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Dear MW I've recently built my first 1/144 HG Gundam and I really enjoyed the experience. Now I'd like something similar, but Battroid shaped. I've tried to make sense of the options out there, but I came to the conclusion that I need professional help The obvious choice would seem to be the Bandai 1/72 transformable VF-1, but I'm afraid that it is too flimsy/compromised. Now I've read that the Hasegawa 1/72 Battroid uses polycaps for articulation, which lead me here with the following questions: Could the Hasegawa Battroid be pressed in duty as a detailed toy, Gundam-style? Or is it too fragile to handle repeated posing? How much articulation are we talking? Could it crouch for instance? Are there any other options I'm missing? Wave models? Older Bandai releases? Unpainted 1/60 Yamato? Though I'd prefer the VF-1, I'd consider later Valkyries too. Or should I give up the wild goose chase and head on over to the toy section? All advice welcome!

Hello MW Forums! As the thread title suggests, I have never built a model before and I am here to humbly request for some help. Because frankly, I have no idea where else to ask. To add to the challenge, my first model will be a Variable-Fighter. Bandai 1:72 VF-27 Lucifer to be exact. So yeah. An inexperienced person trying to build a complex kit: something is bound to go wrong. That is why I am seeking the wise model builders of this forum to aid me through my first journey. But that doesn't mean that I didn't do some research of my own. I've read MechTech’s Beginner’s Model Building, a good overall tutorial to understand the basics. I've also read/saw Jarrod’s fantastic review of his VF-25. I plan to transform my VF-27 frequently and treat it more like a toy than a model. So although I aspire to have the skills to create such detailed work like Jarrod’s, right now I just want to add enough details on my first model so it doesn't look like a cheap plastic toy. To begin with, I have 3 main questions: 1) Like the other VF-25 kits, the VF-27 model kit comes with both decals and stickers. Would stickers suffice or should I just take the time and effort of adding the decals? From what I gathered, the stickers are meant to be used for inexperienced modelers like myself. If I were to use stickers, I fear that they will eventually peel off after many transformations. I could try adding a top coat to seal the stickers, but then I worry about accidentally sealing the model in place with the sealant. One more thing, is it obvious that stickers are, well, stickers compared to decals from a distance? Although the picture is blurry, a stickered VF-27 doesn't look that bad: On the other hand, I fear if I chose to use the decals I will mess-up a few of them due to my inexperience. But there has to be a first time for everything. Do decals wear off easily over time? In the end, which one should I use as a first-time modeler? 2) Another question, how do you create crisp black lines for detailing seen in Jarrod’s VF-25 model? I did a little research and found some Gundam ink pens that are used to fill in the indents of their models, and any excess are wiped away. Which begs the question, how well does the ink stay if it can be simply wiped away? Is there another method for adding the lines? 3) Lastly, although the VF-27 model doesn't need paint (except the pilots), are there places or pieces of the model that you would recommend, or essential, to paint? A review from HobbyLink painted some ‘innards’ of the VF-27 with gunmetal. Simple, but effective at emphasizing the piece: In general, what should I be aware of when building the model? What must I do and what newbie mistakes should I avoid doing? Gah, I have so many questions! I know most of my questions should really be based on my preference, but I really don’t want to screw-up my first model. Call me a wimp, but I am not diverting from the instruction manual without any help. My kit won’t be arriving for another week, so I appreciate and any tips and tricks, even insults, that you would like to share before I begin my endeavor. Thanks!

Does anyone have any suggestions on some general basic reading, guides, or links on how to get started with Bandai 1/72 snap together models? (And how to not jack them up royally) Even little tips would be appriciated. IE: tab cutting the different varieties of plastic, surfacing, minor detailing, decals, preservation, ect?

