Zoids Real Light Keyholders
This is a set of keychains that were released in 1999, featuring LEDs that would strobe inside them at set intervals. Unfortunately, with these figures being over a decade old now, very few of the lights are still functioning. There were four released in the set: Death Saurer, Gojulas, Saber Tiger, and Shield Liger. The figures are not difficult to split in half, for those who want to make an attempt at repair, but I myself am not knowledgeable enough to attempt such a fix.
- Saber Tiger
Saber Tiger is the second in this series. Like the others it is supposed to light up, but years have either deteriorated the batteries or the light mechanism, and so mine no longer does. With no way to open these Zoids to swap the batteries, I can't review that particular part of it.
Nonetheless, the Saber Tiger isn't bad. The soft plastic is similar to that used for gachapons, and even after all this time I don't see any signs of cracking or stress. Even though his body is split down the middle I was surprised that it's not too horribly uneven. You can also see the first image in the gallery is the cardboard piece that he's sold on- if you cut the tape strips these can be slid out easily.
- Images
- Shield Liger
- Images
- Replacing Lights
One unfortunate fact is that after so many years most of these keychains have died. This is a result of battery corrosion over the years and buying a new one will still yield these results.The question has been asked, can the batteries be replaced?
The only way to repair the lights on these figures is to make an entirely new battery set up. I personally think it'd be easier to just buy a replacement LED. Taking the Liger apart is easy enough; it is lightly glued but can be put back together and look brand new after being taken apart.
Start first by removing the belly panel, which will pull down with some gentle prying in the seam. Then split the body in half. I recommend going in through the seam on the belly to avoid unsightly marks. All pieces have pegs that allow them to be reattached without glue later.
Once you're inside you'll notice the battery compartment is a plastic cylinder that is glued on both sides. It contains two batteries which read "G3-A, CNB+ Micro Cell." Since the cylinder is sealed on both ends you can't remove the batteries.
