The new Liberator line manufactured by the Marzan Empire is an entirely new approach to reFrame development.
By retaining the core system throughout a variety of models and only making modifications mostly in limbs and armaments, it has allowed Marzan engineers to roll out 2 different models with varying roles in the same duration as one reFrame unit. The Liberator line also serves as a test-bed for future Marzan units.
MARZ-T08MA Liberator Type 08
Marzan Empire
Classification: Mid/Long Range
Armaments:
(1) ER-UZIMOD
(1) MS-HANDH2H
Based off the new Marzan Liberator line, the Type 08 was built as a well balanced unit for overall use. While retaining the same core feature as the Type 30, it features less armor but better mobility due to the lessened weight.
It’s also equipped with the prototype UZIMOD modular energy rifle that allows different range and firepower settings based on current attachments. As a backup weapon option, the HANDH2H Missile System offers extra firepower that can be disposed once used.
MARZ-T30HA Liberator Type 30
Marzan Empire
Classification: Mid/Long Range
Armaments:
(1) BZ-SHLD30HV
Based off the new Marzan Liberator line, the Type 30 was built as a heavy armored unit with excellent defenses. While it isn not as mobile as the lighter Type 08, extra boosters found within the leg units give it decent ground mobility even with the heavier configuration. It’s equipped with the deadly yet heavy SHLD30HV Bazooka that maximizes the Type 30’s load capacity.
BUILD NOTES
I’ve had the Type 08’s head design stashed away from months back. Not actually knowing the actual name of the piece, I bought the main piece used in the head design from Taiwan when I visited a local LEGO shop with Zio Chao. They had this PAB wall and this part was one of the elements. I bought 10 pieces knowing I’d want to use it as a core piece for a Zeon-ish design.
I actually finished building the Type 30 first as seen from the WIP photos below as its rough design was sketched unto my journal from the early days of the lockdown. Upon finishing the Type 30, I decided to make a 2nd slimmer version using the initial head design as I never dismantled it.
Inspiration and sources
The main inspiration for the Liberator is actually the Xeku Eins from Gundam Sentinel as well as various other (blue) Zeon mobile suits from the UC Gundam timeline. Notable mentions: Gouf Custom, Kampfer, Efreet, Dom, Jagd Doga, Quebeley
WIP Process
Due to recent unauthorized sellers profiting from my work, I’ve decided to limit the amount of WIP photos I share per build. This is to hopefully prevent these unsavory persons from stealing my work.
I. Head Build
As mentioned above, I actually had the Type 08’s head for a few months. I made a 2nd version as I wanted a flatter head profile to match the chunky design I had sketched unto my journal.
I often build second versions of body part designs I’m not 100% satisfied with so I can do a side-by-side comparison and/or pick what features I like and combine it into a new design.
II. Initial core body
One big concern for me for the body was having these hoses connecting from under the chest to the back area. One issue I bumped into here was that the hoses attached to the back would prevent the cockpit door from opening. Another problem was having the connection point too narrow or low (as seen above).
III. Thigh Design
I knew I wanted the thighs of the Liberator to be quite chunky and with the option for some off-color striping (orange on left thigh). The thighs also had to look similar to existing Marzan units (see Consul, Herald). The vehicle mudguards actually sometimes snag the hose especially when slotting them into the hip axle but once in place, it doesn’t become an issue.
IV. Type 30 Initial lower Legs
This was the hardest part of the build to design and is the first time I’ve made a chunky “A” shaped lower leg design. The last few chunky mechs I’ve made (Zenithal, Mammoth, Adv Gigas) have big legs but not at an angle so getting that shaping was very tricky. I’m glad the 4×4 wedge on the shin actually integrated quite nicely with the angled side wedge pieces.
V. feet details
While not highly visible, I actually refined the detailing of the feet when I finished the Type 30. I felt that comparing the feet to the entire mech, it contained too little detail and I wasn’t too happy with the overall shape.
This led to the rebuilding of the sides and adding a dark blue stripe for the area nearer to the floor.
I actually did this extra detail sculpting for a few other parts in the build (inner shoulders, backpack) that aren’t too visible but knowing they’re well done puts my design mind at ease. 😅
VI. finished Type 30 and Type 08
I don’t have WIP photos of the Type 08 mainly because it only took a day to make and I completely forgot to take photos.
