Vifam7

Here's my review of the Calibre Wings 1/72 scale VF-1S diecast model. Keep in mind that this is a model that only comes in fighter mode. It does not transform in to gerwalk or battroid modes. Initial impressions : The model is quite hefty. Almost everything is diecast metal. The only parts that are not metal seems to be the landing gears/covers, the pylons/missiles, and the foot thrusters. The gunpod is a heavy solid chunk of metal! The size : Size-wise, it comes a bit smaller than both the 1/72 Kitz Concept 1/72 and the recent 1/72 Bandai kit. I'd say it's following the scale sizing of the 1/72 Hasegawa. In fact, I'd say the model has taken a good number of cues from the 1/72 Hasegawa. For example, the intakes area is very much Hasegawa style rather than Yamato-Arcadia 1/60v2. However, there are differences - for example, the lower leg area is definitely not from the 1/72 Hasegawa (which is a good thing). The tail fins are also larger - a subtle difference but gets a nod of approval from me as I think it makes the VF-1 more aircraft like. The finish (paint app, markings, panel-lines, etc.) : The model has a gloss/semi-gloss-like finish. I prefer a flat finish but it's OK. Based on photos seen on Calibre's Facebook page, I thought the panel-line wash was going to be way overdone with dark inking but once in hand, I see that it's quite different. The panel-lines have a light gray-ish inking to it and it's decently subtle. The panel-lines molding is a bit thicker than Calibre's own F-14 Tomcat model, but within the norms of diecast aircraft models. There's a fair amount of markings on the model. All the markings have been tampo printed on so no worries about having to apply stickers or water-slide decals. I will note however that the "No Step" markings are printed in black and very tiny so they don't really stand out. Calibre probably should have used red for the "No Step" markings like those provided as decals in the Hasegawa kit. Moving parts : Not many moving parts. Only the wings swing and the canopy opens. That's it. The wheels do not roll. The tow bar does not move. The speedbrake does not open. Such moving parts are generally not needed in a diecast display model and it seems most diecast aircraft collectors tend to not like them so it's just as well that it is the way it is. Optional parts : The model can be displayed with landing gears deployed or in in-flight mode. The model comes in the box with the landing gears attached. The landing gears will come out as a swappable pieces somewhat like the Bandai HMR. Personally I prefer this option over integrated landing gears as it means a more realistic set of legs and wheels. Separate covers are provided for in-flight mode. 4 pylons with AMM-1 missiles are provided. Not sure why but the wash on the pylons & missiles are much darker and dirtier than the rest of the aircraft. The attachment of the pylons to the wings is nothing like the Yamato-Arcadia 1/60v2 or the Bandai Hi-Metal R. And this leads me to the one troublesome issue I found with this model. The attachment of the pylons is via a simple small round peg that goes into a hole in the wing. This wouldn't be a problem if the said peg went in without fuss. Unfortunately, the peg on the pylons are too tall and thick for the holes in the wing. Be prepared for some sanding and trimming of those pegs if you want them to go in and stay in. Maybe use a bit of glue too (more on this below). To be fair, this is nothing unusual for diecast aircraft models. The GU-11 gunpod is ofourse provided as well. The gunpod fits in fine. Amazingly despite being a simple plug-in and the gunpod being a a heavy piece of metal, it stays firmly in. However, due to the weight you might find the barrel-end of the gunpod drop downwards a bit. A bit of Elmer’s white glue when you put in the gunpod will help keep it straight. Just apply the glue, flip the aircraft on it back, and let it dry overnight. Don’t worry about using Elmer’s glue. In fact, for any bits and pieces of diecast models that won’t stay in (like missiles or pylons), it is recommended to use Elmer’s glue as it is super easy to use (just wipe away any excess with a wet Q-tip or tissue) and it won’t attack the paint. It’s also non-permanent, so if you need to remove the pieces, a light tug is all that's needed. Final thoughts : If you want a Hasegawa-like 1/72 scale completed VF-1 model, then this may be just what you want. For me, this is exactly what I wanted. The issues I’ve noted above are nothing what I’d consider to be deal-breakers. Perhaps others may find other issues or details that I have missed. But in my opinion, Calibre has hit a homerun. Now, if they could only do the VF-4… Tomorrow, I will post some photos comparing the Calibre model to the Bandai kit and Kitz Concept toy which are also in 1/72 scale. And now for a few photos :

Buying from Calibre Wings directly might be the quickest way to get their models. Online retailers like Flying Mule and Aiken's Airplanes eventually get them but it takes awhile. BBTS got the Macross-themed Tomcats far ahead of Flying Mule and other diecast aircraft model retailers.

It's here! Hoping to write up a review and post some photos later tomorrow.