Okay the idea behind this thread is simple, users tend to ask questions that are, for better words, either easy to find common knowledge or sound pretty funny. You don't want to look stupid and we don't want to have mod a bunch of little topics. Examples: "Whose that green haired lady?" "What happen to Rick hunter?" "Did Minmay kiss her brother?" "Is this video from this country a bootleg?" "What's with the Zentradi elf-ears?" "Is there an official answer to <insert story="" or="" production="" trivia="" here="">?" "Where can I find a copy of this <insert product="" here="">?" "When will we see <insert product="" here=""> come out?" "What are this things?"/"Where are these things?"/"Who are these things?" "What <insert show or episode> did <insert event or item> show up?" and other newbie or short questions like these post them here. Ground rules It's only for newbie-type and short question/answer type questions about Macross. When someone post a simple question here hopefully one the more experienced posters will tell the newbie the answer. It's Question & Answer-format only. Nothing more. Newbies tend to be lazy and ask questions about everything. If you can point the newbie to the source it's better than just telling them the answer straight. If you see a newbie question about Macross somewhere else direct them here and their other topic will be closed/deleted. Search is a great tool. Useful links The Macross Compendium Mr. March's Macross Mecha Manual Newbie's guide to the differences between Macross and Robotech The Newbie and Short questions thread - Toy Edition Newbie thread, episode 2 Newbie thread, episode 1

Are you new to the world of Macross toy collecting or have a question that doesn't necessarily need a thread of it's own? Post it here and our resident Macross toy specialists will reply to you. Old thread: http://www.macrosswo...opic=11308&st=0 The initial one had answers that were so outdated, that first post is actually very funny. I'm going to try to dig thru that thread and link all relevant questions and answers here on the first post. First off... here's peolesdru's homepage at youtube which contains a lot of excellent transformation sequences you need for Macross Toys. http://www.macrosswo...showtopic=29393 Macrossworld's home page link to the toy section, for up to date stuff, you have to look thru the forums but the resource here is very invaluable: http://www.macrosswo...showtopic=28836 This is one of a few non discussion threads on MW, any comments not containing a scoop gets deleted after a few hours. LOCKED THREAD, PLEASE SEE FRONT PAGE FOR NEW SCOOPS CollectionDX's video reviews, search Macross for relevancy or find other toys there: http://www.macross2....ross-index.html MW = Macrossworld Valkyrie or "valks" = nickname for the transfoming jets most specifically used for the VF-1 but is an accepted term for any of its later successors (and the VF-0). CF = "Cannon Fodder"= refers to the brownie VFs that constantly get blown up in many episodes. FP = "Fast Packs" = external armor mounted on valkyrie, usually is exclusive to non atmospheric use. Fold Booster = additional equipment used by valkyries to jump from one space to another. Joke Machine = Bandai's Super Deformed versions of the Valkyrie HCM = High Complete Model, Bandai's original 1/72 version of the valkyries The Macross = The SDF-1 yammie = Nickname for Yamato Toys, most specifically a Yamato valkyrie chunky monkey = Nickname for the original Bandai/Takatoku 1/55 scale valkyrie what is a Joons? A popular bootleg version of the 1/55 what does GBP stand for? Grenade Box Protector, the heavily armored version of the VF-1 what's the difference between a super pack and a strike pack? The strike pack has a cannon attached to the right booster of the Fast Packs and was never seen in the TV series. What are TV hands? TV hands are the rounded version of the VF-1's hands, seen on the TV series and not in the movie (DYRL?) Also known as Mickey hands. What is DYRL?? Refers to the movie version Macross: Do You Remember Love? in which you see different versions of the valk flown by our heroes. There are also different versions of other mechas such as The Macross, The Quadleunn Rau and the Nousjadeul-Ger. Does Yamato or Bandai or any other Japanese manufacturers cater macross products to the US market? NO. Only japan. They WANTED to cater to us, but legality problems with Harmony Gold prevented them from doing so. Reference the HG debates thread for more info in the "other and science fiction" section. However OTHER non macross products from yamato are readily available in the USA. refer to this thread: http://www.macrosswo...p?showtopic=153 Do they offer parts for repairs? Still No... same reasons Why can't I find any news on the Alpha Fighter here? The Alpha Fighter was seen in the American series called Robotech, and was derived from Macross, Southern Cross and Mospeada (which is where you will see the Legioss (Alpha Fighter) and Robotech is considered an off topic subject as this is a Macross forum. refer to this thread: http://www.macrosswo...p?showtopic=228