Jasonc

thanks for the compliment. Truth be told, while I've customized 1/55s in the past, most of it was just monkey wrenching what I already had in possession, and then a good paint up. this is the very first project I've done which required the use of making stuff from scratch from styrene, and two part resin. I was pretty nervous about starting up this project just because it looks so intimidating, so my skills aren't that great yet. but practice makes perfect, and I think I'm getting better at this even as I continually work on this project. I will probably do that a few times as I continue to work on this thing. Well, to add an update, I was able to finish the front piece, and even the "propeller" part of the front. Because the propeller blades are so tiny, I had to improvise a bit, and filed down a metal plate I had for something just like this. I think the end result is pretty good, and the connector piece was just put on and fitted to the wing this morning. I still need to add some panel lined to it, but for the most part, the build up is done. Thus, the drop tank is finished. Here are the pics of it.

I've had several of these decals as well, and have a few customs that are about 7 years old, almost 8. I used a tamiya acrylic from a spray, and the Model Master dullcoat, and to this day, the decals have held up well. Wish I could help more, but I wonder if it's just that chemical composition, or just some strange effect of the environment the owner has them in? I've heard of people having different issues with toys, decals, and all that in higher heat and humidity environments, so I can't really say. Doesn't see to be anything you've done though.

While waiting for a scribing set of tools, I decided to work on something a little different than the actual Valkyrie. So, I started working on the drop tanks with the propellers on the wings. I think I'm gonna make just one, and then have it recasted, so I'm putting a lot of work into making this one as straight and clean as possible. I've made this mostly out of styrene, and for the curved rear, I filled it with resin. The harness that attaches it tot he wing will be the cluster missile attachments, since they are a white color as well. Sorry for the poor blurry pics, my camera doesn't take the best pics without the flash. Building the correct sections have given this really good, defined panel lines. I should have the basic shape of the front done tonight, if not, tomorrow. Enjoy. Also, I've been thinking about making these drop tanks as maybe something to recast and sell for those interested. I may also be making additional armaments after this project is done, most based in the Valkyrie profile books, and then even some totally custome ones. Let me know what you guys think and if you'd be interested in that. (Hahaha, I'm derailing my own thread a bit).

I'd prefer the 17 over the 171. the 17 just seems cooler since it's based off a more conventional fighter and it'd be made by Yamato. That said, I would probably still get a 171 as well.

The fairings on that bike look Evil. Can't wait to see it painted up. anybody know what base model it's used from? The fairings on that bike look Evil. Can't wait to see it painted up. anybody know what base model it's used from?

I didn't say it bothered me, but you did ask how one can have a conversation without talking about what works and what doesn't. I merely pointed out that it's quite possible and easy without turning into, as I put it earlier "a bitchfest". I would hope you know the difference, but since you asked the question, I guess you wouldn't. I'm just saying that the fixes that people would want to see and whatnot can be noted, and can stay on topic without the thread turning into a debate of 1/48s vs. 1/60s.

Technically, that's very easy to do without adding the "this is better than that". Also, as for the 1/48s and 1/60s, there isn't anything that doesn't work. Some things for both may not look perfect, but it all works.

somehow, I just knew this would turn into a bitchfest about which scale and toyline is better. If one is gonna call the head placement of the 1/60 "flawed", then so are the placements of the arms and the nose of the 1/48s. The thing is, however, that it's not "flawed". It's simply a design choice. In anycase, neither the 1/60s, 1/48s, or any other scale for that matter, have the toys perfect. IMO, this thread was gonna be a 1/48 vs. 1/60 just by the title alone. How many of these threads have we had?

Wishing is one thing,,, practicality is another. I was one of those that never bothered buying the V.1 1/60s (except for 2 that have long since been sold), and 3 1/48s (that were sold off just as quickly as they were bought). The 1/48s look alright, but they're just too large, and just too bulky for storage, shipping, on and on. I doubt Yamato would ever go back to the 1/48, simply due to the fact that they have put a lot of time and money on the new 1/60s, and don't wanna jeopardize the sale of those. But I do know that for those of you who still are faithful to the 1/48s, it's kinda frustrating. I feel your pain. That's where the customizers come into play.

What is that buffing compound called? I've heard of it, but have never used it, and being that my canopy is scratched up due to work on the kit, I'm definitely gonna need it. I don't know if this has been asked either or mentioned (probably has), what type of paint scheme are you gonna go with?

The only thing I can think of with these guys getting busted, is if they simply recasted an original, and kept on recasting the licensed product, then modded it and sold it. In that case, then they are replicating a bought product. Kinda like if somebody bought a music CD, then made numerous copies of it and sold those copies. That's the only thing I can think of.

Is this foreshadowing of a 17 to come? I certainly hope so.

After some primer, sanding, more resin, and a total refit of the backpack connector, I think it's looking pretty good so far. I still need more work on it, but it seems to look much better than it did before after some more modifications. Here's the latest pics taken about 10 minutes ago. Let me know what you guys think. I'm gonna need a good scribing tool, and a way to make the lines really straight. Anybody ever do that before, and is there a method to making them nice and straight, or is there another tool I can use to do that? You can tell on the back resin that I've tried it with some subpar tools, and it came out kinda bah!

I voted YES, due to the fact that if Yamato does it, it won't look like a balloon head on a toothpick. The paint scheme is pretty good, and it's definitely something different. As for the head sculpt, I have mixed feelings on it. Some pics, like in the actual manga, it usually looks just fine. But then you see that kit, and the calendar, and I think, "WTF???" It's a sculpt that can be very well, or look like garbage. Also, I agree that the canopy should be redone as it is in that lineart. Seems like only a small retooling. JUST DON'T MAKE IT AN EXCLUSIVE!!!

