AlphaOne

Here's the link for the UV flat spray: http://www.hlj.com/product/GNZB-523 I also found it by doing a google search as well.

Hey all, I just got a couple of cans of Mr. Super UV flat paint, and I was wondering if it's a good idea to spray my yamato valkyries for prevention against yellowing or if it's harmful for the plastic? Any insight would be greatly appreciated and much thanks in advance!

Can we really just put whatever beefs members have with others behind us? I keep anticipating that whatever news on this topic is exactly that: news. If you have a gripe with someone, please create a new topic so those who are looking for news on this topic no longer have to read 6 pages of smack talk just to get one post of new info (I know, I exaggerated). Thank you for understanding.

How about we all take a little breather and cool our jets about this - I can see where both sides of this heated debate is and I believe the majority of MWers here lie somewhere in the middle. First, I think we hear about a toy coming out, and instantly our expectations for that toy increase. We talk about it with each other, ask questions to Graham, speculate on what's it going to be like - in the mean time building our expectations to a point where it might be quite impossible to satisfy. Then, some of us (me included) get the first runs because we can't wait for the second ones. Our thirst for it is just too great. And then we see what faults they might have. We're crushed because we just spent so much $ on a toy, and now we're disappointed because it's not "perfect." And rightfully, we should be. But we hyped it up to the point where it cannot afford to have any flaws. And then those nitpicks soon flood the boards, and some vent their spite towards others. It is a message board after all. But then those nitpicks get to the point where it becomes exaggerated, and that's all that becomes concentrated on. The overall feel for the toy is compromised by a few flaws, and we disregard the engineering marvel it took to get it in our hands in the first place. And after some time, we settle down, and begin to appreciate the overall toy, and realize how hard it is to produce it in the first place. We start to see everything, and find that it really is a great toy. I think then we really see the balance between the ascetics and the durability of the toy, and we realize some compromises were took to achieve that. I'm sure we all can reference some toys where they held up great, but their appearance might have suffered (To me, original transformers), and then they're some toys where they look gorgeous, but their durability lacked (My Advent Children Cloud, replaced twice). It's rare for a toy to achieve a perfect balance of both. Both side do prove a point, but I think we should be open-minded enough to try and see what the other side's seeing. No one should be crucified for believing in what they want. That said, there's no need for or to allude to profanity. And while we all have the right to vent, let's understand that there could be minors here and we should all respect the message board provided. We all enjoy coming here, so let's squash this issue and move on. Thank you.

In regards to finding a fix for broken or crooked gunpods and other parts, has anyone tried to contact the company directly and pleaded their case (obviously knowing the Japanese language would be helpful). It's like when my original PSone's disk spinner broke; after I called them and told them the problem, Sony sent me a new slim one (along with a letter of apology). Also forgot another time when one of my kinnikuman figure's hip part broke and I contacted Romando directly. They sent me a brand new figure w/letter of apology. Just my two cents

Do you think the fast packs set or YF-19 FP combo might include an additional gunpod that's corrected (I.E. thicker handle)?

Thank you Kensei, I was wondering about that for some time. I did read Graham mention that Yamato is thinking of including the missiles/armanent for release as well, which would be an awesome addition.

So, the fast packs connect magnetically. Does the fold booster and shoulder packs mount via magnets or snapping into place?

Wow, whereas this issue used to unite us, it now divides us... Graham, it seems that when you can't divulge information, people are upset. And when you do provide information, people are upset. It reminds me of a Futurama episode. (insert Graham for God - not trying to offend anyone btw.) God: Bender, being God isn't easy. If you do too much, people get dependent on you. And if you do nothing, they lose hope. You have to use a light touch, like a safecracker or a pickpocket. Bender: Or a guy who burns down a bar for the insurance money. God: Yes, if he makes it look like an electrical thing. If you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all.

please please PLEASE ask them what they plan to do about the crooked gunpods on the YF-19, the crooked landing gear on the YF-19, and if they'll provide a corrected part for both problems for the customers who have this problem. Oh, and can you ask them to please do some more testing on their products before releasing them? (thus avoiding "negative feedback" from us Macrossworlders). Just in case if no one said it for a while, thank you so much for everything you've done for us, Graham!

