Bandai DX Chogokin 1/48 VF-1

[sqidd]

2 minutes ago, borgified said:

D'oh! I thought they had DHL, and I just checked. Looks like that I will have to redo the posting.

I was hoping you knew something I didn't.

[Slave IV]

Yeah, I don’t want to get into this too much but all these countries around the world have been taking advantage of basically slave labor in China, then we complain about human rights at the same time. Now we’re blaming them because we ignored everything they laid out to protect ourselves from this? Lot of hypocrisy. 
 

Whatever the case, countries should stop running to the next place to rape and pillage for resources and start doing more for themselves again. I’m all for more Made In USA, Made in Japan, Made in China Made in Germany or whatever for whoever makes the best of whatever they are making, not who can make it the cheapest. 

[HardlyNever]

19 minutes ago, Slave IV said:

Whatever the case, countries should stop running to the next place to rape and pillage for resources and start doing more for themselves again. I’m all for more Made In USA, Made in Japan, Made in China Made in Germany or whatever for whoever makes the best of whatever they are making, not who can make it the cheapest. 

You're basically asking companies to stop practicing capitalism as they've known it (at least on the manufacturing end) for the passed like... 200+ years.

I'm also in favor of a more diverse, widely distributed base of global manufacturing, but that would require some kind of democratic... capitalism?  No, no, that's Bolshevism!  Socialism!  Communism!  Can't have workers and consumers deciding where manufacturing takes place!

Anyhow, I'd like to believe companies, or even we as a civilization would learn something from this.  But unfortunately, I'm pretty sure manufacturing will just move down the food-chain, so to speak.  So (even) more in India, Vietnam, etc.  Maybe even see some if it shift to central and south America.

[ErikElvis]

It’s a double edged sword. Even as “slave” labor it’s still a job. Better than nothing at all. 

[jenius]

35 minutes ago, Slave IV said:

Yeah, I don’t want to get into this too much but all these countries around the world have been taking advantage of basically slave labor in China, then we complain about human rights at the same time. Now we’re blaming them because we ignored everything they laid out to protect ourselves from this? Lot of hypocrisy. 
 

Whatever the case, countries should stop running to the next place to rape and pillage for resources and start doing more for themselves again. I’m all for more Made In USA, Made in Japan, Made in China Made in Germany or whatever for whoever makes the best of whatever they are making, not who can make it the cheapest. 

I feel like every part of this statement is wrong. China is not being taken advantage of; China loves the business. China has risen to be a world power because of their manufacturing. China makes pro manufacturing policies to enhance their position and continue this movement. China hides issues to further the likelihood that companies around the world will keep coming to them for manufacturing (just like other countries do very similar things to further their interests). I do think that countries should maintain a manufacturing base and this is a good reminder... But the extent of that problem varies country to country.

Edited April 11, 2020 by jenius

[HardlyNever]

5 minutes ago, jenius said:

I feel like every part of this statement is wrong. China is not being taken advantage of; China loves the business. China has risen to be a world power because of their manufacturing. China makes pro manufacturing policies to enhance their position and continue this movement. China hides issues to further the likelihood that companies around the world will keep coming to them for manufacturing (just like other countries do very similar things to further their interests). I do think that countries should maintain a manufacturing base and this is a good reminder... But the extent of that problem varies country to country.

I feel like your conflating the Chinese government's economic policies and the average Chinese manufacturing laborer/citizen.  They are not the same entities.  Chinese citizens can't vote in any meaningful way.

That said, we've seen that being the "world's workshop" can and does lift a large portion of that countries workforce into a more comfortable life-style.  It happened in Japan in the 70s and 80s. Then Korea in the 90s and 00s.  It has taken longer in China for a variety of reasons (not one being the ginormous population).  But it can have a net-benefit, and it is doing the same in China, just on longer time line.  Once that manufacturing ups and leaves to a cheaper country, though, it can be tough for a country to redefine it's workforce.