Yesterday I put a fresh coat of primer on the nose and cockpit to see where the imperfections were, and there's a couple that I'll be puttying again to clean it up. I'm also not too happy with the choppy look of the leg connector piece, so I'll make that straight, and post up pics of the progress on that. other than that, I also primered the tail piece, and it looks pretty good. I will be etching in my panel lines soon on that.

Some do from those I know, but the robotech fanatics that are on their own crusade, I doubt. Those are the people I see only pestering them about Robotech. Even at Richard Epcar's band gig at the House of Blues, there was the one fanboy who was only talking about Robotech to Richard. I was thinking "Geez, this guy is playing a show in 30 minutes, and the only thing you can think or want to talk to him about is a damn cartoon? I felt bad for richard, and luckily, the group of us showed up with Steve Kramer, who did the VA for Angelo Dante in southern Cross and also did a lot of writing for robotech, and he was able to pull Richard from that, as well as have a round of drinks with us. But going back to your question, I don't think they give a rat's @ss about what other work they do. It seems that for all they care, that VA could be homeless and starving, and all they'd be concerned with was asking them about Robotech. It's strange, but that's how it comes off sometimes from them.

I think there was a model kit, but it's not the same scale, IIRC. I painted mine up, and it looks damn good with the right colors on it. I'd love to do one of the tan figures, but I just can't seem to find any. None on ebay, none anywhere. My figure was the green/blue one, so I painted him Kamjin's t.v. colors and used the Kamjin helmet. That's just the costume that was shown in what, episode 13? From the 1/60 size of these Zentraedi, to the 1/60 costume that Max wore, the difference is all that anime magic.

LMAO!!! That was funny. If the MW con will be this year, I hope to see the licensed one up close. I hope to have one done before then so I can compare. I know there's a guy who had one made long ago, and saw that at the con last year.

Congrats man, good find. And that, right there is definitely the best Minmay figure to date IMO. Someone should design a T.V. dress for it.

I understand that, I was just asking who you were referring to by "Robotech haters"? In your post mentioned before, you said Robotech lovers and haters. I can see the people who love Robotech beyond their own lives to get bent outta shape, but are the "haters" Macross fans? If so, I haven't seen anyone come even remotely undone about that. I think the one thing fans need to wake up to, is the fact that these voice actors aren't fanboys and girls over the stuff they do. They may like one more than another, but they aren't posting on rt.com boards asking what the LAM is going to be about, or when. They're not petitioning for Southern Cross toys, and they aren't giving praise and worship to HG. If RT fans would realize that they're just normal people hustling for work, then maybe they wouldn't be so trumped over why a good VA like Richard didn't mention Robotech. As for the RT25 dinner, I was there, and I've been to several other functions where Richard, Tony Oliver, and several other well known VAs have been. They're great people, but sometimes when they're around other Robotech fans, I've seen those fans only talk Robotech to them. I'm sure somewhere deep down, although they'd probably never admit it, they get a little annoyed at only having a one dimensional conversation. It's why when I talk with them, I make it a point to not bring up Robotech. In doing that, you open up a whole new world of things you may have in common with someone, and get to know them on a personal level. Just my opinion there, but if I was in their shoes, I'd find it refreshing to see a fan talk about regular topics of conversation, and ask about how the family is doing, and when the next poker game is, and what type of drink do I like, shaken or stirred, ya know?

Great find. Hope you didn't pay too much for it. Everytime I see them on ebay, they're over $1K. Were you able to get the Chinese dress for it? Mine is nicely packed away, but hoping one day to display her in her own glass display.

even with the money in hand, I just can't justify this expense. I did get in contact with a 1/6 scale collector who also does custom clothing, and sent them the pics of this. She said she could do it, just waiting on a price for it. she also uses a latch system for the clothes, so no annoying zipper the size of my jeans. I'll probably have to lend one of my 1/60 valks.

HG also buys and sells films from what I understand, although, I don't quite fully know, or care to know, at what capacity. Most of it is in foreign films, if I'm not mistaken. But real estate is also the real money maker. How are RT haters being paranoid over this? I see nothing wrong with his interview. Like people have said, he played two supporting characters in Robotech, and did some behind the scenes work and another supporting voice in rtsc. That's a lot less in comparison to his co-starring roles in Ghost in the Shell, Lupin, and a ton of video games and other characters in many more recent anime. I'd say to whomever is getting pissy about that interview to grow a pair, and get off the "Robotech is the be all, end all" bit. That kind of bitching and moaning only makes them look like a complete ass in a handbag.

When I bought 2 of these kits, I orginally was gonna do some paint up customs with them, and that was it, but because they are in pieces, it gives a builder/customizer the chance to see what and how these things are made. I couldn't just sit and put a regular kit together, so, as it stands now, I'm doing a Platypus VEA-1 custom, and the other will probably be a Minmay guard, so I can finally say I have one. I like the canopy, and how shiny it is. Is there a site or link you have where I can get the solution to buff it up like that? I can't wait to see the finished product here, as it's looking really good. Nice job, keep up the great work.

If re-selling for a profit was an issue, then collectors would be jailed too, for buying stuff as a collector, then reselling it to make a buck off of the merchandise. Perhaps it's more the advertising of Toei's product, and was not listed as such, but as their own created piece? I don't know, but still, if it happened in this country, I'd counter sue for wrongful imprisonment.