VF-1AG (Armored GERWALK) 3D Printed Prototype!!!

[ChristopherB]

Hello,

I'm very happy to announce and reveal the pictures for our recently completed prototype.  It's been more than (20) years in the making through lots of disappointment and also success I never gave up to make this a reality.  I have to give a lot of credit to my good friend @magicsp00n and partner in this endeavor.  He and I worked together to come up with the Armored GERWALK (AG) armor set.  Tony is very talented and I sincerely appreciate everything!  

As some of you know the history there was a contest, we started with the Yamato 1/48 in coordination with @fulcy.  Later on in 2018 I invested a lot of money to finish the first two completed AG resin kits, which can be seen in this thread:

https://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/topic/45289-armored-gerwalk-project-vf-1/#comment-1376974

I decided to use the Bandai Hi-Metal R (HMR) 1/100 VF-1 as the underlying base for the AG set for several reasons.  The size, the price, the availability, the flexibility, a plethora of VF-1 variants, because Tony & I owned quite a few, our friends love them, most Japanese resin kits especially transformable ones are that scale, plus all of the various 1/100 model kits to display alongside, 3D print size, material usage, shipping costs, and most importantly the great detail and fit of the Bandai HMR GBP-1 armor which has many similarities to the AG set in the legs, arms, forearms, and so forth.  

I hope to offer additional scale/manufacturer options in the future.  We're not yet ready to offer these for sale, the purpose of this thread is to show off the prototype, and I've commissioned a finished (painted/weathered/decaled) set to share with everyone soon.  To be clear we don't plan to make any structural or detail changes to the prototype at this time, we're happy with what we have.

We plan to sell unfinished 3D printed boxed armor sets, finished boxed armor sets, and I have been working with someone to make posters, T-shirts, patches and then the box art.  I'm hoping my good friend @Anasazi37might be willing to make the waterslide decals since he's the best I've ever met.  To be clear, we have no plan to sell the STL files to protect our investment of time and money.  Unfortunately as many of you know, there's some dishonest people that pirate other people's work.

To be clear, this armor set will work with any HMR VF-1, except of course for two seater variants which I would like to make modifications to another set in the future.  Your feedback regarding the following will be appreciated:

1.) Would you consider to buy a set, if so how many, and would you prefer an unfinished set and/or a professionally built limited edition set ready to install keeping in mind the price will be as reasonable as possible?

2.) Taking into consideration the price of a Bandai HMR VF-1J & GBP-1 set upon release to present being $150 to $200 and the fact it's mass produced.  What would you consider to be a reasonable price for limited production and never before released set of 3D printed AG armor unfinished with a box, box art, and a finished AG armor set with the same?

3.) I'm considering to offer finished AG armor sets that are customized to the specific VF-1 Valkyrie you will display it with.  For example, a Max & Milia blue/red/white scheme and so forth.  Please let me know if this interests you.

4.) Lastly we would require a down payment especially for a finished set since the artist has to be paid for the commission, but likewise for a reasonable deposit for 3D printed kits due to material costs, time and to verify the commitment of the customer.

Sincerely,

Christopher & Tony 

 

Edited May 14 by ChristopherB
Revision

[ChristopherB]

This amazing 1/100 Armored GERWALK set for the Wave VF-1 model kit was very inspirational!  Our finished prototype will look quite similar in painting and details.

Edited May 14 by ChristopherB
Images

[ChristopherB]

Prototype AG Armor Set with opening shoulder missile hatches, cockpit armor opens, turret rotates, gun barrels move independently via balljoints, etc

[Big s]

If you didn’t know and only saw this picture.

[Raikkonen]

What is the final material and level of attachment to the HMR (Example: Swooshable)?

[ChristopherB]

@Big shaha I love it!

@RaikkonenThanks for your inquiry.  Yes, the armor is meant to attach securely much like the Bandai HMR GBP-1 set.  Although I haven't "swooshed" one around, I think it'll do quite well.  Even though the AG is most likely more heavy than the GBP-1, I'm sure it could fly via GERWALK mode to where the action is, but I'm sure it would be quite top heavy and not very maneuverable.  Most likely they were used at strategic points as a last line of defense rather than being offensive.  Elegoo Saturn resin printer was used by Tony to make the prototype as well as future orders.

Here's video showing how everything attaches:

 

Edited May 14 by ChristopherB
Revision

[sh9000]

You had me at HMR.  I'm definitely interested.

[Test_Pilot_2]

Sweet! Watching this to see how it all pans out. Bummer on the STL files, but I get it... Would've put my resin printer to work on this one stat.

Have you considered pitching this on Backerkit or similar option? Depending on how you structure it, the 2-seater variant could be a stretch goal option, etc...

