Anasazi37

I'm glad that Bandai decided against putting WWM on the wing and adding a gigantic, ugly, non-canon squadron logo in multiple places under the guise of "some markings have been added" (statement found on the Google Translate version of the product page).

It likely will be since anything that isn't SDFM is fair game, but stores outside of Japan generally don't start taking orders until after PO Madness happens in Japan. About 1-2 weeks later, I think, but that's just a rough guess based on the first few WWM releases. LP is usually one of the first stores to post a link. I won't buy from them, based on the experiences of many MW members.

Looks like Freya and Kaname are up next:

I still call it Future as well. Just easier that way. Still made by Pledge and is called "Pledge Revive It Floor Gloss" now: http://www.finescale.com/how-to/tips/2018/05/reader-tips-pledge-future-gloss-has-a-new-name Actually, I stand corrected. Just checked online and Pledge discontinued it in January of this year. Crap.

I only have one VF-25 in my collection right now, a later-run Ozma with Armor. Cost me a lot on the secondary market to get it, so I couldn't justify picking up an Alto as well--much less one with accessories. I'm mildly happy about this reissue because I might be able to get an Alto, with Super Parts, as MSRP. With my luck, I'll end up with one that has some serious QC issues, but that's the risk these days.

I guess it's "if you can do the math to figure out what we mean by 180, you're old enough to buy this"

One of the best panel lining options out there, especially when you're applying it directly to a valk and want easy cleanup, comes from Flory: https://www.florymodels.org/washes The best dynamic stand option is the the Yeti Stand, and you'll see a lot of discussion about them here, but they haven't been available for several years. No one knows when, or if, they'll ever be sold again. Next best option is the Flightpose Stand, but I think the manufacturer is still experiencing production delays and has no stock at the moment. You could also look into getting a different Bandai stand, like the ones used for Gundam models, and finding/printing an adapter so it will work with your valk. I'm not sure about that option, though, since valks tend to be a lot heavier than Gundam models and the arm portion of the stand might not be able to support the extra weight.

Thanks for confirming, guys. Given what my box went through on its journey here, I just wanted to be sure. Sorry to hear about the battle damage....

My gunpod FINALLY arrived. Took two weeks to get here via EMS. A full week of that time was it sitting in customs at LAX. When I picked it up at the post office this afternoon, I was horrified by the condition of the box. I would expect that kind of treatment for something shipped surface, not EMS. Luckily the gunpod was fine. Not sure anyone noticed it before, but there are two nylon loops on the underside where you can attach a strap! I don't think I'm missing anything from the box, like a strap, but @Loliconplease confirm if you can. For me it was just the gunpod in a plastic bag.

Welcome to the hobby and good luck!

Three options: Make a friend in Japan who is willing to receive Arcadia web exclusive items you purchase and ship them to you Send the items you purchase to a package forwarding service like Tenso or Blackship (their websites detail the entire process) Have a shopping proxy service like FromJapan, Buyee, or Big in Japan (there are many others) both purchase and ship your items. As with #2, the websites for proxies detail the entire process.

HobbyLink Japan, Anime Export, Ami Ami, and Amazon Japan are popular options. Just be sure to pick one that ships to your country in a way that you can afford. Arcadia items tend to not sell out as quickly as Bandai's, so you can usually avoid the more risky/expensive/slow options like Nin-Nin Game and Luna Park for POs. Be prepared to continue overpaying for Bandai items, though. It's difficult to secure POs for them, so most overseas collectors get items after release on the secondary market.

Ah, the good old days when you could leisurely ask a proxy to purchase it for you. Now it's another form of PO Madness, where you have to get to a proxy as quickly as possible, otherwise they run out of purchasing slots (thanks, Bandai!) and you're stuck waiting until after release and hoping you can get one on the secondary market for a somewhat reasonable price.

To your cats it probably looks like a large, gunpod-shaped scratching post

Arcadia sold it for ¥15,180 with tax included. I purchased it directly from their site and had it shipped to Tenso, who charged me ¥10,250 for EMS shipping to the US (¥9100 postage, ¥1150 handling fee). I think folks going through proxies to purchase and ship ended up paying about the same overall. EMS shipping might be slightly cheaper than Tenso, but the proxies hit you with a bunch of processing fees (percentage of item's purchase price fee, per-store shopping fee, item receiving and inspection fee, item packing fee, etc.). Pretty sure that @Loliconused some credit at a proxy and only ended up paying for shipping and handling. Nicely played.

Agreed

Glad it arrived safely. I'm hopefully just a few days behind you. I have no idea where I'm going to put it. Might just take up permanent residency in my living room.

YES!

I'll reiterate my recommendation that the Hikaru should come with Misa and Minmay (one for each hand), the Max with Millia, and the Hayao with a steak.

Nice to actually see it in the wild, complete with a tiny Minmay. I wonder why Bandai didn't include it in the advertised lineup. Maybe it has something to do with the WWM status of the others and we'll eventually see a separate Japan-only release of the VF-1S.

My gunpod hit customs in Los Angeles last night, so hopefully it will be here in a few days.

Doh! I always forget to log out after purchase. Yes, still available at AE.

Snagged one from AE and one from HLJ

And this is why I don't order from LP....