Vifam7

I believe it's already been advertised as not being perfect transformation. Instead it was advertised as "simple transformation". Dunno what that means in the end, but I would imagine a few parts swapping. I agree with you on the use of PVC. But I can deal with it as long as it's not used in the wings or tailfins. I wish Yamato would consider a lineup of 1/100 scale Valks (at this scale I'd accept non-transforming models).

Darn. I want a MG Murasame!

There was. It came and went in a blink of an eye.

I love the Bronco II. It's my favorite mecha from Orguss.

I've read on a Japanese blog that all future perfect transformation Valkyrie toys from Yamato will be 1/60 scale (the blogger supposedly queried the Yamato rep at Wonderfest).

I don't know how you did it but I was never able to get that dang Palm Action to correctly transform into Flyer mode or Gerwalk mode.

At a Japanese blog: LINK

I'm actually building a 1/72 variable currently. Started it about 3 weeks ago. So far I've only finished part of the arms and legs. That's it. I suspect it'll take me until Winter to finish. And that's IF I finish. Entirely possible I could mess up the paint job and ruin the model beyond salvation.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that Bandai favors the robot mode. That's just conjecture based on dislike of fans not liking one mode or the other. I think it's just a matter of compromises. Keep in mind, Yamato also made compromises for V2.0 1/60 (like some folks not liking the short looking nose) It's entirely possible for Hasegawa to release a VF-25 kit after Bandai has done it's rounds and are content. It depends on who owns the merchandising rights for the Macross Frontier property, how much Bandai is invested in the property, and whether Hasegawa is even interested. It's all business. Heck, who knows, maybe it's Tamiya who next wants to take a shot at Valkyrie models.

Well that depends on how one views the Valkyrie mecha itself. I suppose that's probably exactly what Bandai wants to sell because that's what they feel sells in volume. Ofcourse you have the right to complain. And I'm sure you are right about some modelers bemoaning the Gunpla style models. But, perhaps times are changing and the market favors catering to the non-true modelers. Oh god no. Non-scale PVC toys like EMSiA and GFF are crap. I understand your view as a true modeler. But let's not jump the gun yet. While the photos are not encouraging it may still turn out that the kit and sculpt is within one's own acceptable boundaries.

From what I've read in various Japanese sites, the feeling I got was that most Japanese fans WANTED the kit to be transforming and EXPECTS Bandai to create a transforming kit with quality that is on-par with MG Gunpla kits. Now some here might say Gundam models are not model kits or that their kits are up to Hasegawa quality but that's beside the point. I think the idea amongst some fans is that - if the model doesn't transform, it's not a perfect representation of a Valkyrie (a fighter plane that transforms). Personally I think it's a good idea for these new Valk kits to be Gunpla-like. It has the potential of bringing in more fans to buy the kits. Lets face it, many fans simply don't have the skills to make a Hasegawa kit. The more fans buy these kits, the better the chances for more Macross anime in the near future.

Simple. Hasegawa didn't put up the funds to create the new Macross Frontier anime series.

Ya all need to chill out. What we're seeing is nothing but prototypes and rushed photo-op/display stuff. The true quality of this kit won't be recognized until someone actually gets a kit, looks at the pieces, and does a dryrun or quick 'sugumi' build.

Article says it will present a prototype at the event. Interestingly the article says it will also show "that other product" shown/hinted in previous events. No idea what it could be.

There are plenty of Macross fans in Japan. Just because there's no MW-like site doesn't mean the fans have disappeared. Healthy sales of Macross related goods confirm that. As for forums, the folks in Japan are behind the times in regards to forum software. Most places still use BBS-type stuff. The horrid 2-chan is where you can find much discussion though.

Aren't they considering to build their own stealth fighter? Particularly after purchase of F-22 was denied?

Thanks. Getting Macross decals is a bit difficult though. Dunno if I want to sacrifice a 1/72 Hasegawa kit decals for a Yamato VF.

Well, if you use Lunar's Xvid fansubs (or generally any avi type file), it should be a cinch with Nero. (the subs will be burned-in though) Real easy with Nero even for a pretty computer illiterate guy like me.

I inserted that because it would be my idea of a nightmare. ^^;; A hundred and some odd bucks for a toy only to find out a major piece is missing and breaks on the first day... I feel for ya.

Head missing!? How in the world did that get past the QC guys!? Either you have the worst luck in the world or Yamato's customer service section is going to need more phones.

I have a question. Should stickers be applied before or after applying a clear coat? That is, assuming that you want to put a coating on your Yammy.

I'd like some comparison pics to the old v1.0 1/60.

That's what you get when it comes to fictional mech. It's probably easier to scale real world tanks and aircraft, but when it comes to anime mecha (where measurement specifications were conjured out of thin air) I think sizes sometimes get inconsistent.

I broke down and purchased Alter's model at HLJ. Yeah, I hate the scale that it's in and the price is insane. But it just looks so darn good. I can't help it, I'm a sucker for cool looking aircraft.

Perhaps it's another example of Murphy's Law? - Never forget that your weapon is made by the lowest bidder. PW may have had the lower bid. Or maybe the Pentagon simply wants PW to stay in business because everyone else in the world wants/uses GE engines on U.S. aircraft. [shrug]