GU-11

What can I say? You live and learn.

Thanks for the advice, Chronocidal! I tried scraping very lightly at the smudge with a fingernail, and whaddaya know? It slowly came off! Buffed the area with a damp cloth, and the paint's all gone, and no scratches at all. It was just a tiny sliver on the right side of the VF-1J's "mouth", but gray against a white background is very conspicuous. On another topic: To those anyone who likes to put their gummy pilots in their Valks for prolonged periods of time, you might want to check and see if there's any sign of them sticking to the seat. I left the Amy Cunningham pilot in the cockpit of my DN for a few months, and when I removed it last night, some of the paint from the seat actually got stuck to the back of the pilot, and melded with it. Now the seat looks like it got riddled by bullet holes or something. I immediately removed the Gamlin fig from my VF-22S, which luckily only had a tiny speck of his flight suit stuck to the seat's unpainted surface. I think the fact that the Amy fig fits so tightly in the seat kind of contributes to the paint on the fig and the seat melting into each other--just a theory. In any case, you might want to keep an eye out for any tight-fitting pilot figs. Currently looking for a jar of similar looking brown paint to touch up the patches on the seat. If you plan to display your VF's with a pilot inside for over a month, at least cover the seat with a piece of paper to keep the paint from sticking to the pilot fig. Personally, I plan on clear coating the pilots as a more permanent solution. DISCLAIMER: This is probably an isolated case and does not in any way indicate that all other gummy pilot figs are susceptible to this. Don't want to be causing any unnecessary panic here, heheh.

I just found a tiny smudge of gray paint (probably from a factory worker painting up the visor) on the face of my VF-1J Hikaru. Are there any safe solvents I can use to remove the paint? I thought of using a Gundam eraser marker (probably much safer than acetone or thinner), but I thought I should ask around and see if anyone knows what to use to safely get the paint of without potentially damaging the plastic surface.

I know exactly what you mean. During the few weeks before I got the replacement parts for my VF-1D, I didn't even want to look at a pic of a -1D. But now that it's fixed, it's the main display piece of my room. As for engineering, I agree that the YF-19 figure does leave a bit to be desired. But since it's currently the best (and probably the only) transforming figure of the -19 available on the market, I find it's just good enough for me to want to buy one (QC issues are another story, though). BTW, am I the only one who thinks the YF-19 looks kind of dorky standing un-posed from a frontal view? That's about the only thing I dislike about Yamato's YF-19, aesthetically. Then again, who displays a VF battroid without posing it?

Heheh, I dunno, I guess I say that because I seem to be hearing a lot of criticism on some forums (quite rare in MW, though) where members sometimes pick the YF-19 to bits--"Komodo dragon neck", yadda yadda yadda. While I'm sure every VF ever designed has been ragged on at one time or another, I don't usually hear too many people praise the YF-19's design. Whenever someone compares the YF-19 to, say, a VF-19 or some other model, the YF-19 always seems to be the less favored. At least, that's the impression I get. In all probability, I've just been reading only the complaints about the -19 and missed the good stuff that's been said about it. Either that, or the complaints were aimed at the Yamato figs instead of the design itself (been a long time since I read those posts), in which case, I literally misread the situation.

Sad but true. I was thinking maybe a year or two down the line, when Yamato feels like milking the MacPlus/YF-19 molds again, and uses what advancements they've made on the Fire Kai mold to make some nice V2 YF-19's. In any case, I'll probably get the re-released original color -19, if reviews report that it's got the improvements of the DN. I'm a fan of the YF-19's design (one of the few?), and Yamato's current offering is decent enough for me to pick up, as long as it doesn't have the same floppy arms and angled gunpods as the first releases. Like you, I'm also trying to complete my MacPlus collection. In fact, my search for a Yamato 1/60 YF-19 was what started this whole collection. Initially, I only planned to buy the three VF's featured in MacPlus, but ended up with a near-complete collection of Yamato Valks. Talk about shopaholism.... Until recently, issues like unavailability and known QC issues have kept me from buying the original color YF-19. It seems only right that I cap off my collection with the YF-19. Personally, my only complaint about Yamato's YF-19/VF-19 design is that the legs don't spread wide enough. Then again, it doesn't look like the design itself allows for the kind of articulation seen in the MacPlus movie. BTW, can the head of the YF-19 be removed? I haven't been tinkering around with my DN lately, but if memory serves me right ( ), it didn't look like it could be taken off. As for the VF-19, I'm really thinking hard on whether to buy one or not. I'm not exactly a fan of Mac7, and the Fire Kai's chili red color scheme don't quite appeal to me. That said, Yamato's prototype is starting to look really sweet, so I'll have to save judgment for later when the finished product is released.

