass allow it to effectively charge down enemy Zoids. The Dibison's armour is very thick, allowing it to wade through enemy fire. Finally, the Zoid is fitted with an extensive sensory system, allowing it to detect and engage enemy Zoids at long range.

~ Wiki

I picked up the Dibison after Shermy got the notice on the forums about it being in the discount bin ($19.90 only!). It was very easy to build, having few sprues. The Dibison is the first Zoid I've built that comes with die-cast metal parts - the horns and hooves), which makes this a rather unique Zoid. As you can see, the metal-bits along with the awesome array of mortar cannons make it a very impressive-looking unit.

I really should get my own digital camera so I can take proper macro shots. These pictures don't show the detailing that I've put into the model.. Dibison's the first kit that I actually spray-painted. Initially, I applied matte top-coat with the intention of smoothening the surface for decal-ing, but ended up "spraying dust" (so it appeared) onto the surface. To solve the problem, I applied a thin layer of gunmetal so i had a new surface to work on, the decals added a whole new dimension, and the Zoid was birthed. =)




And with the completion of the Dibison, I've now begun work on the Berserk Furher, one of the most complex to build.. Time for some Dino-loving! Watch this space for completed pics!

Zoids: Sabre Tiger

I'm pretty excited about an order I've made for the soon-to-be-released Kotobukiya HMM Sabre Tiger. Didn't understand why people in the forums had issues with how it looked. See for yourself:

From Zoids: Chaotic Century - Raven's Zaber Fang

Beautiful ain't it? I doubt I'll be able to get MINE to that standard, but I'll try! My level of model-kit making is only limited to cleaning burrs and nips and panel-lining (with pencil) so far. But I intend to go into spray-painting before I start on this kit.

Ya.. so this is my new-found hobby.. model-kitting.. I'm such a nerd la.

Zoids Assembly Line: Command Wolf

Behold, the almost-complete Command Wolf:




The Command Wolf marks the second release of the High-end Master Model line by Kotobukiya (with Tomy) from the Zoids line. I enjoyed making this piece especially because I couldn't wait to start posing the critter - it is very articulated (I can't tell u how many points there are), and looks great!

The Command Wolf is a fast and agile Zoid, one of the fastest Zoids of its size. Its speed gives it a good deal of flexibility, allowing it to perform in various roles. Command Wolves have been used in strike, recon, and assault operations, amongst others. Its back-mounted weapons turret can detach and act as a separate recon platform, further expanding its capabilities.

~Extract from Wiki

Following the construction of this Zoid, I have decided to acquire some more equipment in order to better refine the look of it. I decided that this will be my new hobby, cos I've always liked model-kit work, I just hated painting among other stuff. However, after discussing with Mark and reading some material that he supplied, I think its possible to do this in my spare time. =) For the Wolf, first thing is to fill in the panel-lines. I'll do spray painting for the next Zoid I build, Wolf already looks great in white.. maybe when he starts yellowing.. lol


Pictures taken during assembly:

Liger Zero CP Armour: Panzer!

This is the Liger Zero: Panzer Armour from the series of CP armours for Liger Zero that Shermy got recently.

The third CAS Unit, the CP-21 Panzer Unit is designed for heavy assault and long-range bombardment. The armour reduces the Zoid's speed and agility, while increasing its overall level of protection and drastically increasing its firepower. The unit sports two heavy cannons in addition to numerous concealed missile launchers. The Panzer system also can be speculated to have some interference with the cooling system, as shown in the anime. The anime also depicted a Panzer-equipped Liger Zero as being close to immobile due to its weight, although the technical specifications from the Battle Story reveal that Panzers are still capable of moving at a respectable 285 km/h.

~Extract from Wiki

Despite being the heaviest of the 3, this Panzer Liger can balance on 2 legs... =P

Liger Zero CP Armour: Schneider!

Today while losing heart at La Tendo, and speaking to the store-owner.. we found... Sherm's long-sought after Zoids Liger Zero CP Armour set!!!

This is the Schneider Armour!

The second CAS Unit for the Liger Zero (second in the anime), the CP-17 Schneider Unit is designed for close combat. The unit features seven energy blades mounted on the Liger Zero's head and sides (five around the head, one on each flank), which can be used to cut through enemy Zoid armor and energy shields. Additionally, the Zero Schneider features improved speed and acceleration through the use of a series of powerful boosters, and possesses an energy shield.

~Extract from Wiki

Zoids Assembly Line: Rayse Tiger

Presenting: Rayse Tiger!



Finally completed, my very first Zoid, several years late! hehe.. Don't he look cool? He has fibre-optic wires and other glow-in-the-dark bits that makes him quite unique among Zoids models.

The Rayse Tiger is a Tiger-type Zoid created by the ZOITEC corporation, using one of the three ancient Tiger-Zoid cores discovered in ZAC 2230.

Unlike the earlier Whitz Tiger, ZOITEC scientists were able to completely recreate the ancient Tiger Zoid core in a single body. Already fast and agile, the Zoid's abilities are further enhanced by the special Ray-Absorbing Panels built into its body. These panels absorb energy from incoming weapons fire and channel it through the Zoid's systems into the fangs. This allows it to unleash a devastating attack known as the Explode Bite, which is capable of disabling Iron Kong or Gojulas-sized Zoids in a single blow.

~ Extract from Wiki

This was the scene at the Zoids Assembly Factory, day 2:


Upcoming: Kotobukiya Command Wolf!

Zoids Assembly Line Increased - additional mechanic hired!

Shermy is a huge Zoids fan. She's shown me her collection before and I've marveled at it. Surprising as well, that she would like robotic/mechanized animals/dinosaurs so much. She tells me her dream is to collect the entire series of Ligers for display. I only recently learned what a Liger is, or a Liger Zero. And the add-on armours including the Schneider, the Panzer and the Jaeger. And I must say, I'm slowly being swayed over!

Just yesterday, Sherm and I finally got together for Zoid-making session. She allowed me to make her newly acquired Rayse Tiger unit (actually, she newly-acquired quite a few cos of the discounts she found), while she completed the Phoenix part of the Phoenix Liger set. Once these units are completed, we'll commence on her Energy Liger units. She has 2 units of different colours. I've attached pictures for reference, easier to see how I can be swayed..




This series of toys, Zoids, was another that went completely over my head without me noticing. Another of these were Visionaries. But ya, after starting on these, I do wonder why I ever bothered to make other model kits before. These come pre-coloured, can be played with and look great displayed. Compare this with my model kit motorcycle which was held together by glue which has come apart over time. And all I could do was display it - how to "play" motorbike?! Its a no-brainer lo.. They really look great~

Zoids Assembly Line Activated!

So now that Shermy has completed her undergraduate obligations as a student, she has much time on her hands. Part of what she does in her day now includes sleeping in till 1030am, playing games (from CoH to Zoids Legacy), and baking. As she foresees a steady income in future months ahead, she has commenced with one of her other passions - Zoids..
Mark brought us to the toy fair at China Square Central on Sunday, and Shermy was lucky to spot one particular stall selling Zoids, and at marked down prices too (apparently he's clearing stock and not planning to bring anymore of those in). She got some bargains from there and has been happily preparing their manufacture. She also bought a Lanstag at just $10 from Robinsons the other day.
Pictures follow:



The completed Lanstag (which incidentally is japgrish for "Lance Stag"):


Watch this space for more updates on completed models!