The hardest part about the Type 30 though was designing the shoulders which took a good 4+ hours to do. Part of the issue was having the orange heat sinks visible as compared to the Type 30’s hidden ones (it also has these).
The lower legs on the Type 08 are actually quite similar to how I made the Consul’s legs but the feet were completely new. It’s essentially a slimmer version of the Type 30’s wide feet using the same pieces on the outer side but the construction method is totally different.
The rest of the Type 08 is similar, if not the same as, to the Type 30. The body has very little changes to it and the waist design is exactly the same. The backpack was initially supposed to be different and had extra attachments for vertical missile pods but made it too back heavy so I scrapped it.
The draft build of the Type 08’s modular gun was actually made prior to the Type 08 build. I was discussing some weapon building techniques with my local LEGO buddies and the idea to make a modular gun was referenced from Advance of Zeta. A few minutes later, I had a base gun as an experiment and had a barrel attachment to it. A few more minutes and I had a rifle butt attachment and decided I needed another mech to use the weapon.
Notable Parts usage
I. Core Head Piece
15355 Hero Factory Jumper Body Top
The main piece I used for the head. It’s originally found in Hero Factory sets as the top cover of the Jumpers. Prior to this build, I didn’t even know what this part was called or its purpose. I just knew it looked cool and was an ideal core piece for a head design.
II. HeatSinks
2599a Minifigure, Footgear Flipper
Probably one of my favorite pieces to use. If you’ve followed my builds, you’ll know I like using these any chance I get. I especially love using them stacked to create a heatsink look similar to what you see in Gunpla.
Alternate Item No: 10190, 88408, 29161
III. Pneumatic Hose
5102 Hose, Pneumatic 4mm (varied lengths)
These pneumatic hoses are actually more flexible than the 3mm rigid hoses. You can actually slot a bar (3mm) inside them. I’ve used these previously in my Ludens build.
IV. Booster Cones
33492 Cone 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 2/3 Truncated
One of the newer cone molds. While the top view doesn’t look too impressive, I love how the underside looks with a double ring look. In my opinion, these are the best looking 1×1 booster piece for mechs at my scale or smaller. It also comes in two viable colors for industrial detail (Black and LBG).
Side note and updates
This was actually the first time since the lockdown in my country (Philippines) that I built a MOC. Prior to the lockdown happening, I actually had honeymoon plans with my wife as we got married last February. We had a local flight schedule the weekend our government decided to implement a lockdown and had to cancel all our plans so that was a bummer.
Just being honest, I actually haven’t been too motivated to make stuff as the global situation hasn’t been too encouraging. I know it could be worse but its pretty hard to get motivated you know that’s the situation out there. I’ve actually been playing video games as a form of escape and that’s helped me cope with everything. Played Animal Crossing on the Switch with my wife and a few friends and that’s been a nice change of pace. This last week though I’ve been feeling a creative itch and that’s why I decided to build a MOC. I’ll probably still ease back into LEGO Mech building these next few days / weeks.
It also helps that over at BMD (Brick Mecha Division), we’re currently holding a Small Mech Challenge and there’s been a good amount of participation. Seeing all these small mech builds from both veteran and new members is a refreshing and encouraging change of pace. If you’re reading this and want to join, simply head over to our FB group and apply for membership if you aren’t a member yet. Just make sure to answer all the interview questions so we can process your application. 😁
So enough ranting, here’s to more building and just making the most out of all the free time.
Leg Godt everyone!
Commissions
If you’re curious about getting a custom reFrame from me, simply check out my Commissions section here in my website. I’ve written all the details you might need to order your own custom LEGO reFrame mech build and what kind of customization options you can get.
Do take note though that I only do this in a very limited capacity.
I open up slots for commissions here on my site and also announce it over at my various social media pages. I’d suggest following me on any/all of my social media pages below to stay updated on my work and commission slots.
reFRAME v3 Instruction Manual
The reFrame System is a modular brick skeleton aimed to help both new and veternan brick mech builders create their own designs in a consistent size with modular capabilities. It was originally designed to be a basis for all my mechs in the Mech Wars universe. Having gone through a number of upgrades, the V3 reFrame can now house a minifigure pilot in the chest without sacrificing aesthetic or articulation.
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