Edited May 14 by Test_Pilot_2
Madness... Utter and complete insanity.

[djivaldi7]

Regarding the questions.

1. I'd but multiple qty, and that would likely increase depending on your final decisions wrt. #3....scales and brand diversity.

2. Similar to #1, if price is under 2x mass produced basis, my volume will be higher since I could afford more than if it's 3x or >. 

3. Again similarly, I'd buy more if it matched brand/scale in my pile of shame.  Gut says follow the mass market volume to avoid diminishing returns.  1/100 HMR.  1/60 Yamato top the chart.  1/60 dx chogokin is predictable. If it could somehow match ARII 1/100 or Hasegawa 1/48 that would expand interest base... if strong enough to support the weight. To that end, for lighter captive mechanisms, did you consider magnets?

Box Art and swag is a solid idea as I hear Yogurt the Wise say "Merchandizing!" ...(Spaceballs).  And price point probably appeals to most of us.

4. Deposit expected. Your investment is obvious. But bear in mind those of us who discern a 6 year development ramp so far may be a bit squeamish on how assured a final delivery will be... and also  how soon delivery will be  upon your posting the order/deposit window.

Aa a tagalong to #3, this design is close to SK's better-illustrated VF25 armored valk alternative concepts.  Whether elements of that help the more sparsely illustrated vf1 render, or it becomes a future project, it's cool for similar bulky reasons.  

Really happy to see this project pop from the shadows!

 

[Bolt]

Wow! Awesome ! @ChristopherB congratulations on this magnificent project. I'm very much interested in 1/72. As a kit i can build and paint myself. Will be patiently looking out for more info. This is very exciting!

[Raikkonen]

9 hours ago, ChristopherB said:

@Big shaha I love it!

@RaikkonenThanks for your inquiry.  Yes, the armor is meant to attach securely much like the Bandai HMR GBP-1 set.  Although I haven't "swooshed" one around, I think it'll do quite well.  Even though the AG is most likely more heavy than the GBP-1, I'm sure it could fly via GERWALK mode to where the action is, but I'm sure it would be quite top heavy and not very maneuverable.  Most likely they were used at strategic points as a last line of defense rather than being offensive.  Elegoo Saturn resin printer was used by Tony to make the prototype as well as future orders.

Here's video showing how everything attaches:

 

Thanks for the feedback and great video. Great work. 

But I avoid collecting and working with any resin. Sorry. 

 

[Goodman Models]

Cool project @ChristopherB! Looks very well done, congrats!

[flyboy]

Since you're not selling the STL file, is there any chance you might be willing to upscale and print this in 1/72?

I would buy a set to modify for a 1/72 Hasegawa Gerwalk.

[djivaldi7]

7 hours ago, flyboy said:

Since you're not selling the STL file, is there any chance you might be willing to upscale and print this in 1/72?

I would buy a set to modify for a 1/72 Hasegawa Gerwalk.

The abundance of 1/100 legacy kits by ARII etc and 1/72 Hasegawa really makes sense if the posing stability is good after adding the weight 

[magicsp00n]

Just a couple quick bits of info:

* The resin used is an ABS-like, which I've found to be good for this kind of project.

* The parts in the photos and video Christopher posted above are just as they came off the printer, with no cleanup. I've got to where I hate sanding bits so I've designed this set to require as little prep as possible.

[Bolt]

Cool. Looking forward to to seeing this project move along.

[djivaldi7]

Any update on this?

[djivaldi7]

Just now, djivaldi7 said:

Any update on this?

As I'm looking to spend some $$$$

 

[ChristopherB]

Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest and for your feedback!  Right now we're prepositioning stock so we can ship right away when we start accepting orders.  Yes, I hope to offer AG sets for other scales and manufacturers as soon as possible.

* The prototype AG is almost done, I don't want to show it off until it's 100% finished and we're even planning a photoshoot for everyone to enjoy.  For now, please enjoy the single picture.  A brand new Bandai HMR VF-1J & GBP-1 set was ordered just for this purpose.  (The lines on the bottom will be cleaned up.)
* I've commissioned custom box art, and a special limited edition full graphics box.
* Someone is working on decals and I hope to include some really cool WWII style Macross nose art from a vintage Japanese set.
* I've commissioned a custom AG poster for customers, and we're working on other AG art that will be available for purchase.
* 10 AG sets have been printed & are in progress to be sold as finished ready to use sets.
* 10 AG sets are being printed and will be sold as unfinished sets.

Feedback I've received is that $100 for an unfinished set is considered to be reasonable.  Please let me know what you guys think.  I have a price in mind for the finished sets as well and will post it when the pictures have been uploaded here to this thread.