For us Macross fans who like cars, it wouldn't hurt to have the Shoji Kawamori designed cars of Future GPX Cyber Formula. These are approximately 1:24 scale plastic&diecast cars from Megahouse.

Not sure if an aircraft launched ABM would be as responsive and effective as a ship-based ABM.

Just to note, the majority of the deAgostini models at TheFlyingMule.com are from deAgostini's "JASDF Collection" series (which has ended). There's another series called the "World War II Masterpiece Collection". This series is still running and concentrates on WWII aircraft. Also, the models in this series are all 1/72 scale. The listing for it here: https://deagostini.jp/ww2/cmc.php?from=1&to=10

sh9000, What make and scale is that Abrams tank? If you have KITT, you also need another iconic 80's TV vehicle. The A-Team van! My 1/43 scale Hot Wheels Elite:

Maybe Tatsunoko actually likes Robotech and was willing to take less to allow HG continue the Robotech brand?

Color me a bit impressed. That's actually a pretty good attempt. To be fair, I understand that designing a a fighter jet that transforms into a good looking robot is difficult. And personally, if the fighter mode looks good, I can probably overlook an ugly battroid mode. But when a supposed new mecha from a new RT project looks like nothing more than a Legioss or VF-1 with extra bits or some minor cosmetic changes, I can't help but say 'lazy'. More of something like what is shown in the above "VF-13" would actually get me interested in certain elements of Robotech, because at least it would show me that there is some creativity and some aesthetic sense at HG.

Can these guys ever draw something completely original and good-looking instead of just uglifying or skimming Macross/Mospeada designs? I might have a wee bit of respect for RT if they could do just that.

A couple of years ago, I recall the US Marines having to raid a F/A-18A Legacy Hornet museum piece aboard the USS Yorktown for a nose landing gear door hinge because the part was out of production.

Purchased the Tamashii Web Exclusive Robot Spirits Core Booster set. Overpriced and ridiculous that this is a TWE, but I had to have it. I had a feeling that it'd be around 1/144 scale and I was right. Goes along wonderfully with my 1/144 Macross fighters.

Well, it's the Robotech Minmei, so it'd certainly be like...

Yes, DeAgostini Japan released one in diecast in 1/72 scale. However, since it is currently OOP, it commands a crazy premium. Hachette also released one in diecast in 1/87 scale. This was is more readily available but it's in a odd scale.

I didn't know they made a Akane figure. Ranma Nibunnoichi was super-popular with anime fans back in the early-mid 90s.

Wow, never knew there was a near scene-for-scene copy of Dangaioh. Looking forward to what you think of the last episode. According to Japanese reviewers, the Good Smile version is the one to get as it's bigger and a lot less finicky than the MegaHouse version. I have the Good Smile version. It's very nice.

I call this "Katoki-fication". I think ever since Katoki Hajime got involved in the Fix Figuration and Ver.Ka Gundams, it seems Bandai occasionally likes to overdo the tampo on their premium figures. I also think a bit of the blocky square-ness of this DX is a bit of Katoki influence as well (even though he wasn't actually involved).

Except for the Gundams in F91 and Victory. Many of the mobile suits from F91 and Victory Gundam size a bit better with Macross VFs as they are generally spec'd to around 15 meters tall.

10 years ago. the price for a 1/60v2 VF-1 with super parts was around $140US. In 2019 dollars, that price would be around $170. Arcadia now charges around $300 for the same toy with extra tampos. It's up to each individual to determine whether the cost is worth it.

You can buy them directly from Calibre Wings by contacting them via their Facebook page. They sent me an invoice today so they must be shipping very soon.

Ah, that explains things. That said, Bandai never seems to be able to scale the aircraft cockpits and pilots correctly. I agree that it kinda reminds me of the lifting body designs. I have the option to use the original skids as I didn't glue the legs in. Thank you all for the compliments.

Both the seat and pilot are 1/72 scale. Don't remember what F-16 kit the seat comes from but the pilot comes from a Hasegawa BAC Lightning. Bandai's pilot for the A-Wing kit is ridiculously oversized. It's more like 1/48 scale.

Finished my Bandai A-Wing kit. Ejection seat from F-16 and RAF Lightning pilot added to the cockpit. Didn't do much painting. Pretty much just panel-lining and a wash. Also found a use for the terrible landing gears that came with the Bandai VF-27 kit. Not sure if I'll leave it this way or use the original skids. It has a nose up profile to somewhat mimic the A-4 Skyhawk.

What's wrong with ramjet-powered AAMs? Everyone seems to think the MBDA Meteor is the best AAM currently.

Received this from CDJapan today. ACCESS FLASH! Generally, I'm not a fan of combining robot type toys but SSSS GRIDMAN was a really good series and each of the individual assist weapons have a charm that I just can't explain.