Skull Leader

I'm impressed. That's a particularly small model, but as near as I can see, you've managed to make it work without any compromises! If you succeed, you may have to recast your custom parts and sell them to everyone else!

(this is not a problem post... please see the pinned problem post if you have a problem with your Yamato valkyries) I was comparing differences between my Hikaru 1S, low vis, and my cousin's original Hikaru VF-1A. I knew that the original 1A was the first run with the Hikaru S falling as the "end result"-"problems fixed" version. But I noticed something about the low vis... although it features all of the "max-plus" improvements, it features the older-style non-curved headrest. I'm trying to establish the "block" numbers for the production runs and here's what I've come up with. If this works out, it may allow us to use a common terminology when referring to certain types of Yamatos. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Block 1 (original heavily flawed production run) -Hikaru Ichijo VF-1A -Roy Focker VF-1S Block 2 (Fixed cockpit gap, better flaps/nosecone/airbrake, skulls aligned) -Max Jenius VF-1A -Low Visability VF-1A (featured special Macross-Zero pilot) Block 3 (All fixes, plus updated-curved headrest) -Hikaru Ichijo VF-1A (Reissue) -Roy Focker VF-1S (Reissue) Block 3.5 (Same as above, but featuring new (better) Pilot) -Hikaru Ichijo VF-1S Block 4 (As above, featured TV style hands and pilots) -Hikaru Ichijo VF-1J Super -Max Jenius VF-1J Super -Milia Jenius VF-1J Super Block 1 -Super/Strike Valkyrie Parts (DYRL versions) Block 2 -Super Valkyrie Parts (TV series versions) *Not available separately* ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- toy nitpickers, feel free to fire away on this... I want to know, is it accurate? If something varies from this, I'd love to know about it *edited for corrections*

I too have been wondering about the problem with the low-vis paint. What have been some other responses to this? Would a basic flat clearcoat save it? I don't want to detract seriously from the value, but I refuse to leave it in it's box either. I haven't transformed it yet, and I'm careful to hold it in the same spots every time (and as gently as possible), but I rather admire the weathering work they've done on it, and I don't want to ruin it.

Richard Harris (Dumbledore) was the only one replaced. Synch, it's probably the BEST in terms of being a standalone movie (IMHO). There's not much in the way of downtime (I thought the first two movies suffered from a serious case of "get on with it" syndrome). All of the key events from the book are in the movie (and nothing large and deliberate happens that ISN'T in the book). Basically, if you go in expecting it to "loosely" follow the book, you'll be ok. Expect it to be like the first one (which I believe was recorded of leaving only around 7 pages of the book out), you'll be dissapointed. Go see it! It's a different twist, but mayhap it'll be for the better! Ladic, all of the previews I saw were pretty much a waste of time (I mean c'mon... someone liked "Princess Diaries" enough to make a SEQUEL?!) There was a preview for a CG Christmas movie due out this fall (with a VERY well computer-drawn Tom Hanks)... it looked remotely interesting for the animation, but the story didn't catch me. "The Aviator" was nowhere to be found.

They hacked the book up pretty seriously in this one (it deviates the most from any of them so far), but as a movie, I have to say it was the best. I've always loved Gary Oldman's acting (see "Immortal Beloved" or "5th Element" for some of his other work), and I was excited to see him here. The only real thing I could see that I thought destroyed the story was the fact that they're already alluding to a possible attraction between Ron and Hermione, when in the books the first spark of Ron's interest doesn't show up until after the dance in book #4. The new Dumbledore IS seriously subpar. The only person who could've probably filled Sir Richard Harris' shoes in this role is (ironically enough) Ian McKellen (a.k.a. "Gandalf") The minimal amount of Quidditch was also regrettable, but it didn't detract from the movie too bad. Although VASTLY different from previous installments, I thought John Williams did an excellent job on the movie score. I loved the movie-specific wisecracks they added in. Although cheesy as they usually are, I think it was just enough. The director had some issues, but I WILL say this in his defense. Unlike the last guy, he spent a great deal LESS time showing panoramic facial shots (ok, Harry was awed at his new situation and environment in the first one, but by #2, I'd say he was taking it for granted) LOL, Emma Watson is gonna be a hottie someday when she grows up, I just imagine it.

