Series: High Grade Universal Century (HGUC) 1/144
Title: MS-06Fs Zaku II Garma Zabi Custom
Release Date: 09/2002
Suggested Price: ¥ 1000
No. of Parts: 92 + polycaps + paper stickers
Plastic colors: dark green, red-brown, gray, black
Gimmicks: heat hawk, heat hawk holster, 120mm machine gun, Zaku bazooka, Magella Top cannon

Introduction

Contributor: Carlos "Cardi Doorl" Dieguez
Date: January 15, 2004

Head

The head is simple: only seven parts and a sticker for the monoeye. There is no way to turn the monoeye. This is quite an annoyance, as the completed model will forever look in the same direction. Other than that, there are no noticeable seam lines. As is common with model heads, some pieces are fragile.

Torso

The torso has two seam lines down the sides, but, fortunately, these are usually covered up by the arms in the completed version. Since the hip and torso are one piece, this model is incapable of pivoting at the waist. The torso is also low-detail, most noticeably so in the backpack, which lacks thrusters. There are pegs to connect the arms, and ball joints for the head and legs. A latch can be found on the rear skirt armor to store the Zaku bazooka, but once the backpack is in place, it becomes a hassle to pull out.

Arms

The most notable aspect of the arms is that they can fold forward, so that the right shoulder's shield can protect the torso, or the left shoulder's spiked dome can prepare for ramming. Seam lines can be seen on the shoulder dome and forearms. The hands are the two-pieced types, with two versions of each. (a clenched hand for the heat hawk, weapon side grips, and Magella Top cannon, and a hand with the trigger finger extended for the 120mm machine gun and the Zaku bazooka) The joints at the elbows, wrist, and shoulders move smoothly and do not fall off much. Overall, the arms are sturdy, but not much to look at.

Legs

Thankfully, the leg mobility is not impeded by the coolant cables or skirt armor. Seam lines are hard to notice. The knees are double-jointed and bend smoothly. Unlike many of my HG models, the legs have no problem staying attached to the hip joints. To account for the common problem with ducking among models, the ankles can extend, allowing this Zaku to take a knee with ease. However, the pose looks somewhat unnatural, even awkward.

Weapons and Accessories

The heat hawk is little more than an annoyance. It fits very loose in the Zaku's hands, so it slides out easily. The holster for the heat hawk is a headache. I have found no way to keep it attached to the skirt armor where it belongs; it invariably slips right out. On the plus side, the other weapons are fine. The 120mm machine gun is comprised of six pieces, including a folding side grip and adjustable scope. Positioned right, the Zaku can look quite fierce with the machine gun. It's also nicely detailed. The five-piece Magella Top cannon is fine, too, with a cap in the front to make the barrel seem hollow. The Zaku bazooka has a folding side grip and adjustable scope, with caps to make the barrel seem hollow.

Conclusion

If you keep in mind that this model is merely an HGUC, it's quite fine. As with most, if not all, 1/144 scale models, this is best for beginners, while expert builders would probably feel disappointed. This was one of my earliest models, so I enjoyed it. Just remember that it's HGUC 1/144, so don't expect the detail of a Master Grade or Perfect Grade.

Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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