Graham

Regarding the overly large leg FAST packs and the need to bend the intake joint to attach them on the Yamato YF-19, basically it is a compromise between trying to get the FAST packs to look good in both fighter and battroid modes. It again comes down to the extreme amount of anime magic used by Kawamori in the YF-19 design. The 19 & 21/22 use more anime magic in their transformation than probably any of Kawamori's other VF designs, with many parts either shrinking, getting bigger or completely changing shape between modes. If you look at the attached battroid mode lineart below, you can see that Kawamori has drawn the leg FAST packs covering the whole of the lower leg, right up to the tail fins. Unfortunately, this is not at all compatible with the fighter mode, as the wings bisect the lower leg horizontally in the upper 1/4 to 1/3 of the leg. Yes, Yamato could do a slimmer FAST pack that sit completely below the wing and keep the leg straight, but then in battroid mode, the FAST back would look odd as they would only partially cover the leg, leaving a large part of the lower leg bare. Like I said, compromise. IMO the best solution would be to have separate battroid and fighter mode FAST packs, but it ain't gonna happen. Graham

Both I think, but I'm not 100% sure at this stage. Still checking. Graham

I'm pushing hard for the white & blue & white & orange super nova schemes. No confirmation yet. Still checking who owns the rights to them I think. Graham

Regardless of whether or not it's 'anime accurate' or accurate to HFH's original concept idea, I love the color scheme of the Yamato VF-0A. Best toy they have released so far IMO. Looks stunning in all 3 modes. I'll happily buy the Shin Version as well and a brown one if they ever release it. But, then I'm just a Yamato whore, so wadda I know? Graham

LOL......I'm done with Yamato, but I'm sill buying all the upcoming releases! As for variety, patience. They can only release stuff so fast ya know. Graham

I'm hoping that you will all be pleasantly surprized by the QC on the YF-19 as Yamato have really spent a lot of effort on QC for the 19. Graham

Didn't IHP also make removable full armor for the VF-11, or am I thinking of somebody else? Graham

I also just only found out about this recently. There's nothing to say Yamato (or HRH) can't change their mind. Glad we are getting an accurate Shin version. Looks great IMO. Graham

I'm not referring to upward prices, before you all get your panties in a twist (oops too late ) but rather selection. Graham

Expect some interesting Ghost related news soon. Wallets will probably groan through. Graham

Groan.......VF-1 though. Something different would have been nicer. It's not like we have a shortage of VF-1 toys ya know. Some Mac Plus, Mac Zero, Mac 7, Mac II or M3 Valks would have been better. Graham

I've had my samples long enough that I've got no excuse for not having the review ready yet. As is unfortunately the case, the new jobs (working 2 to make ends meet at the moment) and family life are keeping my too busy of late. However, I do realise the site hasn't been updated for seveal months (in fact since I changed job), and I do need to get off my arse and make time to to some updates. I will be getting the review written in the next week and will try my best too woork through the huge backlog of updates I have sitting on my PC. I'm gong to aim for 1 update a week and hope that is a realistic goal. Graham

Release should be around the end of the first week of December. Graham

Ring Raiders.......LOL! just remember to use plenty of lubrication! Graham

Not too much time. The final episode of the M7 TV series (ep # 49) takes place in February 2046. The events in D7 take place sometime in 2047. Graham

Damn, there go my plans to sell my last remaining Bandai Strike for US$1,000! Graham

As for the 25th............................................ Graham

I'm also satisfied with old & new Macross. Graham

Not sure about that, they should be GTG. Graham

I asked about the problem with the Garland's shoulders and the metal front wheel bars and was told they have been redesigned. Hopefully all the issues are resolved, but after having two ver.1 break on me in identical places both on the first transformation, I'm somewhat leery of these toys. Anyway, I only have space for Macross in my house now, especially with all the cool stuff scheduled for release over the next few years. Graham

Nope, no rotating instrument panel. The black anti-glare section in front of the canopy hinges downwards to allow the front canopy to open. The anti glare section also has to be in the down position for battroid mode. Graham

Tight fit, no hanging down. Graham

Luke, can you please check your PM. Graham

It does use magnets in the legs. Graham

Tampo printing on the production toy includes: - 1) Red ">" on the intakes. 2) "19" on the left shoulder. 3) UN Spacy Kite on the wing. There's also the cockpit instrument panel, but I'm not sure if it's Tampo printed or a pre-applied sticker. Looks more like a pre-applied sticker to me. And yes, Isamu is a very tight fit in the cockpit. Graham