Yeah, this gets brought up pretty regularly, and gets smacked down half as often by the mods (which is as it should be... this gets discussed too oftem), It's a good idea before posting any questions about ANYTHING macross related to use the search function to research it. If it's macross, you can bet we've discussed it.

I would reccomend you head over to Robotech.com. Robotech gets a chilly reception at best on this website. You'll probably find everything you're looking for there! Good luck!

If anime culture in Japan goes down with all hands, they will have brought it upon themselves by seeking out cheaper labor in other nations. I would mourn the loss of such a culture, but it sadly seems to be a trend.

Toynami 1/55 (MPC): 0 Bandai 1/55: 1 (Jetfire) Bandai 1/65: 1 (Firevalkyrie) Bandai 1/72 (HCM): 0 (Melissa, wanna sell me one of yours? ) Bandai 1/100: 0 takatoku 1/55: 2 (Max/Cannon Fodder) Yamato 1/60: 4 (Hikaru 1A,1J/Max 1a, Roy 1S) Yamato 1/48: 2 (Hikaru 1S-*with strike armor*, low vis) Yamato 1/72: 1 (VF-11)

that just looks cool as hell I can't wait to see how this turns out!

Well, they may get a more direct earpiece as to what US Consumers think about Macross products. Beyond that, who knows?

Call me a pessimist (I believe I owe someone a house on this board ), but I think they're through with the 1/48 line. (at least, I hope so) It's my hope that they'll move away from the VF-1 and start producing things like the VF-4 or VF-17 (D&S models). A VF-3000 crusader or VF-5000 Star Mirage would also be cool. I've given up hope for a VF-2SS Space Valkyrie.

I thought the F-2 WAS a Fighting Falcon, just with a more advanced engine? Hey, the first Iron Eagle movie was pretty cool, it's just the sequels that sucked!(killing off the lead character at the beginning of the second one, only to bring him back for some really F-ed up other sequel...)

Yeah, if it weren't for the drag issue, that Hornet would completely own the skies with that many AMRAAMs.... that's pretty insane.

you can order soundtrack CDs from GameMusic.com. they have Original soundtracks for numerous games (although many are out of print). You can also nail a fair number of anime soundtracks here too (yes, many old Macross SNDTRKs are listed, and yes.. they're all out of print) I get most of mine from surfing ebay.... just about the only place to find some of it.

I've got virtually every Castlevania CD ever made (at least 7, I think I have , so I know I have all of the Castlevania 1,2,3 BGMs.... unfortunately I'm sitting on a dial-up connection I also have a great many Final-Fantasy CDs (earlier stuff, not just FF8-on music, although I have that too) I've got an MP3 of the "Double Dragon" arcade them, but that's the only one....lol, I even have 2 MP3s from the original Nintendo "Rygar"... Old zelda stuff is VERY hard to come by... hell a lot of it is. I'd love to get stuff from "Guardian Legend", Afterburner II (if I could find just ONE version of "The final takeoff" without those stupid yamaha keyboard improv additions, I'll die a happy man), Herzog Zwei, Wing Commander I&2, and so on....

man, both versions of the JSF are ugly as hell (except from above, that's kind of cool). 2 things: (1) where are the thrust-vectoring ports on the STOVL version? (2) the STVOL version doesn't just have sucky rear visability... has ZERO rear visability... always a "good" thing on a dedicated fighter... oh well, they could hire ex-Crusader and Corsair II pilots who would feel right at home in those things.

If they've got the domain names for all of the original works (plus the Macross sequels) bought out, they obviously think they've got something going, or at least are anticipating it.

