ChristopherB

Everything sounds great, and thank you for the update!

Wow, it's cool to see your progress. Great job, and I had no idea how nice this kit is. It would be cool to hinge the two hatches on the backside of the Monster so that they can open, and then include some interior detail. That would be awesome, and I don't think it would be too difficult. Off topic, but I love the Tamiya 1/16 tanks. I've owned about (5) of the R/C versions, and they are a ton of fun. You did a great job painting yours, and I would love to see them in action.

Jesse, Thanks, I'll take you up on the offer for a Coke sometime. It's cool, I'm back on my anti-smart ass medication, so I'm feeling much better and less factitious. I'd shake your hand if I could Gundamhead, but they haven't invented that technology yet for internet users. Sincerely, Christopher

Great news! Thank you for the info.

I doubt you've been around as long as I have, but regardless, it's a moot point. No you did not offend me. I'm just posting my opinion regarding the HCM. You've already verified it's a toy not a model, so we're in agreement on that. No matter how much you try to rationalize or explain, it doesn't change the facts. I responded because it suprised me that someone would even mention a toy to a new member that's looking for model kits. Oh wait, it just happens to be 1/72 scale, so that makes everything all right.

Gundamhead, I already explained that I understood why you mentioned the HCM, and you've already admitted it's a toy and not a model. I didn't bring it up because he said he's looking for: "best variable 1/72 scale (~18-20cm) model of the VF-1S." As my post states, I covered every available option, and the HCM is not one of them. Once again: 1.) IHP 2.) Scratchbuild (Hasegawa, etc.) 3.) Bandai Furthermore, the SHE kits are non-scale. Some are closer to 1/72, and others have 1/100 on the box, as verified by Carl. In addition, my search of Macross World and Hobby Link Japan turned up no VF-1S. Yeah, I suppose you could turn a 1/72 HCM toy into a model. While we're at it, let's do the same with a 1/55 Bandai and a 1/48 Yamato. If we do that, their called..."Custom Valkyries," not models. They get posted in the "Toy Section," not the "Model Section," because they are still toys. Get the idea? You're relatively new here, so we'll cut you some slack and take that into account when you post. Sincerely, Christopher

The Bandai HCM cannot be considered a model in the meaning recognized my most people. Let's not get into a debate here, but just because it says "Model" on the box, doesn't mean it's a true model. It's listed on MW under the toy section, and the valkyrie comes completely assembled and painted. Being fair though, AlphaHX, doesn't specify in his initial post precisely what he's looking for, so I can see why the HCM was mentioned, but in all honesty, the HCM is not an actual model kit.

I would have to say the IHP 1/72 Hasegawa Conversion Kit. The kits are rare, but you can find one if you look long and hard enough. It is essentially a perfect transformation valkyrie. A little bit skinny in battroid mode, but overall much better than the 1/72 Bandai, which incorporates "anime accurate" part swapping. If you're looking to do it right, scratch build your own or go with the IHP. If you're looking for quick, cheap and easy, go for the Bandai.

Puppet sex, now that's a scary thought.

akt_m, Great job! It's no big deal, but proper grammar is important: "Modeling Skills Helpful If Under (10) Years of Age" So, just change the current "O" to an "I". In addition, I sucked in art class, so by no means do I claim to be an expert, but I do believe your shadowing perspective is off. I'm refering to the shadow under the VB-6. I tried visualizing the light source in a perspective that could create that particular shadow, and was not able to due to discrepancies. For example, the arm shadow shows up on one side but not the other, and one foot has a shadow going to one side and back, while the large cannon have a shadow directly below, but the other arm has nothing below it. I hope that makes sense without me being too in-depth, and please remember it's just meant to be constructive criticism. Sincerely, Christopher

Sweet, I'm in! launch vehicle...(cough, cough).... Great job John! Rob, thank you for not giving up on the project.

Sorry, I'm out of town on business, so my response time is degraded. I'll update the list right away, and thank you for your interest!

Hello, You said the key word, "1/72" scale. Since that's what I'm focusing on, please count me in for (1) of each. The Ghost, and the YF-19 weapon set and fold booster. I'm not sure why he's casting the Yamato VF-11B pilot though. Perhaps I'm missing something obvious, but I'm not sure why anyone would need a copy of the Yamato pilot figure, except perhaps for people that own the original non-fastpack Yamato VF-11. There is no Hasegawa kit to use it with, and anyone that owns the Club M version already has a pilot. Sincerely, Christopher

Same here, count me in for (2) if you go for it.

John, Thank you very, very much for taking on this project! Everything looks wonderful, and I'm amazed at how quickly you've been able to go from nothing to what you've shown, and without sacrificing any quality whatsoever. I can only dream that you will focus your talents at some point upon the launch vehicle. They'll go together like strawberries and cream. I really hope I win the Grand Prize. To own something built personally by you would be awesome. Sincerely, Christopher

Great idea! Count me in as well. Where there is a will, there is a way. Recast it, and they will come. Mounted or on display, I will still pay.

Rob, Everything looks great. I received your PM, and appreciate it. Best wishes, and God speed. Sincerely, Christopher

Hello, I've gotten a few PM's from people inquiring about status, and to preclude further questions, I personally have no new news to report. It's been about (4) months since the last update from Valkyrie, so I would expect that we'll hear something soon hopefully. It would be cool if Ken could get his recast completed prior to Yamato's toy, especially considering the head start we have. Sincerely, Christopher

Hello, I've gotten a few PM's from people inquiring about status, and to preclude further questions, I personally have no new news to report. It's been about (4) months since the last update from Valkyrie, so I would expect that we'll hear something soon hopefully. It would be cool if Ken could get his recast completed prior to Yamato's toy, especially considering the head start we have. Sincerely, Christopher

Great suggestions, wm cheng! I'm definitely in as well.

Yeah, at those prices, I can forget doubles. Especially the Monster, wow!

I've heard good things about the kits as well. I've only owned the Strike and Super Ostrich and they were both very nice. I wish I had never sold them, and now I'll have to obtain them again. I completely agree with Jesse. I've never owned the YF-21 or VF-11, but I know that the YF-19 is very nice.

I'm definitely in to them, and would love to work on collecting whatever is available. I'm working on completing the Hasegawa list right now. The normal items are fairly easy, but the rare kits cost a good bit more. I think that I'll work on the Destroids next, but I honestly have no idea what is available, what is really rare, and then of course the holy grail of them. My only problem is that I would need (1) to build, and (1) to collect.

Wow, that is quite a list you have! I've got some catching up to do.

Thanks for sharing your battroid with us, and I'm sorry to hear about it's accident.