ultraman zoffy

Man, don't spit out your coffee! lol... so, it was enough of a run to make the 29 somewhat of a shelfwarmer in the Japan market, yet not fill preorders internationally? Weird strategy.

Truth.

It seems like a lot of this pre-order drama is happening because of the YF-29 debacle, but was there ever even a new production run of that toy? Or did Bandai just sell off units from the original launch that retailers interpreted as a whole new manufacturing run to take pre-orders for? I mean, they missed the pre-order numbers SO badly that it seems like they just had a few YF-29's laying around from the initial run and never actually fired up a new round of manufacturing... just asking because hopefully with the 171EX and the 25G being whole new toys (well, one new and one repaint with a new head), maybe they're more likely to be able to fill everything since a fresh manufacturing run has to go down.

Again, good luck... hope it works out. Principles or not, I think we're all in the same boat due to Bandai's shortsightedness.

Can any store, reputable or not, actually guarantee that though? If the problem is with Bandai's supply chain, then it's going to be a gamble anywhere you go. In any case, good luck.

To all you crazy folks pulling all nighters trying to get a pre order... I wouldn't join you, but I sure do salute you. lol... hope your efforts to save a few bucks pays off.

Nice pics, chris... as much as these valks are setting me back, the only extra parts I'm buying for any of them are the 25F super parts and the 25S armored parts... everyone else is gonna be chilling in the armorless buff. The SMS military budget is officially cut, troops. lol

After checking my stands, I think the paint rub issue with the flexi stands would likely have been because the 1/48's were so damn heavy... none of my 1/60 toys are putting that much pressure on the stands, so I don't think it'll be an issue. I never concern myself with resale value on my toys; as long as there's no breakage or a deep scratch, I'm content.

Dang, thanks for the heads up m.d.! For some reason I think maybe it might've been the older stands that did that, but I'll earthquake putty the tips of the VF-25S' stand just in case. I posted a couple of pics in the macross collection display thread a while back, so check that thread out to see part of what I have. I'm all across the board with the toys I buy though; definitely not macross exclusive like some of the other folks on MW. My detolf setup changes each time I buy a "high end" piece, and right now, I'm scratching my head trying to figure out what to do once a 171, 25G, YF-29, and future RVF-25 show up. I think I'm finally screwed for Macross space and will likely have to put all the Frontier valks into battroid to fit them into their section.

Are retailers really flying completely blind when it comes to pre-orders? I find it hard to believe that they have absolutely no access at all to Bandai and some sort of estimate (even a rough one) of how many the company is looking to produce. For comparison and shits/giggles sake, so far, since I started collecting Frontier renewals about 2 months ago, my scoreboard is at: VF-25F = $260 shipped (MW Forum) VF-25S = $275 shipped (From Japan auction) YF-29 = $270 shipped (Nippon Yasan) VF-171EX preorder = $260 shipped (ebay) VF-25G preorder = $226 shipped (Nippon Yasan) ... ugh. Yeah, slightly painful... but once again, all part of the deep pockets collecting game I suppose. Please announce the RVF Renewal Bandai so I can go back to a nice blank WTB list... ** On the brighter side, just picked up this sexy bird from the post office today. Funny how the arrival of things you buy soothes the pain...

Nippon Yasan... just bought one.

This is the truth right here... bleed a little now, or full on exsanguinate later.

No one ever said collecting was an affordable hobby... every purchase I've made since I started has been a gamble. Can't get the "perfect" deal all the time, peeps.

Was an MSRP for the 25G even announced yet? Seriously, given all the drama and scarcity surrounding Bandai's Frontier line, I look at anything under $300 shipped as being reasonable... lol. Punching myself; caved and bought the in-stock Durandal from Nippon Yasan. Couldn't resist the thought of the blue 25G and the red YF-29 standing next to my blue and red M&M 1/60's...

That's exactly it... everyone seems to get up in arms when they can't grab things at MSRP and miss out, but I'm content with the price just being reasonable if I can get one locked in. Nippon Yasan has come through for me before and they don't charge in advance. Win win in my book.

Nippon Yasan hooked up my 25Fsuper parts order perfectly, so I'm pretty confident in them to follow through on my 25G pre-order (as well as my 25F&S armor parts orders). 25S just arrived today from Japan, 171EX pre-order is in, and the YF-29 isn't on my radar, so I'll be kicking back and sitting out the drama until an RVF pre-order announcement drops. =)