The best SDF-1 Transformable figure (Not model kit)

[spacemanspiff]

Hello,

I'm rather new to this whole Macross/Robotech awesomeness.  I'm watching all the Robotech on Amazon Prime Video right now and just consuming the video games and purchased the Bandai DX VF-J.  So much to love here.

I'm looking to get my hand son a transformable SDF-1, but have no idea how many versions there are and if they are any good.  Size does not matter to me (in this case).  Any help is appreciated.

[sumyumgoy]

More experienced people can chime in but I'm pretty sure the Arcadia version is the best right now.  

http://anymoon.com/blog/?p=4389

Also, this would be the DYRL version.  Not sure if there is a good TV version available.

 

Edited February 14, 2019 by sumyumgoy

[Slave IV]

The Arcadia one is really great and I would recommend getting the Premium Finish version. The panel lining, glow in the dark paint and overall detail and finish they put on it is well worth it. There is a smaller, non perfect transformation TV SDF-1 by Megahouse. I don't have one but it looks really good too. http://anymoon.com/blog/?p=9078

[Mommar]

"Good" is relative.  If you've been watching the television series you're most likely going to be more of a fan of the TV version SDF-1.  In which case the Megahouse Cosmo Fleet SDF-1 is probably best though it may not be easy to get anymore.  http://anymoon.com/blog/?p=9078

You'll just have to watch out for the little antenna which are easy to lose/break.

The problem is there aren't many to choose from either and they become rare fast.  The Cosmo Fleet one is sitting at roughly $200 for a six inch toy.  And the Arcadia version sumyumgoy mentioned is going to be $600!

Edited February 14, 2019 by Mommar

[Bolt]

Once you’re done w RT,  check out

-Do you remember love-

you May like that version SDF-1 better, tv version is cool too, of course. 

[easnoddy]

Edit: Hand son (hands on).  My bad.  Yeah, get the Arcadia.  Some assembly required.

Edited February 14, 2019 by easnoddy
Misunderstood

[Convectuoso]

4 minutes ago, easnoddy said:

How old is the kid?  I wouldn't spend $300 on this "toy" for a kid younger than 15.  Its meant to be handled delicately.  You can get the Bandai/Matchbox SDF-1 off Ebay for around $150 complete, thats a good kids toy.

It's not for a kid. It said "hand son"

 

Back on topic, I myself am a fan of the TV show, and for me the Megahouse one is a perfect display piece. I would definitely recommend it 

[Mechapilot77]

TV style SDF-1...its either vintage matchbox/takatoku or the newish fairly small but not bad at all Megahouse version.

DYRL style arcadia premium finish hands down...or the regular version if premium finish is too much. 

Edited February 14, 2019 by Mechapilot77

[spacemanspiff]

2 hours ago, Mommar said:

"Good" is relative.  If you've been watching the television series you're most likely going to be more of a fan of the TV version SDF-1.  In which case the Megahouse Cosmo Fleet SDF-1 is probably best though it may not be easy to get anymore.  http://anymoon.com/blog/?p=9078

You'll just have to watch out for the little antenna which are easy to lose/break.

The problem is there aren't many to choose from either and they become rare fast.  The Cosmo Fleet one is sitting at roughly $200 for a six inch toy.  And the Arcadia version sumyumgoy mentioned is going to be $600!

Thanks for all the feedback.  After a quick ebay search, the above is most true.  I'd prefer a more premium SDF-1 like the Arcadia/Yamato, but the cost is so prohivative.   This Macross awesomeness is costly.

[spacemanspiff]

Anyone looking to sell one for a fair price?

[Sanity is Optional]

I've got a new-in-box non-PF SDF1 I'd sell at cost, but that's still probably around $400.

[spacemanoeuvres]

19 minutes ago, spacemanspiff said:

Anyone looking to sell one for a fair price?

Market price is fair 

[wmkjr]

Hlj and NY still got non PF ones for sale

[spacemanspiff]

59 minutes ago, wmkjr said:

Hlj and NY still got non PF ones for sale

HLJ = Hobby Link Japan.  I see thay have the 1/3000 SDF-1 MACROSS (MACROSS: DO YOU REMEMBER LOVE?) for $349.

What does PF stand for?

[Sanity is Optional]

Just now, spacemanspiff said:

HLJ = Hobby Link Japan.  I see thay have the 1/3000 SDF-1 MACROSS (MACROSS: DO YOU REMEMBER LOVE?) for $349.

What does PF stand for?

PF is Premium Finish.

For the SDF-1 that means panel lining, matte topcoat, paint applied so there's no sticker sheet, and glow-in-the-dark red/green applied all over to make the windows glow.

