Omicron Zero

I like both canard set ups. The VF-19advance is more "realistic" as canards usually have a more, er, 'horizontal' angle. It also makes it better match the Frontier ships.

About $200 USD with shipping and fees. My finance is currently checking if she can find a lower price. I've been trying to decide between getting a VF-27 SPS, the recent VF-171EX deco (with Sheryl on the backplate), or the Wings of Valkyrie version of the Monster. Currently leaning towards the 27 since I already have a 171, though it's the CF version, and I love the SR-71 style wings.

Yeah it's a bit gappy out of the box. You've got to transform it at least enough to fiddle with the hip placement in order to get everything more snug. The forearms are also sort of free floating in fighter mode, but if you angle them right (more "downward" than how it's packaged) then the shield, neck cover, and connecting bars will fit perfectly. You should only have two major gapping areas: -Between the shield and the legs, which is smaller but still noticeable when you have the hips and shoulders just right. -Behind the panels that sit above the intakes/hips. This should actually be a small gap, but the black parts underneath make it much more prominent. Also thank you for the feedback on the 27 price! And yes, it's the "renewal" with the super parts and white box.

For normal transformation the only issues I had were getting the canards unpegged for Battroid and getting everything aligned just right for fighter mode. Mainly the hips and the proper angle of the arms for the latter. Aside from those issues, I think VF-19 is much more straightforward than, say, the VF-171 or YF-29. Getting the fastpacks to cooperate with jet mode is certainly a pain in the posterior. And since it was the first thing I did when I got mine, there weren't any handy guides and I just had to fiddle with it to try and match the box picture and instructions (which do not sufficiently explain the leg positioning). But after some struggling, I did get it. Then I saw the open pegs and immediately decided it wasn't worth it. But I still got it. My VF-19 is now displayed in fighter mode without the fastpacks on a wonderful Yeti Stand (the first one I've gotten and am loving it). I've actually enjoyed the VF-19advance so much that I wish I had gotten a second. Unfortunately I currently don't really have the money to be buying multiples. Perhaps if it gets a nice new deco. On a completely unrelated [and off topic] note, can anyone here tell me if $188 is a good price on a VF-27 Super Parts Set?

YF-19 is the prototype 19 that Isamu flies in PLUS. The VF-19a (VF-19 Advance) is a custom production VF-19 that is made to resemble the prototype from PLUS, which Isamu flies in the Frontier movie. IRL I would guess that the change simply makes the licencing easier, since the YF-19 licence is already distributed, so labeling the appearance in the movie as a new model/designation meant that Bandai didn't have to deal with existing agreements. In fiction, I'd point out that the VF-19a isn't a prototype, so it shouldn't carry the YF designation. But it's also not a stock VF-19, since it's been modified to preform/look more like the prototype.

YES! Finally! Thank you, this random bout of insomnia, and checking this thread on a whim!

If that happens I may have to finally break my "no army building" rule for my collections.

I missed out on the recent Arcadia YF-19 release 'cause money was tight at the time. Which is also why my Macross collection is smaller than I'd like. So I'd really like to snag this guy. Plus I think displaying Isamu's 19 and the 29 together would be awesome.

Does anyone know of any retailers that still have this up for preorder?

VF-171 (They took the clunky looking 17 and made it sleek and awesome. Certainly the best looking 'non-hero' valk.) YF-19 (I love the forward-swept wing design, as well as the placement of the cockpit in Bat mode, and the awesome 'see through cockpit' tech.) SW-XAII / VF-1S (The SW-XAII is a beautiful design, I really wish it had cropped up in one of the shows. And of course the VF-1S is an amazing design.) Honorable mentions for the VF-27 and the VF-4.

Got mine today! I've had no issues to speak of thus far. (Knock on wood.) The 29 wasn't transformed solidly in the box, but I'm starting to wonder if that might be on purpose (did anyone's come with the legs properly tabbed in?). There was no film, so there was no need to wipe it down, and the bendy head crest was in perfect shape, with no bends or deformations. I can even get the gun to open, though it is very tight, and I display it closed anyway... This guy is excessively tight. All of the joints on mine are ridiculously solid, The loosest seeming to be the right wing VTOL engine and the Gerwalk-mode leg joints. In fact everything is so tight that transforming the various bits is a bit of challenge. I have to say, this is my favorite version of the 29. The colors are great, and I love the changes, however slight, to the head. On a side note, I'd love to have a YF-21 styled 27. Of course, I'd also love to have a black/SR-71 painted 27. I'm not a fan of the show's 27 paint jobs, despite loving the overall look of it.

A good question. I ordered from Nippon-Yasan and I'm still waiting on mine (in NY, USA). According to tracking it arrived in the US at JFK yesterday (Saturday Dec 28th) so I imagine, based on past orders, that it will be here here Monday or Tuesday. Perhaps it has something to do with when people paid, rather than when they first placed their order?

The YF-30 is really at the top of my list, I love the look of it in all modes, and I think it may actually have my favorite Battroid of all the Frontier-era designs. I've little doubt that we'll see it in at least two more color schemes in addition to the upcoming 'main' one. I would absolutely love it if we got DX Chogokins of the YF-24 and YF-25. I'd also love it if we got some not-exclusively-Frontier-era stuff. VF-1J, VF-11B, YF-19, SV-51, VF-0S, Queadluun-Rhea, Reguld, maybe even a VF-4 or a VF-2SS! Aside from that I'd really like a re-release of the VF-25S and a YF-27 Grace ver. Renewal.

If I use Nippon-Yassan, can I pay for the item any time between reserving it and receiving the payment request, or only at one of those times? I don't want to be caught off-guard by a payment request, and I have a terrible memory (which is why I usually pay at the time of ordering).

There aren't three production aircraft produced off a single prototype. The VF-25 and VF-27 are final designs ostensibly competing to be the next main-line fighter after the VF-171. They're both based off of the 'latest' Variable Fighter design, the YF-24, and thus use it's tech and base design as a template. They're even built by different companies, with some clear design differences. Interestingly both are designed more for 'ace' pilots, lacking the easy-of-use of the 171. The YF-29 is a prototype for an even newer design, based off of the VF-25 with the Tornado armaments. I don't know if it ever makes it to production (VF designation) status. I'd also guess that the YF-30 is a variation on the 29, designed as missle-boat companion craft to the 29's turret design. That said I sort of agree that the Frontier-era models have a certain aesthetic, being very lithe/lanky in B-mode. I also think most of their Gerwalk forms look kind of awkward, what with the long nose and the rear wing bulk. The 171 is actually one of my favorites because it's different, what with the delta-wing design, the bulkier arms and shoulders, and the shorter nose. And now the original reason for my post: Does anyone know how long the pre-orders will be up? I really want to get this guy, as I like the 29's design and think it looks far, far, better in Isamu's color than the original Alto or even the 30th's 1S colors. But I don't have the funds on hand ATM, will this still be up in a few weeks? Months? All the way until near it's release date?