Graham

OK, got a reply back from Yamato regarding the running changes to the 1/60 V2 shoulders starting from the DYRL Max VF-1S type and the only thing that has been changed is that the knurling has been removed from the ends of the shoulder pins. I was hoping as I'd discussed with Yamato and the Chinese factory owner a few months ago, that the pin diameter would be made smaller, thus allowing the plastic around the pin to be made thicker. Hopefully, removal of the knurling will lessen pressure on the plastic and eliminate the cracking issue, but I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Honestly, I was hoping for more, but hopefully Yamato and the factory have done their homework and this change is all that is required. Graham

Just remember two words............Head Shots! No blazing away at the body on full auto. Nice aimed semi-auto fire wins the day everytime. Graham

There is no problem with the heatshield........PERIOD! What Yamato are saying is that the packing foam was added to prevent movement of the escape pod during shipping and transit. The packing foam should be removed and discarded when you get the toy. Graham

OT, but is the second pic a front handguard from a Galil? Graham

Some more detailed information from Yamato on the foam that comes packed under the VF-11B's escape pod: The english is not perfect, but I think you can all get the gist:- Graham

I'll have to check my copy, but I'm pretty sure the line art published in B-Club magazine back in June 1992 identified them as rail guns. Thought this was common knowledge?

My guess is that the 4 tube things are fuel tanks.

Paint application on the vF-25S head is much better than the VF-25F. Graham

I suspect the large ports under the chest missile launchers are just vent ports, for when the missiles are fired. The could possibly be reverse thrusters also? I'm gonna go with the two slots under the ports for the 25mm gun as being the 2 x 22mm guns. Graham

Sketchley posted a link to a partial translation of the Armoured VF-25S page from Macross Chronicle (see link in quote from Sketchley below). I presume the 57mm beam guns are the two big ball turret mounted guns, but I'm curious as to where the 4 x 22mm guns are located. Any ideas anybody? Graham

You could probably rig it for battroid and gerwalk modes, but not for fighter mode, there's just no room to attach the 2 spare mags. Chalk it up to anime magic.

Yep. Unfortunately Yamato don't provide the two spares that are stored on the back of the shield in the anime & the toy has no provision to attach them.

LOL...the cover IS the magazine.

Pull it until it clicks. You'll feel some resistance and think it can't be pulled anymore, but it can. Once it clicks into the detent, it will be locked firmly into place. Graham

Here's a few Gerwalk mode pics I just snapped. Gerwalk mode is very stable, can do a good 'A' stance and has some ingenious sliding covers, to cover gaps that there would otherwise be between the back plates and mid-body section. Graham

Heh, yeah I was a little nervous about that. Graham

Show her the 1/48's nosecone, bet she'd get all hot......LOL. Graham

Can't speak for other parts of Asia, but after living in HK for over twenty years, I've noticed on many, many occasions that the reason many HK people have long fingernails on their little finger is purely so they can use it to pick their nose in public, on the train, bus etc.....LOL! Totally grosses me out. Nearly as bad as the fingernail clipping on the bus, train etc. Graham

Man, you guys are a buncha pussies . Transform the crap outta the things. I do. I've given more than one MWer a near heart attack when they see how fast and rough I transform Yamato toys at times. It's like "You can't do that" to which I say "yes I can, watch me". Mwhahahaha. Graham

I'll confirm with Yamato what changes were made and report back. Also, some brave person that owns a set of digital calipers and a Max 1S or 1A could always try removing the shoulder pin to measure it and compare it with a pin from one of the older toys. Graham

Will take some later. Gotta go out soon. Graham

Actually, I prefer they do it this way, every ten issues. It's not a big deal rearranging the pages once every 5 months. Graham

As requested, some photos of fighter mode with the intake covers removed, taken this morning at 8.50am from my balcony. Gotta say the VF-11B has always been my favorite Valk from Macross Plus and in terms of features and design equals or even surpasses Yamato's YF-21. Graham

Yes they are, I just forgot to remove them for the pics. Graham

Sorry my mistake. Just re-checked the Macross Frontier Official Blog and it seems like the gunpod page will come in issue 22. Really looking forward to this page. Graham