mechaninac

Where to start? Different people see different meanings in different things. Your opinions are no more valid than anyone else's. Besides, you seem to think that there is some deep philosophical meaning to a children's show...disturbing to say the least. It's a cartoon! Transformable fighters don't exist, never will! Huge, emotionally retarded aliens don't exist! Get some perspective, will you? Sheesh, how pedantic can one person get over something as meaningless as a this? It's apparent that you just post flame bait, by making ridiculous assertions, in the hopes that someone will refute it, so that you can come out of your hole and strike. Your initial assertion that the numbering of the Valkyrie II, as VF-2SS, flying in the face of the existence of other higher numbered ones, being one of the reasons to dismiss Macross II was such a ridiculous assertion. All I did was point out that the shows have nothing to do with each other, thus there is no valid comparison for the mechanical designs. Macross II, and Macross Plus/Macross 7 are concurrent in that they follow their own development form a common point, mutually exclusive in that they have nothing to do with each other once the split occurs, and valid in they own way because they are just different interpretations. Criticism is one thing, but absolutism is intellectually dishonest. In this light, bringing up Macross Plus to bolster your assertions about Macross II is an auspicious argument. From the very beginning, all I did was offer my opinion, and state it as such; all you've done is try to position your OPINION as superior. I've come to the conclusion that you're, somehow, emotionally incapable of accepting other people's opinions. You seem hell-bent in proving that you're absolutely right and I'm absolutely wrong; that smacks of childish arrogance or zealotry, or both. Thus, let me assuage your over bloated, yet fragile, opinion of your own superiority by saying: "Oh great omniscient Keith, you're right (sic.), and all we mere mortals are wrong, unworthy or comprehending your self aggrandizing, fatuous, narcissistic, imperious intellect." You should hope to never have to swallow that over inflated superiority complex you have as you're liable to end up choking on it. Very few people would come to the rescue on such a pompous ass. As my motto says: a waste (you) is a terrible thing (for me) to mind. You bore me.

I'm expecting to receive mine in a few days...can't wait to evaluate this thing for myself. However, I can already tell, from all the observations brought up thus far, that, although a decent toy, it's not worth the MSRP, or anything near it; perhaps $45-ish would be a more reasonable price. I guess I'll have to wait and see what happens with this release, value retention wise, to gage whether or not I should get the other Alphas at full retail. Like many have stated, I too would welcome a larger (could you imagine an ultra perfect Alpha in 1/24 or 1/18 scale? ) version with better fighter proportions, specially the feet, even though this MPC is, by far, the best sculpted Mospeada Legioss ever created in toy form. I believe that some of the issues are mostly caused by a packaging problems created by the small size of the toy at the chosen scale. I larger toy would give the designers much more freedom to engineer everything without having to compromise as much as is apparent with this one. As for a Beta/Tread, I'll believe it when I see it. Glad you like it . It's far from perfect, best I could do given the available line art, but it does show that Toynami's design team sacrificed the "accuracy/aesthetics" of the Armo-fighter mode in favor to Armo-soldier. Sergio

And so it begins. I can't wait...

Your very assertions that the music gambit used in Macross II is intended only to increase the survivability of the Earth forces bolsters my argument that that was its intent from the very beginning of the OVA. Again, as I've stated before, the Zentradi under the Marduk are pawns; they're even kept in stasis chambers. I never made any comment about Minmey's music being used for indiscriminate killing in the original series or the movie; however, the fact that her songs were not thus used in that time frame, in no way disqualifies their use to gain tactical advantage in a society 80 years removed that has found itself under repeated attacks from an enemy they know to be adversely, at least at first, affected by music. The Earth fleet's action is right on the money...when you have your enemy in chaos, you take advantage; there would be plenty of time to convert any survivors after the battle is won. Again, the matter of available time for the music effect's to change from one of sensory shock to one of emotional enlightenment is paramount. The OVA is six episodes long and the story it chronicles spans a much shorter time span than the original series. The fact that Macross II does not follow the prescribed format of the original is irrelevant inasmuch as they are generations apart. Macross has its story. Macross II, although based on the original for its structure and antagonists, is an original take on an alternate evolution of that society. Again, it's 80 years later, attitudes change. The fact that it takes that track is rather refreshing, and IMO, perfectly valid. Again, your opinion. Wrong. The point of Macross Plus is to bridge the gap between the original Macross series and FB2012, and Macross 7. It shows the development of two competing VF designs, with a love triangle and psychotic computer diva stories thrown in for good measure. M+ has absolutely nothing to do with M2, or M2 with M+. Comparing mecha from those series is utterly pointless. The fact that you can't wrap your mind around that simple fact is rather amusing. Once more, it's a matter of personal opinion. Ignoring some of the more insipient (music converts enemies into allies) aspects of the original Macross is one of the good things about Macross II in my opinion.

