grogall

Finally found my favorite rendition of the ATM-09-ST (Space Assault) unit, wich was a cover from a wave kit! Thought I'd share it! (Very Large)

Hobby Japan Web has another interview with the production team working on the Hi-Metal R V.O.T.O.M line! I ran it through google translate and posted it here! Special Diorama No. 2 Fierce Battle!! Red Shoulders vs. Blood Suckers Following on from our last post, we've photographed the HI-METAL R VOTOMS diorama exhibited at "TAMASHII NATION 2024." We're bringing you exclusive shots only available from Hobby Japan. This diorama is based on "Armored Trooper VOTOMS: The Last Red Shoulder," the first and still-popular OVA in the "Armored Trooper VOTOMS" series, and depicts the underground facility that is Joran Pailsen's base. The diorama base measures a massive 50cm wide, 50cm high, and 60cm deep. Inspired by the battle that unfolds there, we've included two Scopedogs, the Turbo Custom and the Blood Sucker. By adding perspective to the background, this massive diorama exudes both depth and tension. The second HI-METAL R special diorama for "Armored Trooper Votoms"! Bringing you the thrilling battle between the Bloodsuckers and the Turbo Custom with special new footage! Plus, developer comments have arrived! Q. How did the decision to commercialize the HI-METAL R Bloodsucker come about? A. The first release, the HI-METAL R Scope Dog Red Shoulder Custom, was well received by customers, which led to the release of the HI-METAL R Bloodsucker. Normally, once the Red Shoulder Custom was released, a rival mecha would follow, but the Red Shoulder Custom didn't have an AT equivalent to the rival mecha. So, when the second release was decided to be the HI-METAL R Scope Dog Turbo Custom, the Bloodsucker was also decided. It took longer from announcement to commercialization than the Turbo Custom, but we've been able to use that time to refine the design and mechanism. Q. The Bloodsucker is set to be a heavyweight, how did you decide on its size? A. We knew the height ratio would be quite large, so we took advantage of the non-scale design and started with the premise of making it larger than the Turbo Custom, aiming to achieve a size that was close to the image in the film. However, the Bloodsucker has tighter design lines around the cockpit than the TV version of the AT, and due to the constraints of fitting an action figure inside, we needed to maintain a certain size. As a result, we were able to achieve the image size in the film while adhering to the size ratio image. Comparing "HI-METAL-R-Bloodsucker" to Turbo Custom ▲Next to "HI-METAL R Scope Dog Turbo Custom" (left). The difference in height and weight between the mid-class and heavyweight models is immediately clear. Q. Were there any challenges in sculpting it? A. I'm not sure whether the shape of the Bloodsucker's head is round or trapezoidal when viewed from the front. This has long been interpreted differently, and in HI-METAL R, there is a slight fold, but since it's an advanced version of the Scope Dog, we made it round. Additionally, a hole was originally drilled in the dent in the right front skirt, but it was sealed after it was discovered that it didn't look good in action poses. Other measures taken included making the thighs inside the skirt as thick as possible and angling the forearm cuffs, paying particular attention to the overall silhouette to recreate the powerful standing pose from the design drawing. Q. Are there any selling points in terms of gimmicks? A. This time, we've added an interesting gimmick: when you push in the pipe at the top of the mission pack, the chest hatch lifts up slightly. This eliminates the need to pull the hatch up to open and close it in Bloodsucker, making it easier to play with. Also, the design drawing for the inside of the head features a trapezoidal monitor on the front side. If we recreated this, the monitor would get in the way when the camera visor was pulled up, blocking the pilot's view, so we've added a movable gimmick to the monitor as well. A new pilot figure, Epsilon, is included. Its body shape matches that of existing Chirico figures, so you can display them side by side.が、真偽のほどは、やはりもう典です。 English: In addition, the arms have the same shoulder extension mechanism and elbow bendability as the Scopedog, and the ankles have a joint mechanism that surpasses the Scopedog's, allowing the soles of the feet to touch the ground even when the legs are spread wide, so I hope you will check it out for yourself. Q. Were there any difficulties in incorporating the gimmick? A. In the movie, he fires an arm punch, but there are no concept art, so I had to look at the movie to see how it moved. However, the screen is dark and the Bloodsucker is black, so it was difficult to tell even when the screen was brightened, so I interpreted it as a gimmick that further expanded on the structure that could be read from the screen. Q. Two heavy machine guns are included. A. There are two concept art for the heavy machine gun, so I included both. The magazines are swappable. Also, in terms of coloring, the Bloodsucker is set to be an advanced version of the Scopedog, so I thought it would be better to use the same color scheme for the machine gun, so I made some adjustments. Although it wasn't done in the movie, the heavy machine gun can be held in both hands. *ooops it's an older interview from 30 January 2025, but still interesting since people are just now receiving there Hi-Metal R Bloodsucker

Cool! At least you get one and Mandarake checks if the content is ok anyway! I'm sure you'll like the Mech!

By the way did you ever get your Bloodsucker from Mandarake?

How was the availability of the two "Fantasy" GBP's that Yamato released? Where the retail or specials? Sadly I couldn't find the post on them in the forum... These and the corresponding Valk's aren't based on anything in the Tv show while this at least still mimics the regular GBP-1S but with different colours Picture from @jenius @ anymoon.com....