From what I read, it stated that (paraphrased) for those who missed the opportunity, the set (with yf-19) will be coming in May. Simply can't wait P.S. Graham's update stated the following: YF-19 Fold Booster Yamato confirmed that the YF-19 Fold Booster will feature LEDs, but no sound chip, as it does not make any sound in the anime. My source will get back to me with confirmation of the LED colors. So keep watching for updates. It was also confirmed that the Fold Booster & FAST Pack set will be released both separately and as a set together with the YF-19.

No problem

I believe it said around "May-time" from the February issue of Hobby Japan

I got done transforming my yf-19 (using Graham's handy video) and I've suffered no stress marks or cracks or anything yet. I don't doubt the patience and care fellow Macrossworlders have when it comes to transforming so I'm beginning to think that there might be a bad batch or something.

I was thinking of this for a while now, but if the canards are made of POM plastic (which is supposedly more durable) why don't they make the problem areas from this plastic?

I have my yf-19 and it's definitely a gorgeous piece of work, but hearing about all these problems (gunpod, wing root, landing gear) it's making me very weary of Yamato's business standards. I know that it's just a toy company, but really, for the amount of money they're costing, there should be stricter guidelines for quality. With issues like the gunpod and its allignment, shouldn't there have been some person at Yamato who had enough sense to connect the gunpod to the YF-19 while it was in fighter mode? It seems that many of these issues aren't just shoddy problems, but common sense ones. Same thing with the landing gear. Even the cheap knock-offs of the vf-19's I own have better quality control. It shouldn't be that the first run of Yamatos's products are expected and excused for having problems. If there are problems with first runs, it should only happen to a few, not the majority. And if it's something as easy as the handle on a gunpod not being thick enough, or the landing gear not folding out properly, then why should we have to modify it ourselves? We're paying for a product where we hope it'll be caught somewhere in the QC line. Yes, we pay this much, and yes, we are still appreciative that they're producing these products, but there should be a trust between companies and consumers. They should trust that we will spend our money to buy their product, and we should trust that their product is of quality. The best businesses understand that in order to survive, it must satisfy consumer expectations. How can they excuse something that is a rudamentary as checking to see if the gunpod alligns properly or that the landing gear folds out properly? It's not like it's a hidden piece or something. I really hope that they can provide replacement gunpods (at the very least) with no additional charge. The landing gear might be harder to replace. I hope they realize that for the amount they charge, they should deliver better. Thank you

I got my yf-19 from HLJ and ordered a vf-0s before with them too. On both purchases, I've had nothing but perfection. Nothing was broken, or bent, or scratched. That being said, I guess like any company, you're going to get some good reviews and some bad ones.

Awesome job Graham! Thanks so much, and gotta say, love the background music. This will help so much more than just the pics provided in the instruction booklet. With HLJ, same here, I just got confirmation that it's being shipped. Whoo hoo! I think I'm gonna be a nerd and say "I've been waiting for you, pretty lady," when I open it!

Gorgeous! It's a real beauty! But, uh, is Isamu missing some feet?

Gorgeous! It's a real beauty! But, uh, is Isamu missing some feet?

I'm probably the minority here, but I actually like the look of the Yamato F.P. For some reason, I keep thinking the fast packs on the S.H.E. seem to look a little off when they ride up that far forward. Not trying to stir up any bad blood, just my $.02

Here's another Forward Swept Wing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-47 This things a beauty too

Wow, that thing's looking better and better with each pic update. Thank god I picked one up at HLJ before their early bird offer expired! Don't know why it's going to take another 8-10 months until the fast packs come though.

Since this is STILL a prototype figure and not the final version, I'm sure Yamato will include it. Understand that it was featured in the CAD drawings, so Yamato definitely knows it should be there. And with their committment to making sure things are 100% accurate, I wouldn't be surprised if the next pics we see of the YF-19 includes them.

Quick question Graham; you wouldn't happen to know if the final version is going to have the shoulder tabs? This is by far the most gorgeous version of the yf-19 I've seen! Please say "Domo Arigato Gozaimasu" to Flex, Haruki Yoshiyama and the Yamato staff for a great job!