It wasn't just culture shock, it was a visceral thing. Weather or not the effect would have worn off quickly is entirely beside the point. I also never made the assertion that it was music, or its effect, that won the war in the original TV series, or DYRL?. In the TV series, and implied in DYRL?, there is a significant amount of time in which the Zentradi commanded by Bretai interact with humanity, and become humanized due to the emotions awakened not only by music but everything else they glean form humanity. Bodolza's fleet, on the other hand, is not affected by this emotional awakening because they were not exposed to the human's influence long enough for it to take hold, and they were just as susceptible to the "music effect", for lack of a better term, as all Zentradi were in the very beginning. Thus they attack human and converted Zentradi alike, just as they were bred to do. This short term "culture shock", as you call it, is at the hart of the Minmey Attack from Macross II: disorient and disorganize the enemy long enough to obliterate them. The problem is that the Marduk counteract this strategy with their emulators. There is also no interaction between humans and the Marduk's Zentradi (remember, in M2 the Zentradi are mere tools, not individuals) to initiate any emotional response in them; the only thing left is the initial impact that music has on their psyche. Snooty rejoinders are inconsequential. Also, I don't remember saying any such thing as the VF-2SS being superior to anything else from Mac + onwards; besides, Macross II has nothing to do with any of the more contemporary series. In the Macross II timeline, the VF-2SS is more technically evolved than the VF-2JA and the much older VF-1, and any other craft fielded in the interim, with the Metal Siren being the proposed replacement for the Valkyrie II. Comparing the VF-2SS with anything other than the VF-1, and maybe the VF-4, is utterly pointless since they don't exist in the same continuity. And the fact that you don't like it does not mean that it is a bad Macross sequel either. It works for what it is, nothing more, nothing less. Some people like Macross II, myself included, some people love Macross II, others are apathetic to or dislike it...and then there are those who apparently loathe it, and anything attached to it, with such vitriolic passion that they feel compelled to denigrate anyone who does not share their opinion.

Uber sweet...my favorite Valkyrie has finally gotten some love. Keep'em coming, I can't wait to see top. bottom, front, and rear views. Are you going to be doing the VF-2SS without the SAP? How about the VF-2JA Icarus? I know....I'm being a pest...

The Tread is definitely bulkier than the Legioss, but not that much taller (battroid). Legioss = 28.7 ft * 1/55 = just under 6.25" (8.75 m * 1/55 = 15.9 cm). Toynami may have tweaked the size up a bit if the 6.5" I've seen quoted is accurate. Tread = 35 ft * 1/55 = just under 7.65" (10.7 m * 1/55 = 19.45 cm) So, at 1/55 scale, a MPC Beta would be no more the 1.5" (3.8 cm) taller than the MPC Alpha, and shorter than even a 1/60 VF-1 which stands at roughly 8.3" (21 cm). IMO, the choice of 1/55 has a lot more to do with scale continuity with the existing MPC Veritech line than with concerns regarding a possible linkable Beta. In any event, an Alpha/Beta, Legioss/Tread, combo would be one of the centerpieces of any collection and well worth having, even in 1/55. Now if they would only lower the MSRP.....

