MG Zeta Plus Part 11

Age is but a number
More images of MG Zeta Plus in Waverider mode after going through its transformation sequence in the previous posting. ^^








Closeups on the details:

























The cockpit hatch can still be opened, albeit a lot more restricted as compared to it in MS mode since the top of the hatch is now blocked by the chest piece's front portion.


To mount the Waverider to Action Base 1, a different clip-type connector of smaller size as compared to the one used by the MS mode is needed as the hip's size is about 2/3 smaller after the transformation. ^^;


Zeta Plus in Waverider mode on Action Base 1. ^^


Apart from the model's sleek look, the heavy-duty joint of the display stand that supports the model's weight must be credited as well. ^^








Between the two modes of Zeta Plus, I like the Waverider form more, a lot actually. ^^ The striking contrast between white and orange on various parts of the model is made even more clearer in this mode. Some sort of pattern in the color distribution can be observed as well: the top area of the entire MA is mostly in orange, while the components on the side are mostly in white. The tail stabilizer and leg armors are the best indicators of that color pattern. ^^ If that pattern isn't obvious in MS mode, now it is. ^^

Regarding the transformation sequence, the simplicity definitely makes it a lot more enjoyable. I welcome challenges in transformation, but the idea of tougher transformation means more fun is only restricted to Transformers toys for me, ^^ where the toys are made with harder plastic and it's fine to go all the way back if you didn't transform certain components right the first time. For model kits that are more fragile that are not meant for continuous transformation back and forth, I look forward to simpler sequence to preserve their durability. ^^

Then again, I suppose the simpler transformation sequence of Zeta Plus has more to do with the MS design itself rather that this Master Grade kit. The wings are a lot simpler to transform as compared to the original Zeta Gundam, where they are hidden inside "boxes" of folded parts that must also transform. ^^; I think it's kind of obvious how cumbersome the wing design on the original Zeta Gundam is to realize into merchandises when every single version seems to have some variations in that. ^^; And in my opinion, the design is still not perfected even after the release of Ver. 2.0. ^^; The joints are very solid in holding the wings in both MS and Waverider modes, but they are mighty confusing and troublesome to transform. ^^;

On the other hand, for Delta Plus with the same folded-to-the-back wing design, the transformation for that is exactly the same as how you would do it on Zeta Plus, and the design preceded the former for almost a decade. ^^ And they (the designers) managed to simplify the joints too. ^^ I suppose when the "winning" formula is discovered, it can be reused since it really works. The same can be said about all the tabs, connectors and pegs designed into the model kits that secure all the transformed components. They were improvements made based on the first MG Zeta Gundam's flaws, implemented (very successfully) on the Perfect Grade version, carried over to this Zeta Plus and then inherited by Ver. 2.0, and then passed on to Delta Plus as well. Continuous improvements were made along the way, through tons of other action figures and model kits of Zeta Gundam, but the essence of the design remains the same. As a result of that, newer versions of model kit variations and releases from the Zeta Gundam lineage may spots different details and design elements, there are going to be many components with a great sense of familiarity to them, especially the transformation sequence.

It would be mighty exciting to see what design the Real Grade version of Zeta Gundam is going to inherit from its predecessor releases, and what will it improve upon, if it's to be announced. ^^

The last posting for MG Zeta Plus coming up next.