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Here is a link to my Launch Arm build for your reference. I did a quick test on my HM-R. I am holding it with only 2x 5mmx2mm magnets. I think that with 4x magnets mounted in the claws you will have a strong hold, even with smaller magnets to fit your claw. (A couple points on my test: All the weight is on the Super covers, so they need to be closed with epoxy. There is also stress at the connection points between the Supers and the valk, which needs to be reinforced. You also need a way to keep the backpack closed, in my images the backpack isn't opening because the magnets are positioned only at the rear. )

Yes, you will need to redesign the arm for strength and balance. I have 4x magnets holding up my 1/72 to the Launch Arm (I can't remember if they were 3 or 4mm diameter). The valk weighs 100g. And the magnets were at least twice or three times as strong as required to hold it securely.

I really don't get this. Was this gap apparent with Max's build?

If you want feedback, show us the designs before printing to save money.

I didn't think of that. That might be a problem.

Agreed. Four magnets in the claws should hold it. I would test 4x 2mm & 3mm diameter magnets and see which will work. But you will have to redraw the design of the claws with holes to take the magnets.

If those HMR Supers can be opened, you could put magnets on the inside, and then magnetize the claws.

OMG! It's huge. That's the money shot.

I like the poetic ramblings here, so I will jump in. I say, if you have a kit with a mind to build it, build it. If you are worried, get a few less important kits and practice on those first. You might be surprised how happy you are with the results. Just don't leave them on the shelf for 30 years, unless collecting's your thing. My modeling skills leave much to be desired, but even the simple resin kits I have done gave me a serious adrenaline rush (I'm into old Kaiyodos, Tsukuda, and General Products, for Nadia, Nausicaa and Gainax kits). You really have to tenderly massage these babies into place. Unlike plastic kits, you often have to reshape the parts to make them fit. But there is a lot of fun and satisfaction from the manual sanding and fitting process that you don't get with modern kits. The only downside is that I hate the noxious resin dust, and I wear a gas mask at all times, which hurts my face after hours of sanding!!!!! BTW, whoever did that 21 is one mean modelling master.

Cool. How will it hold the valk?

Well done! So is your light grey diluted 80-90%?

I just want to figure out how the heck you did it!

I remember that scheme from before. Always loved it! Nice to see it done. But warning, I will be zooming in!!!! As for that 63mm height, is that from the top of the open tail fins?

Could anyone give me the dimensions on a 1/72 VF-1, wheels down, no supers (LxWxH). I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

The more photos the better. I particularly want close ups of each cockpit from all angles. So thats 12 more photos Nice coat of red, and I like how your panel details pop out on the close up shots. Question: does the 1/20 have any more panel details than the 1/48?

I also got three by mistake at amiami. The VE-1 and the VT-1 weren't this hard. You can still get them at MSRP on Ebay.

Hey Thom. You're putting a lot of work as usual into the interior scratch details. Would you consider balancing an LED in there so you can admire the work when you're done? Great to see a Viper in process.

Awesome. We need more Cool8or builds around here. Do you have a WIP page?

Derex, "Practice makes better." I like that. "Perfection" is never really on the menu!

The amount of time and effort we spend on our models vastly exceeds a lot of things!!!

After reviewing his blog, actually it is heavily customized. Lighting is hand made, and fully repainted, in a addition to custom servo-controlled display base. I had a similar project planned in 1/72, but this has really raised the bar. Back to the drawing board...

Thanks. So definitely they don't look good at all without painting. I'm not in the mood. I will stick with my CM'S, unless they do something unique.

Could anyone share a photo of the two Plamax Minmays unpainted?

Good question. Not sure, but I thought they would choose her school outfit or white stage outfit or china dress, something more iconic than the green dress. But change is good, it's just a risk for them to choose a less famous outfit. I'll take them all if they keep up the sculpt quality.