mechaninac

One possible consequence I can infer, according to some articles I've read, is that the increased particle density within the solar system itself, and, more significantly, between the Sun and the Earth, could have the effect of reducing the amount of solar radiation bathing our planet and causing global temperatures to drop a couple of degrees. It has been suggested that the last ice age (circa 10000 years ago) was partially caused by our crossing an interstellar cloud akin to what we're now, apparently, entering. However, since our sun has been going through a "hot spell" over the last decade and a half which increases the total solar radiation striking Earth, which is the main unmentioned reason for the slight global temperature elevation recorded over the last 7-10 years, the likely scenario is that the two effects will cancel each other out. So much for the "global warming" zealots out there. The most likely effects, therefore will be light shows at night, increase in satellite damage, and a lot of frustrated deep field astronomers who'll have their view of the cosmos slightly obscured.

I just got confirmation from Twin Moons that mine has been shipped and I should get it around the 24th...I can't wait. This thing will look really good displayed next to my 1/100 destroids, Regult, VF-1S and VF2-SS models.

Brave-valk. Would something like that wear a kilt and carry a wicked early claymore?

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The BSG reincarnation reminds me of another good show that unfortunately was never given a fair chance to find an audience...Space: Above and Beyond. Both shows share the same "realistic", subdued, feel to the space FXs: no garish colors, somewhat believable fighter flight physics, low sound effects in the space shots, gritty textures, lack of wiz bang energy weapons, and that "you're there" combat cameramen shooting style. Like many, I still have a few quibbles with some of the characters (Ex.: Starbuck) and characterizations; and the background music leaves much to be desired, though it sort of matches the mood of the new show, when compared to the excellent score of the original that had a more adventurous and epic feel to it. The original, minus most of Galactica 1980, will always be one of my favorite sci-fi shows of all time, dated as it is today, it's still an enjoyable romp. And the new one, based on what I've seen so far, promises to be another immediate classic.

. I doubt very much if someone geeky enough to buy Star Wars comdoms would ever get to use them.

I think you answered your own question with that statement. Lowest common denominator stuff always gets released in a hurry in order to capitalize on the baser entertainment appetites of the dumb masses .

Feel free to use your tax refund as you see fit; however, I like EXO's advice best: pay off debt. One more piece of advice: if you get a large refund, you should consider changing your W4 to increase your exemptions. While a fat refund may look good, it means that you over paid and the government got to use your cash interest-free for an entire year...not a good return on investment in my book.

Great ! I tought I was nuts. The only obstacle would heve been the cockpit I guess, had he designed the VB-6 that way. Have you stopped to consider that you both may be nuts? I finally broke down and placed an order with Twin Moons; the more I follow this thread the more I feel that this toy is one of those I just can't pass up...my wallet is staring daggers at me right now.

(puts on the cynic's "insensitive" hat) There is hope...her character is supposed to have a terminal malignancy of some sort, so she may not be a long term character, and we'll be spared her annoying countenance. (removes the insensitive cynic hat).

So that would make the ship scale fall in between 1/60 and 1/48 (I don't have the specs for the drop ship to figure out the correct scale figures)...either way I can see it sharing room with my Yammie Valks.

Ouch...math, physics...my head hurts!

I assume that their quality would be at least as good as Hasbro's "action fleet" line, but probably a little better given Joyride's 1/18 (and larger) scale bikes...those are very well detailed. "Lowdown" is a Sci-Fi channel gimmick; it's an introduction to the mini-series and/or the series with cast and crew interviews and some behind the scenes stuff.

Hell, I'll make the room; that's just too awesome to pass up.

As vt102 pointed out a few pages back, not only is Konami coming out with very nice trading figures, but Joyride will aslo be releasing original BSG ships with some since gimmicks and articulated figures; SEE HERE.

The all black scheme makes it look like a special opps craft, doesn't it?

According to what little information is available in the article it will be in Aoshimas's "Shin Seiki Gokin" series with an unstated die cast content...it's a toy. Saw-eet! I've been waiting forever to get my hands on something like this...tentative May release...can't wait.

Yes, the curse of vakaholism...you get a strange sense of euphoria with each new aquisition, sort of like hypoxia; friends and family start to look at you funny and wonder what's wrong with you; and your wallet runs screaming to the hills in a desperate state of panic.

Cyclone MPCs...could Toynami pull these off and make them come out well? I'm sure they could; as has been pointed out, there has been improvement between the Veritech MPCs and the Alphas (if only they had thought out their materials choices and placement a little better and employed competent assembly and QC personnel, the little Alphas would've been true "master pieces"). Will Toynami create worhy representations of the ride armors? Other than the sculpt's appearance, probably not. Their track record leads me to believe that they would still use poor grade plastics, and decide to use metal in unwise locations that would make the toy floppy and prone to falling over, or so stiff in critical areas that it would be very fragile; and, of course, there is their abismal QC to consider. With all the above in mind, there are few positive consequences from a Toynami attempt at making Cyclones: 1. Even if they don't live up to expectations (or their absurd price tags ), they'd be new items for Mospeada fans to enjoy, even if only as "DO NOT EVER TOUCH" displays pieces. 2. We'd get representations of all the ride armors, not just the mospeada. 3. The posability of the character figures is bound to be much better than the Gakken's, and they may actually be able to straddel the bikes. 4. The introduction of new Cyclones will likely drive down the price of the old Gakkens and Heshin Robos, at least for a little while, thereby giving everyone who does not own an copy a chance to get one at a more reasonable price. 5. More toys of bikes that transform into battle armor is always a good thing, even if they turn out to be quirky at best. Just my 2 cents.

Abandon all hope all ye who aquire a first 1/48 Valk, for it shall not be thy last. Congratulations and welcome to the club.

I'm glad nobody was killed, but man what a waste...idiotic bureaucratic inertia will do it every time.

Here we go again... I'm severely tempted to get this toy...

Here's what I'd like to see made as mass produced styrene kits...quick, incomplete list: 1/72 VF-11 (any variant except Maxl) by Hasegawa 1/72 VF-4 (any variant) by Hasegawa 1/72 VF-17 (any variant) by Hasegawa 1/72 VF-5000 by Hasegawa 1/72 VF-2SS by Hasegawa 1/72 VF-2JA by Hasegawa 1/72 destroids by Hasegawa And for a non anime item I'd love to see Bandai do the Akira class Starship in the same scale as their E kit (1:1700). I won't hold my breath on any of these ever seeing the light of day...I'd surely die of asphyxiation; but it's fun to dream...

That's to be expected, since the same thing happened with the VF-1s when Yamato first hit the market. Technically the MPCs are not reissues; but you're right, the influx of new (better?) Alphas/Legioss will have a depressive impact on the vintage stuff.

For stripping paint off a model (enamel or acrylic makes no difference) without harming the plastic (polystyrene is specially sensitive to thinners and will become very brittle) I've had good results using spray-on oven cleanes such as 'Easy Off'. Just make sure to put all parts to be stripped into a non-leaking plastic bag and completely coat all parts in it, then close the bag and let sit for at least an hour. Most, if not all, of the paint will come right off and the plastic will be good as new; any minor areas that still have paint can be cleaned by repeating the process or by using small amounts of thinner with a hard bristle brush...I find that a toothbrush usually works quite well. Most important if using the 'Easy Off' method is to work in a well ventilated area and avoid breathing in any vapors; the stuff is an extreme irritant and will have you gagging in no time flat if inhaled. Cheers!