Graham

Comparing models to toys is really comparing apples to oranges. Toys and models are not in competition with each other. They are designed to appeal to completely different fanbases. Although, it could be said that Bandai's Gundam plastic models with their snap-fit construction, pre-coloured plastic parts, multiple points of articulation and toy-like level of detail have blured the line somewhat between toys and model kits. However, despite being slightly more sturdy that traditional plastic model kits by manufacturers such as Hasegawa, Bandai's kits are still relatively fragile and cannot match toys for sturdiness. Neither do they match the level of detail of traditional model kits, making them neither fish nor fowl. But anyway, I digress................... nightmreB4macross, you seem to be missing the point that models are not relly meant to be played with, especially traditional style plastic model kits. If you want something sturdy to play with, buy a toy. If you want a fine looking display piece that will give you joy and satisfaction in the process of building, then buy and build a model kit, it's as simple as that. Toys and model kits both have their place and both serve their respective purpose very well. It's not a case of one being better than the other. Both have different purposes and both can exist alongside the other. There's room in this world for both toys and models. Although I'm a dyed-in-the-wool toy guy, I'll admit that the even most state of the art toys, such as the 1/48 VF-1 or 1/60 VF-0 cannot come close to a well built model kit for detail or realism. While custom toys such as the many wonderful custom 1/48s on this site look absolutely fantastic, they still will never look as good as a carefully built model kit that a skilled model builder has taken time to fit, sand, putty and paint well. Graham

You are all going to be very happy with this toy. It's loaded with improvements over the 1/48. Unfortunately, I'm not allowed to go into details yet. Graham

Anasazi37, Kurt or Jung would be the best members to ask about customising the Yamato 1/48. Graham

No, you still have to use your finger (or other appendage ) to rotate the seat, it's not automatic. Graham

Impressive. Can't wait to see it finished. Graham

I wouldn't expect too much of the VF-0S box. By all accounts it's Yamato's usual photo shop job. Graham

That seat needs a soft drinks holder GRaham

The new May 2006 issue of Dengeki Hobby magazine has some more pics of the Yamato 1/60 VF-0S, showing part of the transformation sequence. See it here. Graham

The May 2006 issues of Hobby Japan magazine and Dengeki Hobby magazine are just out and they both have pics of the Hasegawa 1/72 scale VF-0S battroid showing it assembled and painted. The magazines also show photos of the also the upcoming Wave 1/100 scale VF-0S, showing it built, but unpainted. See: May 2006 Dengeki Hobby And May 2006 Hobby Japan The painted kit at the top half of both pages is the 1/72 Hasegawa and the unpainted kit at the bottom of both pages should be the Wave 1/100 scale kit. Comparisons Hasegawa: scale 1/72, price ¥3570, height 22cm, release date March 2006. Wave: scale 1/100, price ¥1995, height 14cm, release date May 2006. Graham

36, will be 37 in October Married with 1 kid. Graham

The main character 'Shin Kudo' pilots an F-14 at the start of Macross Zero. His first variable fighter is a two-seater VF-0D. When the VF-0D is destroyed, he later gets to fly a VF-0A with Ghost Booster attached. As to whether Yamato will make a 1/60 scale transforming VF-0D toy, that's still unconfirmed at this time. I guess it will probably depend on how well the VF-0S sells. Graham

Different strokes for different folks I suppose. The VF-9 has always been my least favorite VF in any mode. Graham

I am going to mercilessly make fun of any MWer who admits to buying the God/Nobel GFF and displaying it in Nobel form. You have been warned. Graham

IIRC, it was discovered accidently during VF-1 flight testing and was never supposed to be part of the original design. Still, it serves a useful purpose for certain limited applications. I've never been particulaly fond of GERWALK mode and seldom pose my toys that way. Still certain VFs such as the YF-19 and VF-0S do have a very nice looking GERWALK mode. Graham

Toyzone is a pretty cool place to go. I haven't been for a while though as since my office moved it's too far away and I rarely go to HK Island these days. Graham

For me, there's no way I'd get the hero type. It's too super-robotish, bright and colorful and I dislike the samurai helmet head designs. I don't generally like super robots or bright colored mecha and prefer more real looking military style mechs in drab colors. The Attack type appeals to me because it bears more than a passing ressemblance to Kawamori's Armored Core Mecha and has a more subdued color scheme. Also, it's armed with nice looking guns instead of swords and bows. Sorry, giant robots armed with swords and bows are one of my pet hates, just too silly. The main things that make me hesitate to buy the Attack version is the photos seem to show that it can't stand unsupported and still needs a display stand in order to stand. Also, the high price is off putting. Plus I'm not really a fan of the anime, although only watching up to episode 8 before giving up, I never saw the Attack type in action. These days I usually only buy a toy if I like both the mecha design and the anime it's from. Graham

Starfleet was cool, remember watching it as a kid growing up in UK in the '80s. The X-Bomber is a very cool looking ship. Oh, and Flash Gordon rocks. One of the greatest sci-fi movies ever. Give me Flash over SW eps I-III anyday. Graham

The topic description line of this thread concerns me, it seems to imply that some people might think there is something wrong or embarrassing about admitting to watching the military channel? Why would anybody need to feel ashamed about watching it? Graham

Damn, I'm starting to lean towards buying the attack version. Somebody persuade me to save my money. Graham

Can't believe nobody's used this quote in this thread yet: "I've got a bad feeling about this". Graham

I'd rather another game for the PS2. I'm happy with my PS2 and I really don't want to have to buy a PS3. I've go too many consoles already. Graham

Can I add this to the MW Custom Toy Gallery? Graham

'Priceless' is perhaps a tad kinder than what I would have said. Anyway, I'm glad the RX-78 lost. Gundams deserve to loose. Graham

Am I the only one who thinks there's something vaguely obscene sounding about the name 'GITS SAC'. Or do I just have a dirty mind? Graham

Graham