VF-1A Grunt

Great project! I'm looking forward to seeing your progress on this one. I've always loved the Cat's Eye but don't really have the spare hobby funds to try to get my hands on one. I'm a little late to the game and missed out on the initial sales of the several model versions out there.

Beautiful work! One of my favorite Valkyrie models to date! I didn't care much for the D when I first got interested in Macross as a kid because of its trainer role and limited appearance in SDFM. Nowadays, I appreciate the role of this variant in the VF-1 series, and I also really like the Mater File and fan work variations and paint schemes that have shown up over the years. I really like the idea of VF-1Ds being repurposed for combat roles in a "all hands on deck" manner after the war kicked off. I would definitely buy a Hasegawa 1/48 VF-1D - probably several of them! On a side note, I'm not too familiar with Japanese sci-fi modeling trends, but I would guess that Japanese modelers prefer 1/72 because the models take up less space. That would seem to be reflected in the greater variety of 1/72 models. Is that an accurate perception?

That is really cool! The city is coming a long, and the exterior looks fantastic!

I forgot to ask - what straps did you use? Those look really sharp. I'm sure those types of parts are commonly used for real-world aircraft models, but I'm not up to speed on the products available. Thanks!

Beautiful! Congrats on finishing this one!

I always thought the small ladder depicted in the artwork was kind of neat - you can even see the hand hold opening in the side of the fuselage above it: http://www.macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1a-valkyrie/vf-1-fighter-machinery.gif It's the same style of ladder built into the F-15: http://a-37.org/images/SW_F15_STEPS.JPG

That looks fantastic! I really like the look of the D, I think because it reminds me of the 2-seat F-14. I really like how this scheme looks on the D. I hope I can start working on one here shortly. The scheme I want to do will be similar in color, but a different pattern. A side question for you all - did Hasegawa come up with the idea for the vertical stabilizers to hinge in the middle as they fold down? I think it makes sense to create a compact folded arrangement, but it looks like the official design shows them folding flat on each other like most models: http://www.macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/vf-1a-valkyrie/vf-1-transformation1.gif It really doesn't make a difference in the end, but I noticed the horizontal hinge lines on this model's tail that are nicely highlighted.

I would say it would be a lot more difficult than just slightly modifying the mounting slot on the original thigh piece to correct the droop.

They look like the Regult kill markings that come in the decal set with the Studio Forge pilots (which I believe you have en route to you!): http://www.starshipmodeler.com/mecha/jl_macross_pilots_1514.jpg

Uh... wow! The weathering / panel lining and decals look incredible! You're obviously getting close to final assembly! Your pterosaur head is awesome too!

That looks excellent! I wasn't sure what to think of the white gun pod when I saw it in the Hasegawa low viz kit instructions, but I like how yours looks. Can't wait to see it finished!

That's definitely cool to see. When I was in Japan last fall, it was like Macross was an afterthought in all the hobby shops I visited in Akihabara. An handful of kits buried on a shelf among the piles of Gundam models.

Aha! That makes sense and makes me hopeful that the Wave price will be a little more reasonable.

The VF-1 Master File SDF Squadrons book shows several planes from the Angel Birds squadron being recovered after the fold to Pluto and then shows some of them armed flying in formation with the SDFM in space. Kind of a cool idea that they would become combat aircraft once the war kicked off. Some day, I'd like to model one fully equipped with fast packs and missiles for the final battle.

I'm real excited to see this model finally coming in plastic kit form. The price is pretty high, which means I'll probably buy only one or two, rather than four or five if they were at Hasegawa prices. I'm almost more excited to see the Master File book though, because I feel like this VF hasn't gotten a lot of attention, so I'm really curious to see what they come up with in terms of squadron schemes and variants.

Agreed, but it would great to have some more with the center joystick / left hand throttle position from the TV cockpit. However, I would also like a pilot with one arm reaching out to touch the console in front of him. Maybe right hand on joystick and left hand pushing a button on the console. Both for single pilots and for the rear guy in a two-seater. Thanks, EXO!

Up to this point, I haven't really been interested in the post-SDFM / DYRL mecha. I think I just prefer the more traditional style aircraft from the original series. But for the VF-4, I will make an exception! Glad to here Wave is doing it - that means it'll be a bit more expensive, but it'll be done well. Great news!

From what I can tell, it looks like you should be fine with those standard production artwork boxes as long as they have the gold sticker (which I can see on all three of those kits). I still wish I could get a copy of that Model Graphix issue! http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?showtopic=43652

Just make sure you seal them with something like Microscale liquid decal film after applying them to the decal seat. I confess I haven't had the need to try it myself yet but know a number of modelers whose have done it.

Thanks, M-J!

Mintox, the instructions refer to the #5 aircraft as the "Lead Solo" (I think that's what it says - don't have my kits handy) and depicts the number as inverted in the instructions and decal sheet: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/m/10183098 I'm guessing that's a tradition in some aerial demonstration teams. Neat idea.

That other thread refers to the special edition decals as "rub on," which I assume refers to dry transfers. I'll have to look at my kit again, but I didn't think they looked any different from the regular decals. Dry transfers usually come on a translucent sheet to help with placement, and they don't usually work well with irregular surfaces like an aircraft model. I hope that's not what they are, or I would want to transfer them to decal film before using.

Thanks for the feedback on the decals - that's good to know. I may use the trick of xeroxing the decal sheet to cut patterns for masking. By the way, I liked how you picked #5 with the inverted tail number! I hadn't noticed that in the instructions until now.

I bought one of the clear VF-1s just for the special decal set and plan to just paint the model itself like any other. Maybe the Cavaliers scheme to make sure the dark paint covers the blue clear plastic. What kind of frustration should I expect? Is the clear plastic a slightly different formula (brittle)? Thanks!

Well, just got the notice from CD Japan that the VF-1D kit is "out of print" and unobtainable. Back to the drawing board...