Vifam7

I don't really buy the CG argument. Mainly because I think sometimes CG art can not define the realities of converting it to an actual toy with all the gimmicks and engineering required. Then there's the fact that this is not a frail plastic model. I think that when you ask for use of diecast metal and sturdy construction, it becomes much more difficult to stick slavishly to the CG/line art. Now maybe I'm wrong. But I'm not an expert toy engineer to be certain. I'll give Bandai the benefit of doubt and believe they did they best they could right now. Perhaps in the future they'll have better ideas, revise it, and bring out a Version 2.0 that'll satisfy those who are not happy today.

Thanks polidread! I like this pic. Hikaru in the background is crying over the limited edition Valkyrie model that his daughter just broke. Hikaru: "M..my treasured limited edition Valkyrie model." (SOB)

Where are you finding these pics polidread? They're great!

I don't know about that. We'll have to see the toy first hand to see if a longer landing gear is possible to fit in and whether a thin stalky gear that can fit will still have enough strength to support a toy containing the weight of diecast metal. There are some diecast metal aircraft models whose landing gears bend and sag under the weight of diecast. And those are swap-type gears that don't fold or store inside the aircraft. Would it be better for the DX toy to have correct length landing gears but have them be the swapping type like the 1/100 instead of the current stubs? (Assuming that the DX doesn't have any allowance for an internal storage long leg gear).

Oh my freakin god... Did anyone see this? http://www.hlj.com/product/FNMSWP-06 A true work of art indeed. But look at the crazy price!

But is it possible when you add in the specification of "diecast material" and "must be sturdy"? When it's all plastic and fragility is acceptable, then yes since the model kits have proved it. But add those 2 specs, I think it becomes a bit harder to know (I'm no expert in toy engineering).

I don't know or think that Bandai purposely made DX toy look the way it does. I think it's more of a by-product of the materials Bandai used and the mechanisms they included. I sort of akin it to comparing the difference between diecast airplanes and plastic models. And in another way, how real life fighters tending to get heavier and bulkier when they go from prototype to front-line squadron aircraft.

According to the article the guy had to swallow some tears and mod the ankle storage gimmick (dunno what that is since I haven't started mine) and mod the outer covering to allow for the rear landing gears to fit.

The feeling I got from Japanese fans on the net is that they want to be able to play with this toy (much like the old Takatoku). I keep seeing the onomatopoeia "gashi gashi". Ie. they want to "gashi gashi" play with the toy (imagine sound of you transforming the old Takatoku). This is different from the way one would handle a Yamato. Also, in a way, one might say that a collector's toy ought to be able to stay in perfect shape for a long time despite being handled. I mean, this is a toy not a model. It's gotta be able to withstand some abuse without worrying about breakage. And I think part of what makes a toy collectible is it's ability to last in good shape. Which I think is part of the reason why Takatokus are/were so beloved by many. BTW if I recall correctly the original Takatoku back in the 80's was priced around $50. That was crazy money for a toy back then. At least for a child in a poor family.

Please give us yummy pics.

Interesting note about the Ozma VF-25 article. It says that Bandai was at first during the early stages of development had also a slightly smaller scale model in work. But they realized that in order to provide sturdiness in the moving parts, they had to go with the bigger size.

Pretty much near final (as in the basic shape/configuration) says the article. All that's left is some 'brushup' (touchup?) on some minute areas (hopefully that means the landing gears), adjusting the areas that move, and working towards the final product. Interestingly the article mentions that Kawamori specifically put his emphasis/involvment on the fighter mode for this toy. And finally, the article suggests that the toy has no sense of floppiness and is very sturdly built.

I'm waiting for an MG kit of Gundam X Divider. Even within Gundam, some Gundam series are given quicker/better treatment than others. Gundam X gets absolutely no love.

That's the 1/100 toy.

I have the FIX Gundam X. It's worth it if you're willing to live with some issues. The main issue with the FIX GX-9900 is that the head and waist section is not held tightly. Worse yet, waist section joint is easily broke. As seen here - As a result I had to use glue on the waist and head. That said, it looks awesome and comes with a nice display stand. The whole package also allows you to convert between the Gundam X, X Divider, and G-bit look. I personally had to get it just for the X Divider look. In terms of posability, I think it's a bit limited. Particularly the legs which moves only about 90 degress and the waist which does not twist or bend (esp after it breaks ). But I think it's within typical GFF standards.

Perhaps this news report is fitting : http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081019/ap_on_...na_factory_woes snippet

I found this fun pic on the web. Mikimoto-ification!

Why does every thread have to turn into an anti-Bandai thread?

[deleted] Turned out to be the 1/100 toy

Do you think that if Bandai has designed the cockpit a bit better, an accurate 1/72 scale Alto figure could've fit? Or you think think this is simply an example of how anime specs sometimes do not translate well to real life scaling?

Well then it's your prerogative to not buy the toys by Bandai. Personally, I'll pay more if Bandai's products are of higher quality than Toynami's toys. Toynami's toy is okay but not exactly great. Btw, the Super packs did not come bundled with Toynami's toy. We still don't know exactly what price it'll be and exactly what accessories Bandai's product will or will not come with so it's a little early to get all worked up.

HLJ has a alternate view photo of Beagle's Ride Armor - http://www.hlj.com/hlj_gallery2/v/ajmhs08/...C_8094.jpg.html

Hmm, but isn't "don't play too much with your Yamato or it'll break" SOP for Yamatos as well? Here's my suggestion - 1. Deal with ugliness of the DX toy but have fun playing with it. Abuse the hell out of it. Hey, if it's a chogokin, it ought to withstand some roughness. We shall see if this will be the case though. or 2. Get the 1/100 partsformer. You'll have to deal with partsforming but at least it'll look good in all 3 modes plus since it's an action figure, it ought to be able to take some abuse. We shall see if this will be the case though. or 3. Figure out a way to make the 1/72 kit more sturdy. If a certain piece is found likely to break, there's a good chance modellers in Japan, maybe some one here at MW, or one of the magazines like Hobby Japan might come up with a nice solution.

Make it 1/200 scale. Price it at oh~ ..... US$1200! IIRC that's about how much one would pay for a 1/200 scale R/C USS Nimitz.

That looks fantastic PetarB! If I had your skills, I'd build one too. $42 (HLJ price) seems a bit pricey for an injection kit that isn't easy to build. ;