OLD First Gundam

1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model Box
Release 1981.11
Price ¥2,500
BANDAI BANDAI Japan product info
OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Runners (1/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Runners (2/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Runners (3/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Runners (4/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Runners (5/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Runners (6/6)

Runners

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Clear runners

Clear runners

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Unlike the Gundam, the Zaku comes with transparent seals.

Unlike the Gundam, the Zaku comes with transparent seals.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The wiring and metal parts for the lighting are the same as the RX-78.

The wiring and metal parts for the lighting are the same as the RX-78.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (1/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (2/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (3/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (4/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (5/6) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Parts diagram (6/6)

Parts diagram

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (1/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (2/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (3/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (4/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (5/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (6/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (7/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (8/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (9/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (10/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (11/12) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Manual (12/12)

Manual

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Various angles (1/5) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Various angles (2/5) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Various angles (3/5) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Various angles (4/5) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Various angles (5/5)

Various angles

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Frame shots of each section (1/3) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Frame shots of each section (2/3) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Frame shots of each section (3/3)

Frame shots of each section

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - You can fit LED bulbs inside the legs and head separately. (1/2) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - You can fit LED bulbs inside the legs and head separately. (2/2)

You can fit LED bulbs inside the legs and head separately.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - A light can be inserted from above the pilot to illuminate the cockpit. (1/2) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - A light can be inserted from above the pilot to illuminate the cockpit. (2/2)

A light can be inserted from above the pilot to illuminate the cockpit.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The wiring from the head and torso is routed down through the feet just like the OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The wiring from the head and torso is routed down through the feet just like the

The wiring from the head and torso is routed down through the feet the same way, but
unlike the RX-78 which only used one leg, the Zaku runs power cables down through both legs.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The battery and switch section at the base of the stand is identical to the RX-7

The battery and switch section at the base of the stand is identical to the RX-78.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Lights on!

Lights on!

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The mono-eye, cockpit, and leg lighting. (1/3) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The mono-eye, cockpit, and leg lighting. (2/3) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The mono-eye, cockpit, and leg lighting. (3/3)

The mono-eye, cockpit, and leg lighting.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The manual also suggests a detail-up technique where you coil the excess wiring OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The manual also suggests a detail-up technique where you coil the excess wiring

The manual also suggests a detail-up technique where you coil the excess wiring and leave part of the power cable exposed.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Just like the 1/144 and 1/100, you have to drill the holes in the head yourself

Just like the 1/144 and 1/100, you have to drill the holes in the head yourself if you want to attach the head antenna.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Two pilot figures are included — Char and a regular soldier — so depending on ho

It comes with two pilot options — Char and a regular soldier —
so depending on how you paint it, you can make it look like a completely mass-produced unit.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The back panel looks like a mecha encyclopedia page.

The back panel looks like a mecha encyclopedia page.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Armor panels to cover the frame are also included.

Armor panels to cover the frame are also included.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Fully armored look. (1/3) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Fully armored look. (2/3) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Fully armored look. (3/3)

Fully armored look.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Basic weapons and hand configuration. (1/2) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Basic weapons and hand configuration. (2/2)

Basic weapons and hand configuration.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The beam tomahawk can be stored on the side skirt.

The beam tomahawk can be stored on the side skirt.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - The neck, shoulders, and elbow joints are articulated.

The neck, shoulders, and elbow joints are articulated.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - You can rotate the mono-eye by turning the top of the head frame, but the tensio

The top of the head frame rotates, so the mono-eye can spin too,
but it doesn't hold in place very well because of the tension from the wiring connected to the bulb.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Beam tomahawk pose (1/2) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Beam tomahawk pose (2/2)

Beam tomahawk pose

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Bazooka pose (1/2) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Bazooka pose (2/2)

Bazooka pose

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Zaku machine gun pose (1/2) OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Zaku machine gun pose (2/2)

Zaku machine gun pose

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Together with the 1/100 and 1/60 Char's Zaku.

Together with the 1/100 and 1/60 Char's Zaku.

OLD 1/72 Char's Zaku Mechanical Model - Together with the 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model. These two really look bett

Together with the 1/72 Gundam RX-78 Mechanical Model.
These two really look better when you display them side by side.

In November 1981, Char's Zaku was released as a Mechanical Model at the same time as the RX-78 Gundam Mechanical Model. The concept is the same as the Gundam, sharing the following features.

- 1/72 scale, with good color separation.
- The inner frame is exposed on the right half. The frame design is old-school, but the detail level is pretty impressive.
- Can be fully covered with all the outer armor panels.
- Wiring and metal contacts are included so you can add lighting effects using separately purchased bulbs (or LEDs).
- The lower body is fixed, while the arms and neck are poseable.
- Extra wire can be used on the inner frame for added detail work.
- The power supply and switch are housed inside the base stand.

Beyond these common features, there are some changes and additions specific to the Zaku.

- Extra wire can be threaded inside the Zaku's characteristic power cables for additional detailing.
- Unlike the Gundam which had spots for bulbs in 4 places, the Zaku officially supports bulbs in 3 locations (though of course you can always modify it however you like).
- Mono-eye rotation gimmick included (not like the Gundam would ever have one to begin with...).

Compared to the Gundam's somewhat tricky wiring layout for the lighting, the Zaku's wiring is a bit simpler and easier to assemble — though the number of lit areas does drop from 4 down to 3. To be fair, the Gundam's manual already guides you to choose between the cockpit and the crotch, effectively giving you 3 lit spots total anyway, but it still has one extra lighting spot built in compared to the Zaku.

Either way, the fact that it already looks pretty impressive straight from a straight build is a quiet but real charm of this kit. Regardless of scale, Zaku has always had better color separation than Gundam, and the 1/72 Mechanical Model is no exception. Sure, adding paint and extra detailing would make it even more fun, but above all, if you're going to build it, it really shines as a display model when shown alongside the Gundam RX-78 — that's when it truly comes into its own. :-)
[ Updated at 2016.7.6 ]

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.