The only fit problem I see with placing the GBP armor on the VF-1D is the heat shield piece. If you look at the 1D, the back pack is the same as other VFs, same arms, same legs and hips; thus, all the pieces should fit. The only differences between the 1D and the 1A, 1J, and 1S are the chest plate (should not prove a problem for the GBP chest armor) and the heat shield piece that comes with the GPB has a slot that corresponds with a peg on the armor (this is the hang-up as this heat shield will not fit the 1D; however, if you leave off the heat shield piece, the armor should be able to just hang over the chest, but it will be floppy). PS: The above is not an endorsement to buy a VF-1D. You should only buy the trainer if you like the design; buying it specifically to mount a GBP is not a good idea. PPS: You've made me curious. I'm going to have to give this a try just to find out if would be possible to mount the GBP on the VF-1D. PPPS: Even if it proves impossible to mount the GBP on the 1D, it still can wear the fast packs, or just sit there unadorned; it's a good looking toy regardless.

Ditto. I'd love to be able to mess around with the VF-4, but I need to have it converted to OBJ, 3DS, or DXF in order for me to open the files in Lightwave. Does anyone know of a shareware/freeware mesh format converter that can handle MAX 5x files?

Like having a VF-19 in Macross Zero??? That doesn't even address my point. In my opinion the VF-2SS is far more advanced than the VF-1 and VF-4, in your opinion it's not. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this point. If you really want to see something that looks totally incongruous with its stated time frame, just look at the VF-0...engines aside, the VF-0 looks far more modern than the VF-1 (I know this has to do with modern aircraft influences, more mature mechanical designing and computer modeling, and higher production budgets, but the fact remains that, aesthetically, the VF-1 looks like a through-back next to the VF-0). That's just it; Macross II is not Kawamori's baby, thus his VF numbering system is not relevant. Stating that a fictitious machine's numbering system does not follow a linear progression that was not really set in stone at the time the OVA was made, in a project that did not include the originator of said system, is not much of an argument...it's nitpicking. You're entitled to nitpick, but I'm not bound to agree with it. That is completely a matter of opinion. The VF-1 design lineage is entirely intentional and I see more of a Patlabor influence than Gundam in the VF-2SS...just take a look at the head. As far as originality goes, there isn't much of it anywhere you look, anime, American cartoons, TV programs, movies, they all borrow from each other and influence each other...a truly original work is like a rare gem. I agree that Kawamori's mechanical creations are fantastic, but even he is guilty of derivative designs, and his genius in no way diminishes the work done on Macross II. IMO the UN SPACY mecha from Macross II are excellent. I'll grant you this one, as haven't seen FB 2012, and used it only as a point or reference. However, if you disregard it, and assume a bifurcation point prior to 2012, than my assertion still stands: "As a sequel to DYRL? only , MII works...". Also, music in Macross has the effect of confusing the Zentradi exactly because it awakens an emotional response in them that is so alien to their existence that it nearly paralyzes them. In Macross II this effect is used as a defensive weapon against renegade Zentradi forces that did not participate in the events of DYRL?, and still roam the galaxy (the theme of other Zentradi armies being a recurring problem for the UN SPACY is even, however unrelated, touched upon in Macross Plus). The "music effect" is also used by the Marduk through their emulators, but in their, case not to influence, convert or defend against, but in order to control and enslave the Zentradi battalions they use as cannon fodder in their mach of conquest. If taken only on its merits, without the baggage of the Macross canon, Macross II can be enjoyable IMO. Again, just a matter of personal opinion. All productions are intended to make a buck, fast & easy or otherwise...no consumption oriented art is ever created for art's sake. Conclusion: different strokes for different folks.

There have been only two films in the past 10 years that made me feel as if I'd been mugged coming out of the theater, Starship Troopers was one, the other was Waterworld. While Waterworld was utterly irredeemable, at least Starship Troopers had cool visual effects, but not cool enough to outweigh the sheer craptastic quality of the scrip, acting, editing (I absolutely hated the "would you like to know more?" bits...it may have worked in the book, but it sucked camel balls in the movie), and the piece de resistance...Verhoven's directing. A stinker tour the force.

