Remko

Thanks for the link, but that picture I already knew of ofcourse! So with the seperate Ghosts (not the set including the VF-0's) you'll also get the missilepods and fueltanks (I actually think they are weaponpods for mini missiles)? That's great!! Gives me a chance to upgrade my SV-51 with more firepower!! ^_^

Here ya go: VF-0S with Ghost Booster You will find paint schemes of the Hasegawa kit here, including top views of the Ghost on the VF-0S. Anyway, I just ordered two QF-2200D-A's and two QF-2200D-B's from HLJ.com (the first type is on sale now!) and can't wait until they get here. Anyway, according to the product discription "The set also includes four missile pods and two launcher pods to add to the Valkyrie's arsenal." I suppose this means the Ghost comes with extra weaponry, but I haven't found a single photo of it. Anybody here who can show this?

WOW!! Looks awesome!! Great drawing talent. If you're interested, I've done a (basic) topview once of a VF-22S variant with a cockpit more like the VF-111 Raven. I just never got to further develop it, but always thought it would be a cool basis for a full blown VF.

I never quite understood the active stealth from Macross (same as the pinpoint barrier system, what's that, something like the AT field from Evangelion??), but I always considered the active stealth system to be something more advanced of current systems. So, VF's would have been equipped with advanced camouflage techniques (i.e. cloaking device) and higly reduced EM-signature, or possibly a system which actually counters enemy sensors. Anyway, the coolest 'active' stealth (more a tactic) system I know of is the one used by the F-22's (and possibly other 5th generation aircraft). Two of them fly in formation, the second aircraft a couple of miles behind the forward aircraft. The rear aircraft has it's radar activated, and starts scanning for enemy fighters. When found, the pilots sends a signal to the forward aircraft, which will advance to get withing firing range and launches a missile to intercept. Because the forward aircraft doesn't have it's radar on, it's virtually invisible to any enemy forces, who only see the rear aircraft being without missile range, and think they will be safe. When the missile starts homing in, it will probably be too late to react, and the enemy aircraft are doomed. It's cheating, but it beats the hell out of engaging in a fuel consuming dogfight with far more risks. Hey, the F-22 isn't called an Air Dominance fighter for nothing (even though the YF-23 was way cooler)!!

That was what everyone thought, but I saw a Discovery show about the Nighthawk once where they had an interview ith an F-117 pilot. He said that the plane did have a self defense against other aircraft besides flares and chaff, but what it was exactly he wouldn't tell.. Classified...

Yup it is!! ^_^ While doing some reading about military aircraft and looking at various Macross designs, this just occurs to me. The Macross saga uses the American style nomenclature for aircraft denomination. For example, the Cat's Eye has the type number ES-11D. Meaning Electronic (warfare) Space / number 11 / block D. The VF-1A Valkyrie has the denomination Variable Fighter / number 1 / Block A (D/S/J etc). This means the VF-1 is the only variable fighter to be called Valkyrie. All others are Variable Fighters, but don't carry the name "Valkyrie", just as there's only one Tomcat. In this style, SV-51 most likely means Submarine (launched) Variable (fighter) / type 51 / Alpha or Gamma. The prefix Sukhoi Variable is also possible, but unlikely. The only exception in this, is the VF-171 from Macross Frontier. Just thought I'd brought this up. BTW, now that I have my SV-51, I've begin designing the launch tube for use on a Naval vessel. So far I have a tube design ready for a surface vessel, a near 700 meter long ultra heavy guided missile battlecruiser CBGN "IAS Jormungand"). This will carry twenty SV-51's in vertical launch bays. Landing will be done on the rear flightdeck, capable of handling two SV-51 landing at the same time. I still have to finish the design, but it will be based on the current (late coldwar actually) Sovjet Kirov class cruiser. Meaning it's exceptionally equipped with numerous weapons, from small Anti Submarine rockets, to medium anti-aircraft missiles, long range cruise missiles and even full blown ballistic missiles launched from similar containers as the Tomahawk launchers. But I'm wandering of...