 

[Bolt]

I'm still very much interested in a 1/72 unfinished set !

[ChristopherB]

Another update, the first 10 finished sets are done!  I'm finishing up the box art commission and we'll be doing a photoshoot once the prototype is received by the photographer.

@djivaldi7 I hope you're doing well, and thanks for your questions!  For my part, this has been going on around (20) years.  But we've made a lot of progress on this project, and all the information you need can be found in this forum thread.

1.) Yes, $100 for unfinished kits and I'm thinking $200 is reasonable for finished kits.  (We'll see if we can also offer free shipping within the continental US.)  My reputation is on the line, so I won't ask for any deposits.  When the un/finished kits are boxed and ready to be mailed I'll give advance notice here so everyone is ready.  I think we'll start with 10 of each type.

2.) All Bandai HMR VF-1 Valkyrie single seaters.  (Although I've been wanting to also offer a two seater variant since last year, and hope to in the near future.  Just waiting on clearance from the 3D designer that he has the time and interest.)

3.) 1st come, 1st served and 1 per person are all great/fair suggestions, which we'll do for the first one to three batches.

Thanks for everyone's patience.  You can think of this project like the Japanese garage kit companies, which sell limited edition kits at the Wonder Festivals.  Something that seems simple like obtaining Macross 1/100 decals, can actually be quite difficult.  Our team consists of:

3D designer, finished kit artist, myself handling public interaction/sales, decal maker and box design/promotional material artist.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

[Big s]

The parts look nice 

[Bolt]

1 hour ago, ChristopherB said:

Another update, the first 10 finished sets are done!  I'm finishing up the box art commission and we'll be doing a photoshoot once the prototype is received by the photographer.

@djivaldi7 I hope you're doing well, and thanks for your questions!  For my part, this has been going on around (20) years.  But we've made a lot of progress on this project, and all the information you need can be found in this forum thread.

1.) Yes, $100 for unfinished kits and I'm thinking $200 is reasonable for finished kits.  (We'll see if we can also offer free shipping within the continental US.)  My reputation is on the line, so I won't ask for any deposits.  When the un/finished kits are boxed and ready to be mailed I'll give advance notice here so everyone is ready.  I think we'll start with 10 of each type.

2.) All Bandai HMR VF-1 Valkyrie single seaters.  (Although I've been wanting to also offer a two seater variant since last year, and hope to in the near future.  Just waiting on clearance from the 3D designer that he has the time and interest.)

3.) 1st come, 1st served and 1 per person are all great/fair suggestions, which we'll do for the first one to three batches.

Thanks for everyone's patience.  You can think of this project like the Japanese garage kit companies, which sell limited edition kits at the Wonder Festivals.  Something that seems simple like obtaining Macross 1/100 decals, can actually be quite difficult.  Our team consists of:

3D designer, finished kit artist, myself handling public interaction/sales, decal maker and box design/promotional material artist.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.

Looking awesome! It's great to see you dedication coming to fruition @ChristopherB , congratulations!

 I'm sure these will sell quickly and I'm looking forward to more scale options in the future!

[Sanity is Optional]

Looking good, I'm down for one!

[DownIsUp]

Dang, I was hoping to not spend much this month, but I have to have one of these lol. 

[ChristopherB]

Bandai Hi-Metal R 1/100 VF-1J & GBP-1 & AG (Armored Gerwalk) Weathered Toy/Model Kit Latest Update!

I'm proud to present the prototype featuring a custom weathered VF-1J and two interchangeable armor sets!

We have (10) finished sets ready to go, and (10) unfinished sets as well.  The finished sets are of course not weathered so they will match the new appearance of your Bandai HMR Valkyrie.

I'm also considering to offer a deluxe edition of the AG set.  That comes with a brand new Bandai HMR Valkyrie & with/out the GBP-1 armor all weathered or not & also the AG armor can be custom painted to match whatever Valkyrie you want to display it on.  For example, a Max & Milia, VF-1S Roy/Hikaru that would feature paint scheme to compliment it's respective Valkyrie.  These sets would naturally be quite limited to maintain exclusivity, more expensive plus they're more time consuming to produce.  For these rare sets I've been working with someone that makes custom boxes like the 1/55 Marriage Set some of you might be familiar with.

The price will depend upon how much I have to pay for the new Bandai HMR's, AG armor sets, commission and the custom box.  But if this interests you, please let me know.  If so, please post as well the customs you would personally like.  The first picture is the regular new AG finish, pictures 2 - 7 are the custom weathered prototype.  8 - 10 are examples of a custom box, which would be made to fit the Bandai HMR set and AG set.

