Series: Master Grade (MG) 1/100
Title: MSZ-006C1 Z Plus C1
Release Date: 02/2002
Suggested Price: ¥ 3000
No. of Parts: 15 runners + polycaps
Plastic colors: black, gray, blue, white, transparent blue
Gimmicks: beam saber (2), beam smart gun, Waverider transformation

Introduction

Contributor: Wilson "Oruma Yar" Lam
Date: January 7, 2006

This is the Zeta Plus version that appeared in Gundam Sentinel. I have previously purchased the A1 version, a kit that I loved, but I want this one - as well as Zeta Gundam and Re-GZ to complete my Zeta series model collection. Let’s see how it fares. 

Head

The head of the Zeta Plus is similar to that of the original Zeta, but with noticeable differences. It has two antennas instead of four; the head is lengthened and more streamlined. In addition to the foldable antenna, there is a second pair of “fixed antenna” included in the kit. 

Torso

Essentially the same of that of Zeta and A1 version, it contains the main components of the transformation mechanism. The cockpit door can be opened. The waist cannot turn. The crotch armor differs from that of A1.

The back of C1 includes wings, the tail binder and two thruster units. Here contained two of the main differences between the C1 and A1 version: the C1 has two booster units, whereas the A1 has none on its tail binder. The C1 also has four fuel tanks attached on its wings, but the A1 has none. Otherwise, the two kits are identical. 

Arms

These arms are fairly tight and thin, giving the C1 a very sleek, streamlined look. The elbow joints have very good motion range, and can reach its own shoulder. One pair of hands is included. The shield-like beam smart gun can be attached onto the slot of either arm, though it is more common to attach it onto the right arm.  

Legs

These are quite nice as well. Using screws, the legs can be tightened and made very stable. The ankles are hindered slightly by the shape of the lower leg, but posing is not a problem. The knee joints are a part of the transformation mechanism, and enjoy great movement range as well. The hip beam cannons are jointed to the leg at the top of the thighs. Its shape and attach joints are different and better than that of the A1. 

Weapons and Accessories

Weapons include two beam cannons (fixed on hip), two beam sabers and the beam smart gun.

Beam sabers - Your standard beam sabers. Stored in hip beam cannons when not in use. Identical to that of A1.

Beam smart gun - The prize of this model kit, the beam smart gun is longer than the kit’s own height. It is attached onto the right arm via a plug, and has a handle held by the left hand when used. The landing gear of C1 when in Waverider mode also is attached onto the BSG itself.

Transformation- The main gimmick of this kit. It is essentially the same as that of Zeta and A1, but because of the beam smart gun it is considerably longer than either of them. 

Conclusion

A couple of comments before closing:

-Coloring: the grey of the C1 is not pretty - it has a very plastic-looking glint. By contrast, the A1 color scheme is actually better.

-Posing: the beam smart gun is so long that the kit suffers a bit in posing. You have to have some extra space with this kit, so that it can point the BSG somewhere… 

For a number of reasons, I loved my Zeta Plus A1 more than my C1. However, in no way does it undermine the fact that C1 is a good kit - perhaps the best of MG Zeta Series models to date (until Zeta Gundam 2.0 version comes out). This is a worthy buy, and I would recommend it to add to anyone’s model collection. 

Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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