lebhead Posted August 23, 2003 Share Posted August 23, 2003 Current Macross Based Transformable Toys Basically there are three (actually 4... kind of) different companies making transformable VF-1 Macross-based toys. They are... Bandai (1/55 scale) Bandai is currently reissuing the old Takatoku Toys Macross VF-1 toys that first came out in the early 80's. They have made very slight improvements on them, but for the most part they are the same as the original 1980's Takatoku toys. These toys feature the original swing-bar design, which enables a "perfect" transformation between modes. There is little diecast, usually only in key places to enable durability (which is very high in these toys). Most of the toy is made out of plastic. The sculpt on these toys leaves much to be desired, although most collector's look past it due to nostalgia. The decals (or what used to be decals) are now painted on, which is probably one of the best parts of the toy. Bandai has released both regular and FAST Pack "Super" VF-1 toys. Although FAST Packs are not available for individual purchase they do fit on all Bandai reissue toys. Currently only the VF-1S Skull Leader has been released as a "Super" version. No further reissues are planned at this time by Bandai. More on Bandai Bandai 1/55 VF-1S Super Yamato (1/60 and 1/48 scale) Yamato was the first toy company to return to the Macross transformable toy market in the last couple of years (not counting Bandai's Macross 7 valks a few years prior). After their success with the Macross Plus line, they started on the Macross DYRL/TV line of VF-1 valkyries (with Bandai soon following with the Takatoku reissues). The Yamato toys feature a highly detailed sculpt that tends to emphasize perfection in fighter mode. Just like the Yamato Macross Plus toys were based on models from SHE, the Yamato 1/60 VF-1's fighter mode was based off of the Hasegawa 1/72 VF-1 models, which is very apparent when comparing the two. Althought the sculpt is very accurate most of the details and markings come seperate as decals/stickers that you have to apply yourself (unlike the Bandai). When making their 1/48 VF-1 toy, Yamato completely resculpted their VF-1 design rather than just blow up an existing 1/60 scale to 1/48 scale. The 1/60 Yamato feature a unique transformation between modes, in that you have to remove their legs in order to transform the toy. This means no "perfect" transformation like the Bandais or the Toynamis. However the 1/48 Yamato does feature a true perfect transformation, much superior to any previous toy ever produced. Unlike the Bandai, Toynami, or Banpresto perfect transformations, the 1/48 Yamato can directly transform into full Gerwalk (Guardian) mode from fighter WITHOUT having to swing open the legs first. So, in essence the Yamato 1/48 is the first "truly perfect" transforming valk. The 1/48 is definitely the most complex VF-1 toy ever made. Yamato has released regular, Strike, and Super versions of their 1/60 line. No FAST or Strike Packs are available for purchase seperately at this time, but Yamato may release them for individual sale at a later date. Not all Yamato 1/60 VF-1s are FAST Pack ready, although a FAST/Strike Pack addition set may include the pieces to remedy this. Yamato will definitely release FAST/Strike Packs for its 1/48 line, which are all FAST/Strike Pack ready. More on Yamato Yamato 1/60 VF-1S Strike Yamato 1/48 VF-1S Toynami MPC (1/55 scale) The VF-1 Masterpeice collection from Toynami features a very similar "perfect" transformation to the Takatoku/Bandais, in that it uses the old swing-bar method. However, the swing-bar in the MPC VF-1s are much less noticable than the Bandais. The Toynami can be seen as a "beefed up" Bandai, in that it adds a lot of small details, like rubber wheels and articulated figners. However, the biggest flaw in the Toynami, like the Bandai, is in it's sculpt. It is rather inaccurate in fighter mode, while Guardian (Gerwalk) and battloid modes seem to suffer less from the sculpting flaws. The first MPC VF-1 (Rick Hunter) lacked the diecast metal found in the legs of later MPC VF-1 toys. In addition Toynami is releasing FAST Pack armor to be sold seperately for the Skull, Max, and Miriya MPC volumes. You can buy them for about $30 each right here from Twin Moons Anime! More on Toynami Toynami Masterpiece Collection VF-1S Banpresto (some small scale around 1/100) Banpresto is actually a subdivision of Bandai. They specialize in making smaller toys and game prizes, which these toys are meant to be. The Banpresto toys feature one of the nicest overall sculpts in all three modes (arguably the nicest), but suffer in quality due to being cheaply made with poor materials, and being so small. The Banprestos feature the legacy swing-bar design, enabling a "perfect" transformation, much like the Bandais and Toynamis. However, due to the fact that the Banprestos' swingbars are platic and not metal (like the other 2 companies'), the Banpresto has better articulation and posability in the hips. Of course this is rather moot as the Banprestos are especially difficult to pose due to their "floppy" nature. More on Banpresto Banpresto VF-1S *updated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
areaseven Posted August 23, 2003 Share Posted August 23, 2003 Some extra side notes: Bandai (1/55 Scale) 1. With the exception of the VF-1J Hikaru type, all of the Bandai reissues come with heat shields that you can swap between Battroid and fighter/Gerwalk modes. 2. The Bandai/Takatoku Valks come with spring-loaded landing gear. This was common among most diecast Bandai, Popy, and Takatoku toys released in the 1970s and 1980s. While it's a cool feature, users must take precaution when opening the landing gear; they really hurt when they hit your fingers! Other Notes 1. Currently, Yamato, Toynami and Banpresto versions are the only ones capable of having their GU-11 Gun Pods mounted between the arms in fighter mode. 2. Yamato and Toynami versions are the only ones with hardpoints on the underside of their wings to mount missile packs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lebhead Posted August 23, 2003 Author Share Posted August 23, 2003 thanks for the additional info, A7. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angel's Fury Posted August 31, 2003 Share Posted August 31, 2003 (edited) Hey Lebhead! A much better improvement with your new and improved site (http://protoculture.lebhead.com) Keep up the good work! Edited August 31, 2003 by Angel's Fury Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lebhead Posted August 31, 2003 Author Share Posted August 31, 2003 Hey Lebhead! A much better improvement with your new and improved site (http://protoculture.lebhead.com) Keep up the good work! thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
areaseven Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 In case you just joined MW, read this thread before buying your new Valkyrie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghadrack Posted April 6, 2005 Share Posted April 6, 2005 In case you just joined MW, read this thread before buying your new Valkyrie. Excellent advice, it is also a really good idea to scour his site if you are a Robotechie who has recently tapped into your deep love of the Macross series and want to know the key differences between the series, the companies and the toys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cambodian tire Posted April 25, 2005 Share Posted April 25, 2005 Hey guys! don't forget the 1/72 bandais as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
armentage Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 I would also mention the difficulty in both obtaining 1/48ths and their accessories. I mean, the markets flooded with 1/60ths and the different variations, while the 1/48ths are almost super-rare. I think it's much harder and more expensive to have a "Collection" of 1/48ths than it is to do 1/55ths or 1/60ths. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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