[ChristopherB]

Hello,

I sincerely appreciate everyone's interest, right now I'm just waiting for the photoshoot.  I apologize if there was any confusion, but I was just posting the pictures of the finished set.

This thread is just for updates, and I want to follow forum policy by creating a For Sale thread in the correct forum when we're ready to take orders.  Which will be as soon as possible.  I also want to be fair and give everyone an equal chance so I'll give a 2 - 3 day advance notice beforehand.  First come, first served and one per customer to start.

Warmest regards,

Christopher

[djivaldi7]

Since we're coming up on 3 weeks, is the ordering window decided?

[ChristopherB]

Bandai Hi-Metal R 1/100 VF-1J Armored GERWALK (AG) Weathered Toy/Model Kit Photoshoot Teaser Picture!  The (10) finished and (10) unfinished kits are all packed and ready to mail!  Let this post serve as notice that I'm planning to take orders soon.  Please keep an eye out for my post in the For Sale section.

@djivaldi7Yes, the ordering window has been decided, thank you very much for your patience.

We also hope to offer the AG set for other Valkyrie scales/manufacturers, it's something I would love to do!

Edited September 13 by ChristopherB

[ChristopherB]

Okay, I appreciate everyone who is interested and especially not wanting to miss out.  So we're going to make more as soon as possible.  I'm guessing the forums are Pacific Standard Time Zone.  It'll be on the weekend and in the evening so hopefully it's a convenient time.  I'll do my best to start the For Sale (FS) thread at the following time.

Saturday, September 14, 2024 6 PM PST

When the FS post starts, I'm asking everyone to please post the following so I have a rough idea how many more to make.  That way even if someone misses out, I can start production right away.  Even if I'm sold out, please post how many you want and what type.

1.) Finished Kits Wanted?

2.) Unfinished Kits Wanted?

3.) Custom Painted AG Sets Wanted?  (Please specify Max & Milia, Roy/Hikaru/Max/Hayao/Etc?)

4.) Would you like an AG set for HMR 2 Seaters?  (Please specify VF-1D, VT-1 & VE-1?)

Thank you!

[djivaldi7]

15 hours ago, ChristopherB said:

Okay, I appreciate everyone who is interested and especially not wanting to miss out.  So we're going to make more as soon as possible.  I'm guessing the forums are Pacific Standard Time Zone.  It'll be on the weekend and in the evening so hopefully it's a convenient time.  I'll do my best to start the For Sale (FS) thread at the following time.

Saturday, September 14, 2024 6 PM PST

When the FS post starts, I'm asking everyone to please post the following so I have a rough idea how many more to make.  That way even if someone misses out, I can start production right away.  Even if I'm sold out, please post how many you want and what type.

1.) Finished Kits Wanted?

2.) Unfinished Kits Wanted?

3.) Custom Painted AG Sets Wanted?  (Please specify Max & Milia, Roy/Hikaru/Max/Hayao/Etc?)

4.) Would you like an AG set for HMR 2 Seaters?  (Please specify VF-1D, VT-1 & VE-1?)

Thank you!

It's 6:05 PST <crickets chirping>

[ChristopherB]

Greetings, I'm just waiting for moderator approval!  New pictures from our photoshoot courtesy of the projects very talented 3D creator @magicsp00n:

[ChristopherB]

No moderators on right now to approve the post, please message me instead!

Hello,

20+ Year MW Member with $10,000 in sales in a single day to one customer!  More than $50K total sales on MW alone and 100% positive feedback on the Straight Shooters List!

(10) Finished Kits $200 Each + $10 US Shipping, International will be quoted

(10) Unfinished Kits $100 Each + $10 US Shipping, International will be quoted

One kit per person so everyone has a chance to get something.  But if anything is left over it will be offered.

Payments Via PayPal Use Friends & Family or Add 4% so I receive the correct amount please!

Just message me your full name, shipping address, contact number (plus email address for international orders).

Thank you!

[Dark Skull]

13 minutes ago, ChristopherB said:

No moderators on right now to approve the post, please message me instead!

Hello,

20+ Year MW Member with $10,000 in sales in a single day to one customer!  More than $50K total sales on MW alone and 100% positive feedback on the Straight Shooters List!

(10) Finished Kits $200 Each + $10 US Shipping, International will be quoted

(10) Unfinished Kits $100 Each + $10 US Shipping, International will be quoted

One kit per person so everyone has a chance to get something.  But if anything is left over it will be offered.

Payments Via PayPal Use Friends & Family or Add 4% so I receive the correct amount please!

Just message me your full name, shipping address, contact number (plus email address for international orders).

Thank you!

I hope I made it in time lol

[sh9000]

PM sent.