Yeah, what attracted me to the VE-1 was that radar thing on its arm and the FAST pack boosters; just looks so intricate and complex. And you're quite right about HLJ's so-called discontinued status. It listed the TV Kakizaki as discontinued even weeks after Yamato announced a re-release, and I'd kind of lost hope in owning one, until it suddenly appeared on HLJ a couple of weeks ago. And swapping heads with the VF-1D? Now that's a cool idea! B)) I've now got an extra (if yellowed) cockpit capsule and broken right leg after replacing them with the new ones Yamato/HLJ sent me, but alas, no new VF-1D head. Still, I might be able to recycle those parts--maybe mount the yellowed cockpit capsule on the VF-1S's arm to recreate Roy's rescue scene, and maybe the bum leg can be used for a future diorama simulating repairs being done on a VF-1D in Battroid mode.... Time to go sourcing for some in-scale aircraft carrier crew figs!

So...should I hold back on buying the re-released YF-19 original color and hope for an eventual V2 YF-19 mold that might or might not spawn from the improvements made from the VF-19 Fire Kai mold?

I guess the VF-0S was being sold as a "fixed" re-issue that Yamato (or rather the distributors) hoped new buyers will scramble to buy, and those that got burned by some of the earlier releases might want to make a second stab a MacZero Valk. That's my guess, anyways. Regarding the Super Ostrich, I think I'll take your advice and grab one when HLJ announces a new sale, and hopefully, the Super Ostrich will be part of that sale. I'll still pick it up at full price if it goes on low stock status, though. I've never been a fan of its head-sculpt anyway and will probably display it in fighter or GERWALK modes, so I guess there's little reason to touch the arms. I've been wanting to buy an Elintseeker, too, but had to put it in the backburner when Yamato announced the re-issue of the MacZero Valks. I wonder if any of those are still around. On the whole, I don't collect DYRL figs, but the VT-1 and VE-1 are very nice-looking VF designs, and two of the few non-combative VF's ever designed.

I own a VF-11B and I'm really loving this fig. My only complaint about the VF-11 is the rather finicky lower part of the heat shield. Otherwise, its a beautifully crafted figure in all three modes. Don't mind buying a chili-red VF-11 Millia custom myself if Yamato ever produces one.

I agree. The only thing that kept me from buying the Ivanov was the cost of it at full price. In addition to that, I've also heard of some QC issues like fogged up canopies and floppy joints--hopefully these were resolved in later releases. I'll take the risk at 60% discount, but not at full price. As for me, all that's left to buy is the YF-19 original color reissue and VF-1A TV Kakizaki. After that, it's hibernation time until Yamato eventually gets the license to make some VF-25's and -27's. Having said that, if Yamato should re-issue a batch of DYRL Super Ostrich's with non-knurled hinge pins, I might consider buying one. And maybe even a Tomahawk or a Defender if I see one on sale. Maybe it's still a little early to hybernate, after all....

I agree. To date, the YF-21 is still the sleekest, sexiest VF out there. But if I had to choose between the SV-51 and the VF-27, I'd have to go with the SV-51. To me at least, sleekness is not just about smooth lines and streamlining. The SV-51 has more character to it, and its extreme "gaunt and gangly" design lends a sensuality to it that the VF-27 simply lacks, IMO.

Wow, that's an elaborate diorama if I ever saw one. That is one epic classic Macross moment frozen in plastic. Excellent job!

***There IS a third method involving hydrogen peroxide and UV light. I don't remember the details, but you basically place the plastic parts inside a clear glass container and pour hydrogen peroxide enough to fill a third of the container(?), and then place it under some strong sunlight. When the peroxide starts to bubble, it should start to work. Supposedly, it changes the chemical properties of the plastic itself. I have no idea if this will have any adverse effects on the plastic in the long run. I remember this being discussed before in MW. You might want to dig up some old threads for a more detailed look into this method.*** EDIT: Oops, didn't pay attention to the link to see what it was all about. Heheh, that's what happens when you try to surf the net while eating cornflakes at the same time. As for preemptive protection, you could buy a can of Krylon UV resistant clear coat. It comes in gloss and matte.