Take a look at @jenius's review here: http://anymoon.com/blog/?p=4389

[spacemanspiff]

sorry, I meant what does NY stand for?

[wmkjr]

Nippon-yasan

[Sanity is Optional]

NY=Nippon Yasan.

Lowest pre-order prices around, highest shipping costs around, massive markups after the initial pre-orders, and customer "service" that'll leave you contemplating homicide and/or suicide.

[spacemanspiff]

Thank you all for the feedback.  Lots of good info here.  I'm gonna invesitiagte a bit more and see if I can afford one of these guys.  The SDF-1 is so iconic and the maguffin that drive Protoculture or Robotechnology.  I just wish there were more options for this guy.

[levzloi]

I'm a Robotech fan myself, and I have the Megahouse version, it's a little on the small side, but very cool.  Just waiting for Arcadia to do a TV SDF-1 1/3000 .

[spacemanspiff]

I like the style of the Megahouse, but not the parts-forming aspect.  That being said, it looks to be the best SDF-1 from the TV version.

[spacemanspiff]

Oh joy!  I've scored a NEW Arcadia SDF-1 PF for $620 shipped on ebay.  I am rather excited and thank you all for giving me the research materials to find this gem.  I'll post pics once it arrives.

I'm hoping to 3D print some tiny VFs to place around this guy.  We shall see if I can make anything that small.

 

 

[Slave IV]

2 hours ago, spacemanspiff said:

Oh joy!  I've scored a NEW Arcadia SDF-1 PF for $620 shipped on ebay.  I am rather excited and thank you all for giving me the research materials to find this gem.  I'll post pics once it arrives.

I'm hoping to 3D print some tiny VFs to place around this guy.  We shall see if I can make anything that small.

 

 

Congrats! That’s a great piece to start a Macross collection with! Look forward to your pics and see how those Valks turn out. 

[spacemanspiff]

I wish I had the talents to do something like this:

 

 

WOW!  Just WOW!

 

[sumyumgoy]

Looks awesome!  I love that window detail.

I think you will like these also:

 

Edited February 19, 2019 by sumyumgoy

[spacemanspiff]

11 minutes ago, sumyumgoy said:

Looks awesome!  I love that window detail.

I think you will like these also:

 

Yes!  so cool.  Thank yoU!

[spacemanspiff]

Anyone know where I can purchase a landing gear for the Arcadia 1/3000 SDF-1?  Or a better flight stand?

[Slave IV]

I think there was talk of @ChaoticYeti making an adapter to use with his stands. Might want to contact him here or through his website.

[apptt4]

6 hours ago, spacemanspiff said:

Anyone know where I can purchase a landing gear for the Arcadia 1/3000 SDF-1?  Or a better flight stand?

I use 4" or 6" Flightpose stands, they are perfect. there was a slight mark left from the rubber but easily removed, and if you put some tiny squares of plastic (like the bags that valks come in) there will be zero problems.

[spacemanspiff]

Cool. I have a 6" Flightpose stand and will try it when this baby arrives.  Thanks for the feedback.

I've also been searching for some tiny fighters to display with the SDF-1.  I found some that are between 2-3 inches long (I know that is still too big for true scale).  I'm hoping putting these fighters in the foreground will just add to the display.

 

 

[Slave IV]

1 hour ago, spacemanspiff said:

I've also been searching for some tiny fighters to display with the SDF-1.  I found some that are between 2-3 inches long (I know that is still too big for true scale).  I'm hoping putting these fighters in the foreground will just add to the display.

 

 

I think those could work well. Actual scale Valks would be too small to really enjoy seeing in a display to me. 

This is what I have:

just need to work on some stands to have them displayed higher. 

[spacemanspiff]

nice display!  I dig the quality of these little fighters.  Thanks for sharing!

[Sanity is Optional]

Yeah, the Bandai Fighter Collection is pretty nice looking. Just wish Series 3 and 4 weren't so expensive, then again you only need 1&2 for VF-1s.

[spacemanspiff]

49 minutes ago, Slave IV said:

I think those could work well. Actual scale Valks would be too small to really enjoy seeing in a display to me. 

This is what I have:

just need to work on some stands to have them displayed higher. 

Is the GERWALK one from a pencil sharpener?  I found one on ebay, but I can't gauge the scale.

[Slave IV]

11 minutes ago, spacemanspiff said:

Is the GERWALK one from a pencil sharpener?  I found one on ebay, but I can't gauge the scale.

Those are all Gashapon figures. Some transformable. About 1/250 scale.