Zoids Desert Scimitar Liger

1/72 RZ-007-D Desert Scimitar Liger

History:
During the various campaigns carried out in the desert regions of planert Zi, both the Republic and Empire have fielded various Zoids suited to operating in extremely hot and treacherous environments. Many of these rolling testbeds are one of a kind customs established to research a specific technology. If successful, that technology is then refined and slowly adapted into wider production numbers.

The RZ-007-D Desert Scimitar Liger gets its name from the two curved ion blades mounted on either side of its body. Unlike the Blade Liger’s laser blades, these are not articulated to achieve different angles of attack. Also, instead of heat, these blades utilize a heavy ion charge to disrupt the inner metabolism of Zoids sliced in battle. This ion charge can be dialed up or down to deliver anything from a stun to a fatal charge. Despite the lack of blade articulation, they are still large enough to cover a significant attack area.

While the triple barrel cannon has remained unchanged, the two beam guns on the back have been replaced with powerful beam rifles that fire more concentrated beams over a longer distance than the stock weapons. These guns are targeted with a combination infrared/ laser sight that are tied into the Liger’s attack computer. When faced with multiple targets, the pilot selects the order of importance and the guns will automatically target and attack enemies with no more input from the pilot. These guns have a lock out mechanism to keep from shooting off portions of the Scimitar’s body that may come into the fire envelope while shooting at enemies.

While the twin expandable missile pods have been retained for medium range combat, to aid in long distance attack power (a major weakness for the standard Shield Liger), two long range missile racks have been added to the Desert Scimitar’s shoulders. These missiles are guided by a radar located on the back between the two beam rifles. The drawback is that the Scimitar must stand still briefly while firing these missiles since their shoulder mounting does not have a self righting mechanism to keep the launchers pointing straight during movement.

To aid in maneuverability, the front legs have been upgraded with three maneuvering thrusters each. These thrusters can fire in various combinations to allow the Scimitar to turn much faster, jump higher, and perform faster claw swipes. Boosters have also been added to the rear thighs to allow higher jumps, improved off the line acceleration, faster pouncing and linear twisting maneuvers. Since these boosters move with the thigh, they are only activated when the thighs are in a position where both boosters are aimed straight. As such, they don’t improve actual running speeds.

The tail has been upgraded with a heavily armored heat sink to dissipate the extra heat the high powered weaponry and thrusters provide. This heat can also be channeled into the double blades located on the tip of the tail to make a very dangerous offensive weapon.

Finally, the Desert Scimitar Liger’s attack computer uses an experimental linkage that works closer with the Zoid core to allow the Zoid to learn more from each of its battles than otherwise. While nowhere near as effective as an Organoid link or the type of AI systems being discussed in the Empire, it’s still rather effective.

About the model:
Spines on the head are made from plastic sheet. Other upgrades from the parts box and Gundam kits. Testors paints were used over a grey primer along with a wash made from The Detailer and flat coated with Testors lacquer. Approximate construction time: 75 hours.