Melissa, I believe the gun could be spring loaded (a very powerful spring), or possibly a light rail-gun-type dispenser could shoot it out. Possibly even steam driven (the pictures in my TIAS book show lots of steam around the gun as it shoots out)

amen. I'd also make a plea to the moderators to possibly close this topic before it gets any further out of hand

I'm telling you I would use force to fight force because that's the way it works. Military OR police. Let me fill you in a little on police policy when it comes to authorization of "lethal force" (at least, as Arkansas state law allows it, and I'm almost %100 certain it's the same in the military). If someone pulls a gun on you or anyone else in the immediate area, use of lethal force is authorized. There is the possibility that they intend to unlawfully end someone's life and they are to be stopped (by ending THEIR life if need be). At any point in time that the officer feels like his or someone elses life may be in danger, they are authorized to shoot. In the case of a fake gun, if it looks real enough from the distance the officer is standing, the authorization stands. It doesn't matter and you have no way of knowing. Yes, there will be extensive investigations on situations like that, but %95 of the time, the officer is off the hook. Sure, argue the possibility, but it could be that someday an officer (or soldier for that matter) might save your whining ass because you didn't know well enough to defend yourself (at home OR on the street... concealed carry permits are easy enough to obtain)... if it was on my beat? Considering the way you're acting, I'd consider just looking the other way if it weren't for oaths I've taken. You talk of owning firearms to defend against "phantom enemies" that may appear or not... would you take that chance? If you knew owning a gun might save your spouse's or children's someday, doesn't that mean something? How can you sit there and criticize a veteran for "not knowing crap"??? Not everyone is a mindless drone that knows only what they are told you know... My grandfather went to Vietnam no less than 6 times. He knew it was a losing battle, but he believed in the cause of providing democracy to a nation torn by civil war... and regardless of what you or I think... HE thought it was worth going over there for. He was only required to go once... he VOLUNTEERED to go the other times. He was very well connected to the reasons for being there. (this, of course, discounts government conspiracy theories, which hold no place in this argument) You've said one thing right his whole conversation. The day may come when we need to seek out a peaceful alternative to a violent conflict. However what you've yet to see is that violent conflicts are very much a part of our lives and they aren't going anywhere soon. It is very much in our nature to fight (if need be) to defend or promote ideals in which we believe. What you propose isn't going to happen anytime soon (if ever), so it is.. again, a FANTASY.

I'll tell you what Keith.... the next time I make a traffic stop and the guy pulls a gun on me, I'll be sure and start singing to him. That's the only way I'll ever make it out alive, right? WRONG. He just put his life contract up for sale and I intend to close it out. How can you possibly sit there and tell me (basically) that if you were standing face-to-face with a guy pointing a gun at you that you wouldn't shoot him? It's either him or you, and you can be damn sure he's going to do his best to insure it's HIM. Just like if I were in that situation (and I have been once now), no questions asked... if I have my way, it's gonna be ME. You've got issues man... I've always thought so, but I never realized how bad until now. The fanboy outlook on situations like this are nothing... NOTHING compared to the real thing. It's a damn cartoon. Quit worshipping it. Yes, there may always be somebody stronger, but do you sit down and whine? No... YOU GET A BIGGER GUN.

Welcome to Macrossworld! Takatoys decals are far better than the stock Yamato decals. They're a lot thinner, so they mold to the toy better (as so not to peel off). Short of finding someone who can sell/give you another cover (check with MW member "Neova"), there's not much you can do for the missing cover... those aren't a very big deal though. I can't help you much on the paint, but the painted sections on my 1/48 haven't had any problems... so I would think it to be very strong.

Ahhh, welcome to the fold Certainly a good club to be a member of (some of us are more... "enthusiastic" in our membership than others *eyes Godzilla*, but that's ok, because then shmucks like myself can buy 1/48s from them )

Wasn't the F-105 or F-106 (can't remember which) also known as the "wild weasel"?