Transformation
The biggest strength of the PG Zeta Gundam is its perfect transformation system worthy of the Perfect Grade name!
No other transforming plastic model before it has ever come close to the level of perfection that the PG Zeta achieves.
1. Fold the head antennae down.
PG-worthy feature: Fold one side and the other automatically follows — linked mechanism.
2. Slightly pull out the pin on the shoulder connector plate that locks the torso in place.
3. Tuck the head in while lifting the torso up.
4. Lock the front torso armor fully upward, then press in the side panels while lowering the head to lock it in place.
PG-worthy feature: Both the head and side panels lock simultaneously with a satisfying 'click' via spring mechanism,
and when transforming back to MS mode, lowering the upper body armor automatically pops the head and side panels back into position.
5. Fold the shoulder thrusters inward to tuck the arms in compactly.
6. Lift and release the locking section on the crotch area that holds the leg connector plate in place.
It locks in with a firm snap, so it won't be loose in MS mode.
7. Spread the leg connector plate wide open.
8. Bend the leg connector plate 90 degrees to lay it flat, then slot it into the groove beneath the upper torso to lock it in.
It plugs in solidly with a satisfying snap.
9. Lock the leg connector plate firmly in place both top and bottom, using the rear skirt armor as well.
Fold the front skirt armor 90 degrees inward.
PG-worthy feature: The leg connector plate is secured firmly front and back with no wobble whatsoever.
10. Fold the arms 90 degrees inward and tuck them away compactly.
11. Unfold the shield's locking sections to connect it for Waverider mode.
Shape it like this before connecting it to the body.
12. Plug the spread connector sections onto both arms, then connect the front of the shield to the cockpit on the body.
PG-worthy feature: The shield is secured at three points, locking it cleanly in place with zero wobble.
13. Pull out the locking pins on the stabilizers and wing sections.
14. Lower the stabilizers and unfold the wing connector sections to spread the wings open.
15. Extend the wings out in the first stage, and a storage space for the arms opens up on the inside.
16. Rotate the wings down toward the underside of the craft.
17. Position the wings on the underside of the craft, then fold the wing connector sections back and close them up.
18. Insert the two pegs on the wings into the corresponding holes on the shield.
PG-worthy feature: The wings and shield connect at a total of 4 points with a solid (read: stiff) fit,
so the whole pose locks in extremely securely.
19. Fold the legs front and back and tuck the feet in to form the Waverider shape.
PG-worthy feature: Folding the legs automatically triggers the pipe connector behind the knee to move in sync,
and the verniers on the back of the legs are automatically exposed. (This also works automatically when transforming back to MS mode.)
20. Pull out the leg-side connector pin from the rear skirt armor.
21. Connect the pin to the leg and plug it in to lock the position in place.
22. Rotate the side skirt armor 180 degrees to the front, then pull out the locking peg from the inside and plug it into the side of the torso.
PG-worthy feature: A total of 8 pins lock into the body to secure the leg section,
so it holds rock-solid withno wobble at all.
23. Spread open the wingtip sections.
24. Remove the parts from the shield and wing sections to attach the landing gear.
PG-worthy feature: To support the heavy body weight, landing gear is realized in die-castmetal.
25. Landing gear attached.
26. Attach the shortened beam rifle on top and the PG Waverider — measuring a whopping 40cm — is complete!
Front view. The wings, body, and legs are all lined up ni~cely.
Rear view. Looks relatively slim... though the wingspan alone is about 30cm.
You can see that even after transforming into Waverider mode, the legs are held firmly in place thanks to the locking pins, keeping everything nicely aligned.
Side view. The shield, body, wings, legs, and gun barrel are all lined up straight and standing firm.
Also included is a size comparison with a regular enamel paint bottle.
The basic transformation mechanism is pretty much the same as the MG Zeta, but what really stands out is the automated transformation system with all those springs and coils, and above all else, compared to the MG Zeta which was the king of looseness — incredible rigidity— really shines here. Dozens of locking pins are placed and secured at each load-bearing section, so that massive 40cm, nearly 1kg frame holds its shape perfectly without a single wobble. It's a truly perfect transformation system that shows you what PG is really all about.