Nice pictures! Did you make the smoke effects yourself? Do you have any of the other Hi-Metal R votom figures or just the ATM-09 (STTC)?

Maybe they will retool the line and bring them up to the Hi-Metal R "Votoms" quality and make the best versions out there..... someday! 🤔

Hobby Japan Web has also added images of the Hi-Metal R Scopedog which will be released in February showing some of the changes in the joints! Example... Old: New: I will leave the images there since the unit only has small changes...

I guess you thought's where positive lately! 😉

Hobby Japan Web Has several new articles on the Hi-Metal R "FATTY" showing extensive features of the joints, Hatches, Legs, as well as the weapons that are included with the B•ATM-03 "FATTY" So let's look at all the optional parts for HI-METAL R Fatty! This time, we'll be using a prototype close to the final product, showcasing accessories and internal mechanisms that we weren't able to show last time. It's been revealed that the kit includes weapons like a G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher and G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun, as well as the impressive work arm seen in the film. Of course, the "FATTY" itself boasts a wide range of mobility, allowing for a variety of poses, and the large vernier on the back can also be freely moved. It also includes a Balarant soldier that can ride in the cockpit. In the TV anime "Armored Trooper Votoms," the Fatty serves as the Balarant Army's main AT. In addition to the main body, the HI-METAL R kit includes optional parts like the G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher and G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun, and Cutter Claw working the wiring of Battleship X, as well as a Balarant soldier pilot figure. This set allows you to recreate every scene from the series. The Fatty is said to have been developed after studying captured Scopedogs, but its landing system differs from that of the Gilgamesh Army's ATs in that its legs extend forward. In HI-METAL R, the unique accretion pose can be recreated using the built-in mechanism. Let's take a closer look at the transformation process. First, have the figure sit with the joint axis at the base of the legs swung forward. At this time, stretch both legs out in front of you. Even in this position, it can still sit stably. Deploy the landing joint parts from the exterior of the thighs and lower legs. By moving the panel-like thigh parts inside, you can create space for the landing joint parts to move. By raising the landing joint parts into the space created by the panel parts and bending the lower legs, Fatty's distinctive landing pose is achieved. Double die-cast hinge parts can be seen inside the abdomen. By deploying these, dynamic waist movement is possible. It's also very durable. Includes the Cutter Claw used to burn the wiring of the Battleship X's control system in episode 31 of the TV series. Attach it by replacing the hand parts. The wrists of the Cutter Claw can rotate, and the second and third joints of the fingers move. The G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher, features a gimmick that allows you to remove the magazine. By holding the gun and magazine on Fatty, you can recreate loading and unloading scenes. The G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun's beautiful pale green color matches the B•ATM-03 "FATTY" itself. The scope can be moved to the position of Fatty's head camera. The G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun's foregrip can be moved to the side, and the pistol grip can be moved down. To allow for these to be held in both arms, the Fatty's arms are equipped with sliding mechanisms. Viewed from the side, the bold structure of the upper and lower torso is evident, connected only by built-in hinges. To wield the large G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun with both hands, the sliding mechanisms at the base of the arms, as well as the elbow and wrist joints, allow for complex facial expressions. The articulation mechanisms built into the torso. Utilizing the internal mechanism of the torso, we created a tense pose in which the figure is firing while looking through the scope of the G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun with the head camera. Also, please take a look at the clear parts on the muzzle. In previous features, we've introduced the wide range of motion of the "HI-METAL R Fatty," but this time we'll provide a visual look at the joint mechanisms built into the figure. Also, pay attention to the structure of the rear vernier. The sliding mechanism at the base of the arm, the retractable mechanism at the shoulder joint, and the wrist extension gimmick allow the arm to be thrust forward at a great distance. You can see how far the arm can extend by comparing it to the right arm. The large vernier on the back has a built-in ball joint, allowing for flexible movement up, down, left, and right. This articulation mechanism is truly befitting of the space combat setup. In addition to the main hatch, the sub-hatch can also be opened and closed. When opened, you can see the pilot (Balrant soldier) inside the cockpit. This Balarant soldier features articulation at the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles, making it a fun action figure. The back is also meticulously painted. The soles of the feet are molded with spray nozzles that are typical of AT's specialized for space combat. Another distinctive feature of Fatty is that, unlike the Scopedog, it does not have a roller dash.

Still think the olive green fits a little better with the Roy GBP but I'll take what I can get! 🤗

Mo picks....

Well at least we now know where Bandai got the idea!

I can second that! Not a company with good customer service! 🤮

On a note, I hope Bandai doesn't skimp out on this version since the regress seat isn't seen anywhere on the official pictures?

Anyone have a link to this video or can provide a link through VPN (No Country block)? Thanks!

I really liked the VF-1J Combo pack that Bandai did, Not everything these day has to have a retro vibe to it! And some good effort was put into the GBP package!

Looks like they did the sides as well 👍🏻

Honestly If they ever release this version I'd go nuts! 🤪

Nope!

Well not really the "Same" Version, since it was an olive green and had the wrong unit number.... But still nice enough to want one....🤗

I Didn't find it all that hard to get the last lottery VF-1S Strike Valkyrie (Mechanical Edition) after all I got 7, But it was kind of expensive 🤪

Talk about the new DX CHOGOKIN VF-1S Armored Valkyrie (Roy Focker Special) here...

True packaging is really neat as well...