Sturmvogel

Bandai Re-issues: 2 VF-1A CF 1 VF-1A Hikaru 2 VF-1S Super 1 VF-1S Roy 2 VF-1J Hikaru 1 VF-1J Max 1 VF-1J Miria 1 Bandai Jetfire Grand Total: 11

My first valk was a "Macres" VF-1J. I guess it was (and is) 1/100 scale. I got it around '82 or '83 when I was in Brooklyn NY with my grandfather when we walked by a street vendor with a table full of Japanese toys. At the time, I never heard of Macross, but I thought the design was the coolest thing invented (I was into planes and Japanense robots, so it was the perfect combination). I played with the thing for years, thinking that it came from a Japanese cartoon called "Macres". I still have it in a box with the other valkyries I managed to find over the next 20 years...a few Converters and the Jetfire, which quickly became my favorite collectible. One of these days, I'll dig out my old "Macres" valk and put it next to my Low Viz for a comparison photo!

That article is hilarious. I still have a couple of "Converters" in a box somewhere at home. I even have a Skull One Convertor, which was a bad guy (like the SDF-1). I'll post some pics once I dig it out...

Whatever you do, don't force the backpack! I snapped the backpack hinge on my Low Viz the first time transforming it because I tried to force it to be parallel with the back plate (like a 1/60). I can't help you with the Fast Pack because I don't have one yet, but I wanted to make sure you don't go through the painful event of watching your valk's backpack fall to the floor...

1/72 = 3 1/60 = 5 1/48 = 3 Edit 12/29/03 - Got a few Yammies for Christmas

I would think you'll be getting it soon. The last thing I ordered (parts for my Low Viz) from HLJ took only 10 days for SAL shipping (I live in central PA).

I voted Macross 7 too. I'd love a VF-22S.

Just an update on my Low Viz backpack hinge, which broke during the first time I transformed it. I know others have had a similar problem (I just can't find the thread). I just received my replacement parts from HLJ for my Low Viz backpack hinge via SAL. From the time I ordered until the time I received the parts only took about 2 weeks...not bad! Anyway, I ordered replacement parts BP7 and BP8, and I received the entire backpack hinge assembly, including BP7, BP8, BP9, and BP10. Bonus! The only tricky part about replacing the broken backpack hinge was prying BP11 from the backpack (so you can take apart the backpack). You need a very thin tool (I used a small Swiss Army knife), and be very careful. The result after putting in the new parts: it's as good as new! IMHO, it's much better than attempting to glue it, and it only cost about $20 for the parts including shipping!

The limp wrist fix is here.

Can't wait until those shine embarkation machines are released. My valks on display are getting a bit dusty.

As most of you already said: 1. Provide an extra set of non-articulated hands 2. Don't make the nose cone detachable 3. Strengthen the backpack hinges 4. No movable flaps (sorry to say I like to play with my 1/48, and the movable flaps are just annoying IMO) I only have a Low Viz (so far), so I can't make any comments about the 1S head.

I'm curious about the glue as well. I tried super glue also and it didn't work. You might want to try J-B Weld. It's industrial strength, but a bit messy to work with because you have to mix it before applying. I'll be trying that if my parts don't arrive.

I broke the backpack hinge the first time I transformed my 1/48 Low Viz. I guess I got too anxious to see it in battroid mode!

Ditto on the backpack hinge. I wish I read this forum and Graham's review before attempting to transform mine!

BBTS, HLJ, Treasure Island Sports, all of which had top notch customer service. I also went to Image Anime while in NYC. Neat little store, with good customer service to boot.

May I know how much the parts cost you? I was thinking of ordering a heat shield for customs, but didn't want it to cost me an arm or leg. BP7 and BP8 were 1000 yen each, plus 480 yen for shipping for SAL (I live in the US). That's about $21USD total. I ordered the original Low Viz from HLJ and it cost about $30USD for shipping EMS. It only took 5 days to get to me from the day the order was placed, but I thought I'd try SAL this time to save some money.

I'm not sure if this helps, but I just ordered replacement parts 5 days ago for my Low Viz last week from HLJ, and I just received notice today that they are shipping today! They were replacement parts for the backpack joint. If the parts actually were sent, those guys are lifesavers! Anyway, I just followed the instructions on this page.