I'm sorry, but using VF numbering continuity as a reason for why Macross II does not fit into Macross canon is an irrelevant argument. It is perfectly logical for the Valkyrie II VF-2SS to be much more modern than the higher numbered VF-22, for example. Discrepancies in plane number designations are nothing new; the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers are much more advanced that the much older B-52 Stratofortress, also the F-22 Raptor is a new fighter, whereas the F-100 is a relic. There may be problems with Macross II, and you do a good job at pointing some of them out, but the human mecha are not one of them. IMO, aside from the Metal Siren, MII has some the coolest looking mechanical designs of any of the Macross series. As a sequel to DYRL? only , MII works, if you're able to disregard later series. I consider it more of a tangential story than an alternate universe, as if after FB 2012 there is a split...take door number one and you get MII, take door number two and you get the recognized canon. They are different, yet equally valid, depending on how you look at it.

Second week of August...Where the hell is my Alpha?!!

It's neither. That's a 1/48 tripple change IMAI Mars Base blue Legioss kit sporting a red Legioss's head. The large Gakken is 1/35 and the MPC is 1/55 in scale.

...12.6 inches long in shuttle mode . This thing is going to actually be a pretty big toy; add Yamato's customary box size overkill and shipping and the VB-6's price will fall somewhere between a 1/48 VF-1A,S,J and a VF-1J w/FP ...probably closer to the latter.

The text shows a measurement of 32 cm; is that the battroid height or the overall length in shuttle mode? As for the Lucite blocks...meh, I remember a similar concern with the 1/60 Q'Rau as the prototypes for that power suit were also supported by blocks in most/all pictures. The Koenig Monster does look pretty cool, however, and I'm seriously tempted to get it when it comes out. Now all we need is, at least, a tentative MSRP to give us an idea of how much of a dent this thing will cause in the bank account.

If they made a VF-1D I'd buy it. One of the sticking points of the VF-1D, VE-1, and VT-1 designs is that they are too unique; unlike the other VFs, there are no color variations to help amortize the cost of development and tooling. However, they could get around that somewhat by making not only a VF-1D, for example, in orange and sand like on the show, but also a special edition low vis version...I'd buy THAT in an instant.

Toynami sure runs an amateurish operation, don't they? Well, I guess another couple of weeks won't hurt, too much.

I've done this to my 1/48s also, its a quick mod that enhances the look of the valk's head considerably, akin to panel lining. Here's a quick how-to: 1. Use a No. 11 exacto blade to mark/start the drilling. Just eyeball the center of the cannon and work the blade like a drill. Make a hole big enough to firmly hold the drill for the next operation. The blade gives you much more control than a pin vise and drill. 2. Next comes the drilling. It's best to have three different sizes to work with, a small diameter drill, an intermediate sized drill, and your final barrel bore size. Drilling in three steps is 99.99% guaranteed to eliminate any chance of splitting the gun barrel of your precious 1/48. A quick way to achieve evenly deep holes is to put tape around the drill about 1/8" to 1/4" (your preference, but they should be the same for each drill) from the tip of each drill to act as a depth guide. Work the drills in slowly, giving 3 to 6 turns and backing out to clear the shavings and repeat until you reach your set depth; try to keep them going down concentric to the barrel to avoid punching through the side. 3. Add some flat black paint to the drilled holes and bingo, you're done.

I wouldn't fret over the green Alpha's head sculpt overmuch. The head on the super poseable looked dead-on, so there is no reason to believe that they'd make it inaccurate on a flagship item.

Anime: Haro (MSG & SEED) and Mint (Mospeada). American Cartoons: Orco (80's He-Man). Sci-Fi TV: Tweekie (Buck Rogers) Sci-Fi Movies: Jar-Jar Binks...undoubtedly the lamest, most annoying bag of puke ever to disgrace a screen.

The first is a tequila gunner, or some such, from Dougram; the second one is a drifand Dall form Orguss. Go HERE for a comprehensive list of Revell kits from the Robotech Defenders line. Serge

I second that notion. Anazasi or Takatoys stickers or decals would be THE thing to use; not only are they of superior quality, but you also get to keep the originals intact.