Zoids Lidier EHI-09

I have spent over a year looking for the Zoid: Lidier. I got lucky on Yahoo Japan and finally acquired this minor holy grail. I think I have seen a total of five of these for sale, with only one being MIB. Most are in deplorable condition, almost always without a proper box and no instructions, and others with poorly placed stickers, or no stickers at all. It's almost like you have to sacrifice either the unit being built, no box, no stickers, built with poor stickers, or any combination of the aforementioned flaws. This one was built, but did come with instructions and fresh stickers. I personally thought it was very fit to be in my own collection as it looked as if it was properly cared for without any dust, motor in working condition, ect.

The Lidier is a Super 1000 Series (wind up) Zoid that is part of the OJR line. The history I have found on this unit (through many translations) varies greatly. The main points that I found to be consistent is that the Lidier is the Empire's Lion type Zoid that was designed for aggressive, aerodynamic, high speed operation. The Lidier also has one agreeable flaw, it's armor or lack there of. I have also read that it was developed to:

1. "Be the successor air craft of the Hell Cat."

2. "Made in a form to oppose the Command Wolf."

3."It was assigned it to the same battalion as the almighty Deathsaurer."

Please do keep in mind the above statements are just what I have found scattered throughout various Yahoo Japan websites and then translated via Babelfish. (They may or may not vary from what you have been told or even be 100% correct, but they do make for interesting study.) I think we can all also conclude that the Lidier was exterminated in the "large accident" of Planet Zi in the year: ZAC2056.

Another esoteric feature of this Zoid is its sliding cockpit. The back "slide-hatch" can either slide forward or backward locking or unlocking the cockpit. A simple, yet innovative feature that gives the Lidier even more mystique and character. Gun placement is another little known issue. The back of the unit does, in fact, have only one gun at the end of the tail. The other "solo" gun is placed on the opposite side (of the tail mounted gun) on the left body half. So the unit really does only come with two single guns that are mounted on opposite sides and places. Lets take a closer look at building EHI-09.

The Lidier consists of:

5 Sprues

1 "Hi Power Unit" motor

6 Caps

1 Pilot

1 Hood

1 Label Sheet

1 Instruction sheet.

The build begins with assembling the main body frame that the motor is centered in, affixing the upper part of the head, and placing the back mounted triple gun.

The motor is aligned in the center and the left side leg moving axle, as well as the jaw lowering rod are mounted. The "hood" is fitted inside the top head piece.

The upper portion of the head is then put into position, and the back gun snaps into place. Above you can see the piece with the two slots that slide and will operate the jaw motion.

Next, its time to place the left side main body cover.

Next the right hand side leg axle, body half, center chest gun unit, and tail mount are placed.

The tail mount is unique as is this chest gun, so I took the opportunity for a closer look.

The chest gun also serves as a clip to hold the body halves in place.

Below: A closer look at the date. The Lidier was produced back in 1988, making this piece almost 20 years old.

Below: Right side completed.

With both sides now initially complete, we move on to the head.

Below: A closer look.

The lower portion of the head consists of three pieces. The two larger piece form the sides of the face. The lower jaw actually has a slot (on the back) which allows it to drop onto the rod, very unique.

With the lower jaw sitting on the rod, it provides the second peg needed to place the other side of the face.

Next we attach the back hatch slide, and the two very aerodynamic looking front fenders.

Below the hatch is pictured in the closed position.

The hatch slides back enabling one to open the cockpit, pictured below.

Next, are the legs. The first step is attaching one piece via a solo cap to the main unit.

The next step is to attach the exterior piece which includes the actual foot and additional armor.

Below: completed legs.

The same process is repeated on the reverse side.

The unit is now freestanding.

The next step is to attach the tail, tail spike, and tail gun.

The tail spike on the Lidier is just as unique as the rest of the unit.

The tail snaps into the joint we previously installed.

Next the front gun is fitted and pilot is seated.

The unit is finished and all that remains is to place the stickers.

Pictured below (is some of) the process of applying the sticker sheet.

The Lidier is now finished.

Conclusion

As stated before this was a minor want, and the chance presented itself and worked out in my favor. I can say after building the unit I can now see why it is a desirable addition to any collection. Being produced 20 years ago, and in very small numbers makes hunting this unit a must. The design is awesome, there is nothing exactly like it. When wound the unit stomps forward with its jaws opening and closing. The build dynamics and engineering that went into the production of the Lidier are something special, something that has to be experienced to fully appreciate. I can say that I am truly happy to add this piece to my collection, and it now sits in the center cabinets along with the likes of King G, Gil Vader, and the Grade Up Units. The only Lion type ever produced, it is definitely a "King" of the OJR era. If you are lucky enough to find one, don't miss it! What follows are ( A LOT) of miscellaneous Lidier pictures. Enjoy!

Lidier and "Mini Me".