Bigasaur

The Bigasaur (sometimes romanised as Bigasaru) is a type of Zoid, a race of mechanical lifeforms from the fictional "Zoids" universe.Zoids
Zoid_name = Bigasaur
ImageName =
Caption = "OAR" Giant Zrk
Model_number = RBOZ-001
Faction = Helic Republic
Zoid_type = Diplodocus
Crew = 3
Weight = 131
Length = 33.2
Height = 16.2
Speed = 50 km/h
Weapons = Double Barrelled 30 mm Beam Cannon, 20 mm Linear Laser Gun, 20 mm Beam Gun, Panova 20 mm Surface to Air Beam Gun (2), 30 mm Multipurpose Machine Gun (2)
Equipment = Nothing beyond standard systems

Overview

The Bigasaur is a Diplodocus-type Zoid created by the Helic Republic. It was the first ever large-scale Zoid developed.

When it was first deployed, the Bigasaur was at the cutting edge of Zoid technology. It dwarfed other Zoids of the time, being far larger and heavier than anything else deployed. The size of the Bigasaur allowed it to mount thicker armour and heavier weapons than its contemporaries. A lone Bigasaur was considered to be as powerful as a full squad of contemporary Zoids.

Unfortunately, technology very quickly overtook the Bigasaur, rendering it obsolete. Rapid advancements in Zoid technology left the Bigasaur slower, underarmed, and under-armoured when compared to newer designs.

Battle Story appearances

The Bigasaur was first deployed during the ZAC 1930s, working alongside other early Zoids like the Garius, Glidoler and Elephantus. The Zoid served as an assault unit, capable of taking on large formations or fortified emplacements all on its own. Bigasaurs also served as "motherships" for operations, coordinating and supplying units of the smaller Zoid types. In addition, the Bigasaur could be used as a troop or supply transport.

Unfortunately, it couldn't compete with the rate of technological change. The Mammoth, Gojulas and Gordos surpassed it in every way. Furthermore, with the arrival of the Zenebas Red Horn, the Bigasaur was faced with an enemy that could easily dispatch it. By the ZAC 2030s, the Zoid was considered to be hopelessly obsolete. While a few were upgraded with the newly developed Republican Supercannons, the design was retired from service. No Bigasaurs survived the meteor strike, and the design was too technologically backwards to resurrect.

Media appearances

UK Zoids Comic

In the UK Zoids Comic, the Giant Zrk was one of the earliest large Zoids developed by the Zoidaryan empire. Giant Zrks would lead invasion forces of smaller Zoids, and were responsible for the early expansion of the empire. Despite the development of newer Zoids, the Giant Zrks remained in service and were a key part of the Empire's forces.

After the fall of the empire and destruction of the Zoidaryan race, the Giant Zrks became a part of the Blue Zoid forces. While capable, they proved to be no match for Redhorn and the other Mutant forces. As a result, they were usually deployed defensively around the Blue Zoid factories.

The bulk of the remaining Zrks were destroyed by the Black Zoid. In the aftermath, the design was abandoned.

Oddly, some early issues and material (Such as the "Legend of Heroic Combat" book and tape) depict the Giant Zrk as a unique design like the other large Zoids.

Models

Original Japanese Release

*Assembly required. (Snap-together, no glue needed. Scissors or X-acto knife recommended for trimming off excess plastic bits.)
*The model's colours are moulded into the plastic, and it does not need any paint.

The Bigasaur kit comes on five frames; two are shared with the Mammoth, and a third is a weapons frame also shared with the Gordos, Mammoth and Gojulas, along with a battery-powered motor, a second battery box, canopy cover, thirty-two rubber caps, a frame of washers, a metal weight, three small chromed pilots, and label sheets. The Bigasaur is moulded in grey, light blue, and white, with white weapons and an orange canopy.

The Bigasaur’s construction is reasonably involved and complex. Particular care must be taken with the tail, as the point of connection with the body is very fragile and easily broken. The Bigasaur uses a pair of “C” sized batteries for motion. Once activated, the Zoid walks forwards and raises its neck. The neck-raising mechanism was also used on the Mammoth.

The Bigasaur was released in 1983, and discontinued by 1985.

Original American Release

The Bigasaur was released in the US under the name Giant Zrk in the US. The Zoid was first released in 1983, and may have actually predated the "OJR" version. There were no changes to the model, aside from the packaging.

Original European Release

The Giant Zrk was also released in Europe. This version was identical to the "OAR" version, and even shared packaging.