Anyhow, Gunpla is still manufactured in Japan, by Japanese labor, and the costs on those kits aren't too ridiculous.  Of course, when it comes to model kits, you the consumer are the primary source of labor lol.  Maybe that's the big difference.

I'd like to see what "made in Japan" Macross product ends up costing.  I'm guessing it would be pretty expensive, though.

[Slave IV]

27 minutes ago, HardlyNever said:

You're basically asking companies to stop practicing capitalism as they've known it (at least on the manufacturing end) for the passed like... 200+ years.

I'm also in favor of a more diverse, widely distributed base of global manufacturing, but that would require some kind of democratic... capitalism?  No, no, that's Bolshevism!  Socialism!  Communism!  Can't have workers and consumers deciding where manufacturing takes place!

Anyhow, I'd like to believe companies, or even we as a civilization would learn something from this.  But unfortunately, I'm pretty sure manufacturing will just move down the food-chain, so to speak.  So (even) more in India, Vietnam, etc.  Maybe even see some if it shift to central and south America.

I’m all for capitalism, but we’ve never had it. True capitalism has to have a moral base to go by or else it’s what we have, which is an unsustainable, self defeating drive for profit over all else, including life. There is a more sustainable profit model that makes striving for quality the factor that gives you competitive edge to make more profit in the long run. 

25 minutes ago, ErikElvis said:

It’s a double edged sword. Even as “slave” labor it’s still a job. Better than nothing at all. 

 

21 minutes ago, jenius said:

I feel like every part of this statement is wrong. China is not being taken advantage of; China loves the business. China has risen to be a world power because of their manufacturing. China makes pro manufacturing policies to enhance their position and continue this movement. China hides issues to further the likelihood that companies around the world will keep coming to them for manufacturing (just like other countries do very similar things to further their interests). I do think that countries should maintain a manufacturing base and this is a good reminder... But the extent of that problem varies country to country.

All countries do what they think they need to gain an edge. People are used as disposable resources when needed. All countries end up doing the same. As a so called country that favors human rights, yet devolving a system that encourages other countries to fight over who can treat their workers the worst is about as bad as it gets. Yes, China loves the business and slave labor is better than no job at all or is it? The bottom line is the way they did it there, they are now in a better position worldwide. They can construct everything from the worst useless garbage (that mostly is demanded by outside markets like the USA) to the highest quality tech and they can do it quick.
 

Yes, this virus started there and a big part of it is their huge population (which they also get flak for trying to control) and inability to control what every back alley is doing. Black markets and criminals exist everywhere. Thing is, they did a better job of containing it and laid the blueprint of how to do it out for everyone else. We didn’t listen.

The important part here for me is, Japan always made the best Mecha toys when I was growing up. I wouldn’t mind seeing that happen again.

Edited April 11, 2020 by Slave IV

[Lolicon]

Google "low road capitalism" if you really want to understand the roots of American capitalism. 

That's all I'll say on that matter. Thread's been derailed enough. 

[crackpot]

2 hours ago, Slave IV said:

As a so called country that favors human rights, yet devolving a system that encourages other countries to fight over who can treat their workers the worst is about as bad as it gets.

I agree on this. I wonder how many of those that call for human rights have iphones or maybe... even valks?

 

2 hours ago, Slave IV said:

Thing is, they did a better job of containing it and laid the blueprint of how to do it out for everyone else.

 

I disagree on this. If they did a better job, the world wouldn't be in a pandemic. It got out. They suppressed those medical professionals that flagged it and they lied/denied about its human to human transmission. Any information that comes out from that country is suspect. Even the numbers reported are suspect according to unbiased journalism.

[jenius]

I think we've delved deep enough into politics and economics... suffice it to say this pandemic is a bad thing for our hobby in just about all respects (to say nothing of its more serious consequences). Let's hope better times come sooner than later. In the meantime we should probably cool it in this thread unless we have something specific to say about Bandai DX VF-1 toys.

[jeniusornome]

Hey the “missile set” has enough pieces in it to kit out 3 Valks, right?

