Graham

In the anime, it was only Alto's VF-171EX that had the armour pack (extra armor on the chest, lower legs and hips). None of the other VF-171EX had this. This is why the Bandai series 4 VF-171EX (standard) and VF-171EX (Sheryl art version), do not have the armor pack. All the VF-171EX have the missile pack on the left arm, except for Luca's RVF-171EX. Graham

Still in two minds about this show. I'm a huge fan of the comic, have been for years. To be honest, I'm not too keen about the way the show is deviating quite a bit from the comic. Graham Only 2 shows left!!!!!!??????? I thought it was like a 13 ep season or something? Graham

Stories (plural). There is 33 years (so far) of mostly excellent source material to draw upon. Graham

I hated the Versace designed spandex uniform in the first movie. The new uniform does look closer to the original Ezquerra designed concept. At least it looks like black leather,which is what it is supposed to be. This new movie Lawgiver does look reasonably close to the current MK11. Can't wait to see the Lawmaster. Hope it's closer to the comic version than the overgrown Vespa scooter in the Stallone movie. Graham

Sorry, I'm not offering a toy search service at the moment, Just no time to get involved in that. Try PMing HK members Valk009 or Neova, I think they have done that sort of thing in the past, but not sure if they are still active though. Anyway, I think I pretty much cleared out all the 171s from the shop where I bought them. Graham

For those who have read the Juddge Child Quest story, we all know how Dredd feels about moustaches. Graham

Picture of VF-171EX with something else (that I really shouldn't publish photos of). Graham

There's a few minor issues with the pre-production sample, which the factory have said they will resolve. I'm not going to mention specifics, as my sample is only pre-production. But otherwise, this thing rocks and kicks the Wave version's ass(US)/arse(UK) ten ways to Sunday. Fantastic sculpt, super detailed, anime accurate, nice tight joints and easy to transform. Graham

Comments later. Still need more time with it. First impressions are positive though. Graham

New AP article on the Quantas A380 incident here. Graham

Here's a couple of quick pics of the VF-171, that I have on my desk at work. Graham

At work now, but lemme' see if I can remember all that's in series 4: VF-171. RVF-171. VF-171EX. VF-171EX Alto version, with extra armour on the chest and legs. VF-171EX with Sheryl markings. RVF-171EX Luca. VF-25F Alto Super (metallic gloss finish). VF-25F Alto Super with Fold Booster (metallic gloss finish). VF-25F Alto w/Space ver. Tornado Packs (metallic gloss finish). RVF-25 Super Luca. VF-25A Super (cannon fodder). VF-25S Ozma Armoured (metallic gloss finish). VF-25F Macross Zero movie, VF-0 stand-in version (white). VF-25S Klan red version (from Macross Trial Frontier PS3 game). VF-25G Michael with 4 x wing speakers. VF-25 Sheryl white deculture version. VF-25 Ranka white deculture version. VF-27γ Brera with Super Fold Booster (metallic gloss finish, IIRC). NUNS AIF-7S Ghosts x 3 set. Luca's QF-4000 (AIF-7S)Ghosts x 3 set. VF-1A Mihoshi Academy version (same as DYRL Hikaru VF-1A). As well as the complete series 4, I also picked up the following extras yesterday: - 3 x VF-171. 2 x VF-171EX. 1 x VF-171EX Alto. 1 x RVF-171. 1 x RVF-171EX Luca. Graham

Not really liking the color choice on the VF-25F with Tornado pack, or the VF-25F with Super Pack. While it dosen't show in the photos posted so far, the actual toys feature metallic pastel pinks and purples. Looks very girly, compared with the previous release. Graham

Don't remember which of the Iron Eagle films it was, but I remember one terrible seen where the F-16 was shown firing its Vulcan cannon, but sound effects added for the firing had it firing at a ridiculously slow rate. Graham

Should be getting the loan of a pre-production sample to play-test today. Graham

Picked up a complete set of series 4, including all the specials last night at the Oriental 188 Centre in Wanchai. Not saying how much I paid, but it was not cheap. I also picked up a few extra VF-171. The good thing about the shops here in HK that sell these individually, is that they will usually open the boxes, so you can chose which VF you want. The VF-171 / VF-171EX are lovely. Really nice sculpt. Planning to go back today to see if I can get some more. Graham

If it was VF-2SS, I would have written VF-***. Graham

This poll is now redundant, as for the next couple of years, it will be VF-19 variants. And **drum roll**, the next VF has already been decided on, it will be the VF-**. Graham

Confused by various articles/posts I've read recently regarding the F-22. So does the F-22 actually have a working datalink or not? Graham

I voted as follows: 1st choice = 1/72 VF-17D/S fighter mode with FAST Packs. 2nd choice = 1/72 VF-11B/C fighter mode with FAST packs. 3rd choice = 1/72 VF-4 fighter mode. Graham

Very interested to know what exactly this is. Graham

I have already discussed with Yamato several months ago having them put an MP3 player into the sound boosters. No word yet on if they will do it though. I will chase them. Graham

No the vents are just printed on. Yes, it still transforms, if you remove the optional belly plate. Graham Sorry, no idea when the 'official' release date is. But I see somebody already answered that. Graham Bring a friend day. Graham

I consider we have been in the true golden age of Macoss toys for the last 8 years or so already. And unfortunately, that golden age will probably draw to a close in the next 2-3 years. It's not up to Kawamori-san, who makes the toys for a new series/OVA. That depends which company wants to pay the most to Big West for the toy rights. In the case of Frontier, Bandai got the exclusive toy rights, as they were the main financial sponsor for the show. Graham

Don't worry. IIRC, the sculpt had helmet off. I can check my photos when I go hom though to make sure. Graham