VF-1A Grunt

That’s definitely a good point! I think I have three of them now, along with 5 or 6 of the 1/72 version. I’d like to do one 1/48 model as in non-Super configuration at some point.

Hasegawa is re-releasing these two kits, just FYI: 1/72 VF-31A Kairos - Macross Delta 1/48 VF-1J Super/Strike Valkyrie SVF-41 Black Aces The Black Aces is my favorite squadron scheme of the ones they’ve done, so I’m tempted, but I already have a couple I haven’t built yet.

That’s a fantastic model. It must be a 3D printed design to fit the Hasegawa model. Link to the rest of the photos on X:

I’ve noticed that it’s hard to find pilot names in white font. Most real U.S. aircraft have black lettering on grey fuselages. I noticed recently while watching a modeling video that the F-117 had white names since the aircraft was black. I’m going to pick up a decal sheet to supply some names for VF-1s. The model is looking great!

I’ve been wondering the same thing. I just received the periodic open order reminder from HLJ showing that I’ve had some backordered since September 2023.

Looks fantastic! Well done!

I’m a little surprised to see this multi-scheme kit, since they appeared to be putting out a series of specific paint scheme kits that are now superseded by this one. But I guess that’s what Hasegawa did when they released their combined VF-1A/J/S kit (although that was several years into their product line). Regardless, I ordered three from HLJ for the standard brown scheme and the Alaska Base too. I’m also interested to see the weapon set. I’ve always thought the Hasegawa 1/72 missile boxes were too big and didn’t look right, so I’m curious how these will compare.

I’m disappointed about that. I thought they were going to use the face of the pilot who gets hit and climbs out of her cockpit before dying.

They were still available in almost every good model store when I visited Tokyo in June 2024 - Yodobashi (both Akihabara and Shinjuku), Volks, Mandarake in Nagano, checking my photos from the trip. ¥6730 at Yodobashi. The Phalanx was plentiful too. I’d look around online (especially Mandarake) to seen what they may cost now and what shipping would be. Certainly cheaper than eBay.

Very cool. I bought the Queadol-Magdomilla years ago, probably about 40 years, and I found an unopened Quiltra-Queleual in Tokyo last summer. Neat models. I may have to spring for a few more - that’s a great price for them here in the States.

It looks like it’s regionally restricted too. It says “Japan Only” in the product info. When I’m not logged in, I can see the Kakizaki Battroid product listing, but as soon as I log in (with my U.S.-based account), it doesn’t show up in the product search (nor does the Max Battroid). I can’t add either of them to place a preorder. PLAMAX PX13 1/72 VF-1A Battroid Valkyrie Hayao Kakizaki Unit I may have to create another account and have it sent to family in Tokyo.

Hobby Search shows the original list prices and images of the parts and instructions for both kits. The super parts are an additional sprue, and the parts are added on top of the base kit. You can even see that the instructions for the super version show what non-super parts are not used, such as the vertical tail fins. The super kit has all the parts needed to build the non-super version. VF-11B Thunderbolt - List Price 3,080 Yen VF-11B Super Thunderbolt `Macross PLUS` - List Price 3,740 Yen It might be worth shopping around some more to see if you can find the standard kit cheaper, since it should be, but it could be an issue of availability.

Sorry, I don’t know much about the YF/VF-19 series. Are there any differences in the VF models themselves (i.e. different parts), versus the YF, or it is just squadron paint schemes on the same YF model?

Broken record here: I still keep hoping Hasegawa will release a 1/48 VF-1D fighter some day…

I can’t say that’s the most inspiring or exciting artwork I’ve seen lately… Looking forward to a couple of these kits though.