[sqidd]

3 hours ago, HardlyNever said:

You're basically asking companies to stop practicing capitalism 

 

I don't agree. You could even argue that giving up profit margin so you don't employ slave labor and keep jobs in the country you live in is the ultimate show of capitalism.

I make moral judgement calls that cost my company money every day.

I do get the argument that it's not likely to happen across the board. Or even at 50%. Humans will be humans.

 

[Sanity is Optional]

1 minute ago, jeniusornome said:

Hey the “missile set” has enough pieces in it to kit out 3 Valks, right?

Correct, comes with a full complement of TV and DYRL missiles, plus reaction missiles.

[DYRL VF-1S]

17 minutes ago, jeniusornome said:

Hey the “missile set” has enough pieces in it to kit out 3 Valks, right?

 

15 minutes ago, Sanity is Optional said:

Correct, comes with a full complement of TV and DYRL missiles, plus reaction missiles.

Basically, for me I like to keep TV and DYRL schemes separate, so I tried to anticipate what that would like for future releases (though I doubt I have it down to a science). Hopefully, they keep re-releasing missiles as further Valks are released.

[HardlyNever]

44 minutes ago, sqidd said:

I don't agree. You could even argue that giving up profit margin so you don't employ slave labor and keep jobs in the country you live in is the ultimate show of capitalism.

I make moral judgement calls that cost my company money every day.

I do get the argument that it's not likely to happen across the board. Or even at 50%. Humans will be humans.

 

Did you really just cut off half my quote so you could take it out of context?  It's a few posts above yours... why even... 

Anyhow, the way I'm understanding the "Japan supporting firms to move out of China," doesn't necessarily mean Japanese companies are advocating for a return of manufacturing jobs to Japan.  So I'm not sure we'll be seeing Japanese-manufactured DXs (or other Macross products) any time soon.

I mean, I'd like to at least see what that looks like, cost-to-quality wise.  I'm just not sure it's going to happen.

I'm also thinking an August release date for DX Kakizaki is incredibly optimistic.  Are we seeing the next DX VF-31A in the making, in terms of production not meeting demand?

[Shawn]

OK, hold your horses here....take it to PM for the politcal differences please, or just anywhere else please.

We are trying to be a relaxing diversion from the complicated parts of life. 

Thanks

S

[DYRL VF-1S]

18 minutes ago, HardlyNever said:

I'm also thinking an August release date for DX Kakizaki is incredibly optimistic.  Are we seeing the next DX VF-31A in the making, in terms of production not meeting demand?

That’s why I ordered two and hoping for at least one.

[Shawn]

This poster would make a fantastic backdrop for the bandaxi dx valks me thinks!

https://www.picuki.com/media/2222555457619604014

 

Lots of his other works (just freaking amazing)
https://www.picuki.com/profile/rodrigobarrazaaviationprofiles

[Lolicon]

DX SSP 11k

https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1134919564&ref=list&keyword=マクロス

[VF-Zer0S]

Haven’t checked in on this thread in awhile, has NY updated the shipping on the S&S packs yet?

[nightmareB4macross]

I have yet to see anything come through. Last noticed revived was that the packs are scheduled to ship out 4/30, and that was back on Dec 24th.

Hope we get these.

[F360]

1 hour ago, VF-Zer0S said:

Haven’t checked in on this thread in awhile, has NY updated the shipping on the S&S packs yet?

The supposed release date on the p-Bandai website is still  showing 04-15-20 .  It’s possible that they will delay this to next month . 

[LRS]

7 hours ago, Shawn said:

This poster would make a fantastic backdrop for the bandaxi dx valks me thinks!

https://www.picuki.com/media/2222555457619604014

 

Lots of his other works (just freaking amazing)
https://www.picuki.com/profile/rodrigobarrazaaviationprofiles

Annoyingly though he ignores any comment about how much they cost or how to purchase them. Oh well, must be expensive. 

[VF-Zer0S]

15 hours ago, F360 said:

The supposed release date on the p-Bandai website is still  showing 04-15-20 .  It’s possible that they will delay this to next month . 

