Draykov

Well, I don't know about that. I think the intent was to mimick USN aircraft numeration, like Dave suggested. Like we've been lead to believe, DYRL? is supposed to reflect the accurate look of the SDF Macross universe, and numbers on the VF-1s were sequential (at least to some extent). I imagine that there is a certain set of numbers used for either a carrier air group or a squadron and repeated in various other CAGs or squadrons. It wouldn't be too hard to discern Skull 001 from say, Longhorn 001 at a glance (assuming there are certain squadron markings being used, either low-vis or otherwise), so the fact that they might share the same ID number wouldn't be much of an issue, even while assigned to the same carrier. As for the "1023" on the VF-1D, if it wasn't an error, one might guess that 1023 is part of the aircraft's entire BuNo and the 102 was derived from it.

Thanks!

It's a beautiful world!

Do you mean a new version of the VF-1...or actually alter the base of the VF-1 design and just change the name? For instance, are you saying you wouldn't mind a redesign in the same vein as the (bear with me) Robotech YF-1R veritech? Or by "calling it something else" do you mean something like the VF-0? Close enough, but not quite a VF-1. Otherwise, I don't see the point in changing the design of the subject at hand (the VF-1) and then calling it something else. A spade is a spade.

I had some paint problems on the port wing on one of the two that I ordered. The black stripe was a bit sloppy. It wasn't awful, but it was noticeable if your nitpicky like I am. And not to burst your bubble, but... What's wrong with my Yamato, Bandai, etc., (pinned)

Your piss and vinegar cocktail is ready.

One thing strikes me as strange in the comparison picture. It seems as if that VF-0 pilot would have to wedge himself into the VF-1 cockpit with a crowbar. Maybe it's just me.

I tend to use the instructions from the 1/72 Hasegawa kits as a reference. http://www.macrossworld.com/macross/models...ha65701-1i6.jpg http://www.macrossworld.com/macross/models...ha65701-1i7.jpg I'm sure someone else might be able to find a better scan somewhere.

Like the SV-51?

I want my Macross Zero OVA in 1/48 scale!!! One of them had to come first (even if only on the design table). All future variable fighters have designations that are in ascending numerical order. Why would that be a stupid assumption?

I would think making the VF-0 closer in size to the existing VF-1 design would've been the way to go, but what do I know.

Even if those things were affordable, I'm still not sure what I'd do with it after I got it (aside from "swooshing" a 1/48 around the house while wearing it and fogging up the glass).

I think Yamato's release of a low-vis 1/48 with a Macross Zero pilot was a big tip off.

I haven't seen anything to really indicate that a redesign is probable. Like you suggest, I think the things I've come across have mainly been Joe Macross-Fan asserting that there are continuity issues which lead to others suggesting that a redesign was imminent.

Well, I don't think they'd redo an entire series just to update a mecha design, but the fact that the VF-1 does continue to make appearances after SDF Macross would take away some of the validity of the "continuity" argument.

Yes, I was serious. I've been meaning to check that thread out, actually.

Agreed, but if the crew here at MW is anything to base your demographic on, Yamato should start crankin' out VF-2SSs.

I'm actually kind of relieved to hear you say that, Graham. I really don't want to see it altered (for nostalgia's sake), though I'm curious as to what SK might do to it if he were to redesign it. Well, The SW-XA1 and VF-0 are already two good examples of redesigned VF-1s. Graham Good point.

I'm actually kind of relieved to hear you say that, Graham. I really don't want to see it altered (for nostalgia's sake), though I'm curious as to what SK might do to it if he were to redesign it.

I fall into that category as well. However, the original VF-1, in my opinion, doesn't really need to be improved upon. The VF-0 (at least the A and S models) are also pretty similar to the VF-1. I'd just as soon Kawamori-san invest his talents into something brand new, but I'd bet good money that anything he touches will turn out golden.

I've heard bits of rumors about the prospect of Shoji Kawamori redesigning the VF-1 at some point to better fit in with the continuity of other Macross series (Zero, Plus, etc.). With hints about a new Big West project, I can't help but wonder. Do you think this is a good thing? Will the inevitable merchandise (read: Yamato toys) be a good thing? As sick as so many folks seem to be of the VF-1 as it is, would a redesign and subsequent toy release(s) assuage this feeling, or just make folks even sicker of the VF-1? Would it all depend on just how cool the design that he creates would be?

It probably would. If you look at everything imported VS domestic version, it always ended up cheaper. If you really sit down and think about the price, it's really no joke. $180 for a 1/48 with fastpacks. That's the price of a PS2. As much as I LOVE Macross. It's a bit steep... The day Macross breaks the HGUSA barrier is the day of great jubilation for us state-side collectors. No kidding. Exactly how long is HG's license supposed to last, anyway? It's been 20 years!

That was like $30 in 1983 money though. I think he was talking more about the size rather than the price. My bad, I thought the issue was size and cost still.

That was like $30 in 1983 money though.

That about sums it up. However the reality is that not many folks would've chosen a 1/100 cheap "simple transformation" zero as their first choice. I'm content to see what happens next, whether it be striclty 1/100 stuff, a bigger perfect 0 in a scale between 1/100 and 1/48, or a big, expensive, 1/48 "Hope Diamond" of plastic. Everyone is entitled to want what they want (whether reason is involved or not). We'll just have to wait and see what happens or start a Betty Ford-esque Valk addict clinic.