Well, after trying to transform it from fighter to gerwalk and battroid yesterday, I actually got the hang of it. The worst thing about the VF-1 (and the VF-0) are the legs, they come of the main body to be reattached to the nose cone. On the SV-51 (and every other VF) they are fixed in place, and just rotate. The shoulder joints need some thinking and trying. I don't quite have thang of them yet. My biigest concern for the moment are the extra fuel tanks. the innerwing ones just won't stick to the wings. I'll have to see how I could fix that. The battroid mode of the SV-51 is amazing. It's huge, menacing, and just looks like a demon from the pits of hell. The multi-functional sensor cluster (the "head") is also great. In gerwalk mode you can have it over the fighter almost like a scorpion's tail. I don't know if the SV-51 is equipped with a anti-missile/mecha laser, but if so, this would be a great addition to the already overwhelming firepower (no less than 4 guns in battroid mode besides the main handgun!!).

I've just picked up my Ivanov at the post office today. Man, it's huge!! Twice the size of the 1/60th VF-1J!! I love the VF in fighter mode, but wasn't succesful in transforming it yet. It's pretty loose in the shopulder wrists, preventing a good pose from the arms and hands. Oh well, I'll just have it sit in launch position I guess. My opinion, a beautiful toy, but with a big deal of problems, and a very difficult transformation procedure. BTW, does anybody know how to reveal the top lift fans in fighter mode?

If anyone wants a Yamato 1/60th SV-51, go to HLJ now! They have them on sale "Inventory Clearance". For just 13.080 yen (€ 105 euro's or $ 147 USD) you can get a Ivanov or a mass production variant. Damn... Wish I had waited a few weeks before ordering mine...

Still looking for some details. I also need a better view of the ES-11D Cat's Eye Reconnaissance SpacePlane Image copyright: M3 If there ever was a kit of this vehicle, a scan of the color guide / instruction booklet would be perfect, along with the given scale, and the actual length of the final model.

True, but I don't have any good pictures of the ARMD carriers where the hatches can easily be seen. If anyone has those, that would help a lot! That one I already have, of course. Regularly browsing M3 for new pictures proves to be very useful!! Those I didn´t have. Much appreciated, they are just what I need!!

I don't know if this is the right sub-forum to post this, but here it goes anyway. For a fan project (big ocean based warships, carrying VF's) I'm looking for good planviews / images / measurements of various systems and weaponry on the various Macross ships and VF's. Here's the ones I need (I've included "borrowed" images from the web, i.e. Macross Mecha Manual) to aid in the things I need. -Top plan view of the Asuka II bridge unit from Macross Zero (either official or fan made, I don't care much) -Dimensions of missiles and launcher system from the SDF-1: -Dimensions of the ARMD Heavy anti-shipping missile: -Clearer images of the "Gabriel" reaction missile from Macross 7: -Top plan view of the big Macross turrets (not the main cannon) but rather the smaller turrets (as seen in this link of the Macross Quarter firing turrets If anyone has (any of) these for me, thanks!!

True, and that was while the sub was submerged. In Macross Zero OVA they can also been seen launching from the sub, eventhough it's hanging in the air due to the Birdhuman / protoculture. No soft launches at all, full boost. I think they are launched similar to the Trident ICBM's, compressed gass until the surfaces, or even with small boosters as the new UCAV Cormorant will use.

Ah yes, but! As mentioned, Ballistic Missile subs (both US and Russian) carry their missiles in closed launchtubes, from within the submarine they are not accessible, let alone that they can be seen. The SV-51's on the other hand can be clearly seen in the same hangar bay/compartment. Only when they launch the protective covers slide up around them. This is understandable, because they need to be serviced, rearmed and refueled. When my SV-51 gets here (got a notice from DHL, they were at my house today), I'll see if I can think of a good layout, and post a drawing (pencil/paper) here.