Heheh, I bought one too! Should be shipping out any day now! 60% off is a steal, considering the original price of the fig. Now if only the Ivanov went on sale as often as the Nora did....

I'm yet another happy owner of a YF-19 Double Nuts. Personally, I'll buy a V2 YF-19 if Yamato ever makes one, but I'm not exactly pining for one. As for the upcoming reissued original color YF-19, I'm hoping it comes with all the improvements of the DN and BoP. Will have to wait for a review on that once those are released.

Wow, impressive! Not that I'm a modeling expert or anything, but if there's a flaw in this kit, I haven't found it. Great work, MickyG!

Oops, typo snafu! I typed it the other way around; didn't think I needed to proof-read it. BTW, I also prefer to use gray on white on Gundam kits for a more realistic look.

Just my two cents' worth, but you could get some fine-tip Gundam markers for panel-lining. They mostly come in gray and black. The biggest difference between Gundam markers and generic felt-tip pens are that the tips of the Gundam ones are much thinner. The general rule is that you should apply black panel lines on white surfaces, and gray lines on other colors. Of course, it's all a matter of taste. A popular tip when panel lining, is that you can erase mistakes or thin out thick lines that run over the panel lines by using an eraser and IMMEDIATELY rubbing off the excess ink. It only works within the first five seconds or so. Once the ink dries, it doesn't come off and will at best smudge the surface. I also like to create "pseudo weathering" along "indents" (recessed areas and panels like those found under certain air brake panels and landing gear covers) by using a piece of tissue to smudge up the inked sides to simulate a build-up of grime. DISCLAIMER: Try this at your own risk. Just because I like the way the finish looks, doesn't mean you will too.

Finally caved and bought the Super Valkyrie, too. This will mark the first time I own two of the same high-end figure. That'll teach me to procrastinate. If I hadn't waited until I got my TV VF-1S Roy before buying the FAST pack set, I'd have saved up to 60 USD. On the bright side, now I have two VF-1S's to display--one for Roy's "rescue" scene diorama, and another equipped with FAST packs.

I never use most of the stickers. They might peel over time if not clear coated. I personally prefer a more anime-accurate look, so the only stickers I might ever apply are the flying kite symbols on the FAST packs and the pilot's name on the canopy.

Yup. As far as I know, the VF's in MacPlus were the first Valks to ever employ those "imaging cameras/nosecone jewels". I think SK fell so deeply in love with the idea that he used them in all his subsequent Macross VF designs. The MacZero VF's though, as you said, are a time paradox.

Thanks for the info. Actually, I don't have a habit of comparing the real item with promo pics and boxart. In the case of the VF-0S, it was a reissue of a figure that had quite a few QC problems, and it actually came in the same box. I had no prior experience with the fig, and the off-white color made me somewhat suspicious. I've become rather careful around any reissued VF's after Yamato's little "recycling initiative" with Hikaru's GBP-1 set. But I digress. If the color difference isn't too glaring, I might settle for the Hikaru Anniversary Plus set, since I've always wanted that cool-looking beam canon. Then again, having two VF-1S's side by side would be totally awesome. Decisions, decisions.... Would have just bought both the Roy AND Hikaru -1S if I hadn't splurged so much on the other VF's this past month. And there's still the reissued YF-19 coming up (will have to wait for a review on that one, though--hopefully the floppy arms have been resolved by now). Thanks, man, but I was actually looking for a separate FAST pack set, without the VF. BTW, why are people bidding for the Hikaru VF-1S when there are still tons of them out there at HLJ, AmiAmi and Hobby Search?

Yes! My TV -1S Roy just arrived yesterday. Can't wait to transform it after work today! Too bad I waited so long to buy the SUPER packs, though-- it's sold out at HLJ, and AmiAmi doesn't carry them. Guess I shouldn't have procrastinated for so long. Now I'll either have to buy the Hikaru version as well, or opt for the DYRL Anniversary Plus set. BTW, is the color of the SUPER parts on the Anniversary Plus set the same as the TV version's? While I'd prefer to buy a different VF rather than the same -1S just for its SUPER pack, I don't want to end up with inaccurate colors. I just hope HLJ might restock those SUPER packs someday.

I'm almost obsessed with dark colored VF's (they never yellow, too!), and the Darkbird would be a welcome addition to my collection.