GU-11

Well, I kind of feel better about it since there's actually a reason behind it, instead of it being one of Yamato's QC/production snafus. The lack of tampo's really doesn't help all that much, personally speaking. I'm kind of a stickler for accuracy, and since no other VF has ever worn the GBP-1 in the TV series (as far as I know), I don't plan on putting the armor on any other Valk besides Hikaru's VF-1J. At least it's easier to cut out the clear parts around that giant "1" and paste it onto the chest than most of the smaller stickers. BTW, it sucks that Yamato didn't provide the launching missiles gimmick for the GBP-1 set. Web-exclusive, indeed.

I personally prefer the gray visor, as it blends in better with the GBP armor as well as the VF-1J M&M's, which also sport gray visors. I checked my newly arrived VF-1J Hikaru GBP set, and sure enough, the tampo's you highlighted were missing. WTF?! We wanted you to replace the fricking exploding shoulders, Yamato, not remove the damn tampo's on the armor. What, are they hiring weed-smoking rasta's as production supervisors there?

Not trying to cause any panic attacks, but my VF-1D just arrived today, and it had the same broken peg problem as Macross Fanboy's. You can refer to the thread here. Besides the shoulders, you'd best also check the leg pegs as well. Funny how earlier V2 VF-1D owners didn't report experiencing any such problems before.

I don't want to cause any panic attacks for VF-1D owners here, but I just received my VF-1D, and it's got that same intake peg problem as Macross Fanboy's. The difference is that in mine, the leg came off easily without problems, but the peg was broken in the process. On the other hand, I suspect the peg had already been broken at the factory, as it felt almost too easy when I detached the leg. I managed to glue it back with a drop of cyanoacrylate (letting it cure in Battroid mode overnight to maximize bonding strength), but man, right out of the box.... And I thought the shoulder hinges were the only potential flaws on the VF-1 molds.

HLJ finally added the invoice to my -1D purchase today. Still no email shipping confirmation, though, despite the fact that it's been shipped out three days ago via EMS.

Great idea! Good thing I always put the clear wrapping tape of my VF's in the boxes once they're removed.

The reissued -0A has a slightly different box art: As you might notice, it's a solid box. Now compare the pics above to the 2006 fliptop box below:

That makes three of us, and there's no invoice pdf either. I wonder wonder what's up with that?

Yes.

Now that you mentioned it, my TV Max is going to be the only one Vermilion Squadron member with the bubble effect on his canopy, being from the first release. Great, now he's gonna be the odd one out when my -1J Hikaru and TV Kakizaki arrive. Guess that means they'll be staying in battroid mode most of the time to hide the fact that only Max has the bubble effect on his canopy.

Oh, crap. Oh, crap. Oh well, as long as it doesn't warp the tail fins themselves. Since I'm not exactly a professional modeler, the simplest solution I can come up with is to just place a small piece of paper or tape between the tail fin and the antenna nub. Since it's basically invisible and will probably stay displayed like that for months, it's both a non-invasive and simple solution as far as I'm concerned.

Is this a problem specifically for the 1/60 DYRL Valks only, or are the TV VF's with FAST packs also affected? My M&M VF-1J with FAST packs nervously await your reply.

Thanks for the info, guys. As longs as it's cleared customs, it'll be smooth sailing from here on.

What does this mean? "Departure from inward office of exchange". Does that mean my item's been cleared by customs and is on its way to me? BTW, do post office couriers work on Saturdays?

Man, and I thought I was never going to own a TV Kakizaki! The guy was my least favorite, and I was planning to buy him last. But after this little scare, this fig's mine the moment it lands in HLJ!

Oh gosh, good news regarding the VF-0A, but potentially worrying news regarding the VF-1D, because I also ordered that one while it was on low stock. While transforming my VF-0S for the first time, I also noticed that the "thigh" part around the intake needed a touch of glue, as it would split apart at the seams whenever I try to ease or twist it free of the body. Sheesh, it's bad enough that these parts are just glued together instead of using screws; can't they at least make sure it's actually GLUED?

Dude, I hope you were referring to the old 2006 VF-0A CF, because the 2010 reissue I ordered just shipped out yesterday.

Got it. Thanks! That's precisely the reply I got. And I even lost free shipping for my VF-1J because of I had to reorder it again to have the shipment separated. Well, at the very least, the guy did agree to cancel one of the orders. I just found out that the local customs department taxes items based on the combined price of the shipment, which would not only be way over the 156 USD threshold, the 15% tax they charge would be enough to buy a small car! I know I exaggerate, but still.... Currently looking at AmiAmi or HK Collectibles as an alternative. Rumor has it that HK imports go through customs more easily than Japanese ones. Easier said than done, pal.

Would it be too much to hope for an Octos as well?

Heheh, I started to panic a little after the square turned yellow. Even with a double purchase of a VF-0A and VF-1J, I had to made a quick decision to just buy it. Good thing I did, or who knows when Yamato might make another batch, if at all? * edit * Seems HLJ will be restocking the VF-1D this same month. Well, better safe than sorry.

AFAIK, if you're using EMS, it might take about a week or so, from the moment you press the "buy this" button to when it arrives at your doorstep. For SAL, the VF-11B I bought took about two weeks (or was it three weeks?) to arrive. As I understand it, FED-EX is by far the fastest and most expensive. But depending on your country's tax system, FED-EX might be a good choice, since it pays for any import taxes on your behalf and sends the item(s) straight to your doorstep, and bills the charges for the taxes to you.

Heheh, I guess Shin is pretty okay once he shakes off his initial panic mode upon waking up on the island.

Luck, decisiveness, and actually paying attention to the status of your target item when it goes on sale, especially if it's a popular fig. Once the square turns yellow, it's time to pounce on the "buy this" button pronto.

Heheh, no love for Shin around here, and I can see why. He's just about the worst VF pilot in Macross history, and the way he acts throughout the show.... They should have made Roy the main character. If he's not the hero, then at least he's the anti-hero. Amen to that. All the better if it came with an Edgar LaSalle backseat pilot fig.

Honestly, the whole issue of import taxes just didn't occur to me until I ordered a third item (the VF-1D I was planning to buy this year end was already on low stock status), and then it hit me just how big the damn box would be with all three VF inside. In any case, the guy who replied my email seemed a little reluctant to separate the two items, but at least he came through anyway. I guess I should try sending an email to HLJ the next time I buy several items at once, and see if they might be able to work something out for me. No harm in trying.