Hope not but thanks 

[DYRL VF-1S]

39 minutes ago, VF-Zer0S said:

Hope not but thanks 

I doubt it will be pushed at this point. It’s only two days away (Japanese time,) and they have made several announcements for products in April being delayed. These SSPs have remained on target throughout.  They would’ve likely announced by now if they were to push these. Manufacturing would’ve already delivered and product should be preparing for shipment wouldn’t you think?

[bleecher]

19 hours ago, LRS said:

Annoyingly though he ignores any comment about how much they cost or how to purchase them. Oh well, must be expensive. 

Bummer, was just about to email him.

[LRS]

35 minutes ago, bleecher said:

Bummer, was just about to email him.

You should try. If he answers then please share the info with the rest of us. 

[wm cheng]

Had a little time to finally paint the landing gears white - what a difference it makes.  Most importantly, I found an amazing silver chrome that's in the form of a marker, its called Molotow Chrome markers, its simply the best silver ever (better than the X-11 Tamiya Chrome marker).

Question for those of you that have taken off the rubber tires - how the heck to you get them back on again?  The back ones are a bitch to get back on and I've already almost twisted/damaged the hub/axle a little bit and I am afraid to take it further.  Please I need your insights.

 

[Chronocidal]

Oh, those look gorgeous.  I really need to take the time and do that some time.  Assuming you sprayed them all?

[Nerd-linger]

I would think just warming up the tires in very hot water would make them pliable enough to pop back on.

[Sanity is Optional]

Molotow liquid chrome is awesome, been using it for gunpla models for a while now.

Warning: do not touch it or top-coat it. If you try to clean off fingerprints it'll lose the chrome finish.

Also it comes in markers and marker refill (and will give you that nice chrome from the pen), but you can use it in an airbrush as well.

[Lolicon]

1 hour ago, wm cheng said:

Had a little time to finally paint the landing gears white - what a difference it makes.  Most importantly, I found an amazing silver chrome that's in the form of a marker, its called Molotow Chrome markers, its simply the best silver ever (better than the X-11 Tamiya Chrome marker).

Question for those of you that have taken off the rubber tires - how the heck to you get them back on again?  The back ones are a bitch to get back on and I've already almost twisted/damaged the hub/axle a little bit and I am afraid to take it further.  Please I need your insights.

 

Oh that's a fantastic chrome finish! Time to get some for mine.

If you didn't already know, you can pull off the front-most landing gear bay door too, but it's really tight. I just wrapped mine in masking tape then yoinked it off with some pliers.

For the tires, I just brute forced them back on without any problems. 

[sumyumgoy]

7 hours ago, wm cheng said:

Had a little time to finally paint the landing gears white - what a difference it makes.  Most importantly, I found an amazing silver chrome that's in the form of a marker, its called Molotow Chrome markers, its simply the best silver ever (better than the X-11 Tamiya Chrome marker).

Question for those of you that have taken off the rubber tires - how the heck to you get them back on again?  The back ones are a bitch to get back on and I've already almost twisted/damaged the hub/axle a little bit and I am afraid to take it further.  Please I need your insights.

That looks great!  If you don't mind me asking, did  you brush or airbrush the white on and which paint did you use?  I'm also going to look for that marker, thanks for sharing!

[Lolicon]

Okay, so I was simplifying a bit when I said I just brute forced the tires back on, but it really is pretty straightforward and pretty easy despite the brittle rubber.

I'm using my spare Max 1A as I don't want to risk scratching or chipping the paint on any of my painted DX landing gears.

First simply put the tire onto the outer portion of the wheel. The hole in the rubber is the same size so it should just slide right on. Make sure the side with the visible sprue cut is on the inside.

 

Then gently massage the rubber onto the wider inner ring of the tire like so.

 

Until it's all the way on.

That's all there is to it. (And ugh those unpainted landing gear are an eyesore.)

Edited April 13, 2020 by Lolicon

[sqidd]

This is how I do mine.