I've always had a problem with that... I'm a bit of a realism buff (okay, jetfighters transforming in to robots, and fighting eachother in hand to hand combat, is not exactly realistic, but you can't have it all.. ), and in a lot of shows, anime, comics or movies, submarines are protrayed totally wrong. A real sub wouldn't have any survivability with that much openspace in side.. Subs need compartments for protection, not only torpedoes, but the crushing power of the ocean. Granted, a giant aircraft carrying sub with a dozen fighters which can't be seen from the inside is not visually interesting, but I still think they could have added a bit more realism, and still have a good scene in the hangar bays. Oh well... Still, the Auerstädt is one of my favourite Macross carriers! Anyway, back to the original topic. I have seen only one similar submarine carrier, and this one had as much elevators as it had Anti-Submarine Warfare aircraft (only 4). The aircraft would come in fast and land vertically on their individual spots. They were then lowered into their respective hangars, and after closing the hatches the sub would dive again.

Does this mean the RVF-25 will come with the three ghosts? Woohoo!! Always thought that would be awesome, one leader, and three 'slaves' doing most of the dirty work. I think the Bandai transformable snap-fit kits will be the first ones to be build. They sound easy enough, and can transform as well. Giving a much cheaper model then the Yamato toys for example. Next will probably the VF-0C deltawing. In my own custom livery though.

I've been thinking about getting a few Macross kits, but wanted to know if these are recommended for novice builders. Here's my wishlist: BANDAI: 1/72 VF-25F Messiah Valkyrie Alto Custom 1/72 VF-25S Messiah Valkyrie Ozma Custom 1/72 RVF-25 Messiah Luca Custom HASEGAWA: 1/72 YF-19 "Demonstrator" 1/72 SV-51 Gamma w/Twin Booster 1/72 VF-0C VMFAT-203 Hawks 1/72 VF-0D Macross Zero Thanks for the help!!

I'm still not sure if the gerwalk thing would be the most ideal landing method... I will have to think about that for a while, and see if I can try it out once my SV-51 comes in, as actually handling a toy or model usually helps to visualize it's function in the real world (or, this gives me an excuse to play with it!! ). Anyway, while searching for pictures of the SV-51, I found some very interesting views of the SV-51 1/60th toy. This being my favourite, the VF stays in fighter model, but the right arm, and head/sensor unit deployed, and the SV-51 is being used in the gunship role (like an AC-130 gunship). Looks very cool, and gives a whole new meaning to air support aircraft. Not only can the SV-51 lay down a rain of fire on the enemy, it can actually go in and help groundforces, or transform back to full fighter mode into the air dominance role. What do you guys think?

Given the SV-51's design is based on the modern Sukhoi fighters (Su-37 etc) it stands to reason that the VF is more than capable of performing doing a "Cobra", pointing the nose up, using it's thrust-vectoring exhausts, and forward liftfans to bring forward motion to a minimum. But this would probably draw to much 'unhealthy' attention to the sub, especially in war time. The VF's (low on fuel and with ordnance spent) would be sitting ducks, for threat forces. The Mave landing from Yukikaze looks appliccable as well for the SV-51.

Well, here's are a couple of quotes from the Macross Compendium: "Unlike the VF-0, it has VTOL capabilities without needing to transform from Fighter to GERWALK mode." and "Power Plant: Two Aviadvigatel D-30F6X turbofan jet engines, each rated at 102.5 kN and 204.7 kN with afterburning, with variable nozzles that pivot 90 degrees down for VTOL flight in Fighter mode. Two VTOL fan jets in center fore in Fighter mode (operating as high-maneuverability jets in Battroid mode)." Link: SV-51 entry @ Macross Compendium N.B. This might not be conjecture! Then again, we could try it on the Yamato VF-toy. If the rear engine nozzles can rotate downwards fully (as in the rear nozzle of the F-35 JSF) this might explain a lot! BTW, about the Yak 35 (231 aircraft produced, of which 38 two-seat trainers), I've read on various sites and in a small number of books about Fighter aircraft that it had a major design flaw. When using Vertical Take off, sometimes the ejector seat might be activated... So, technically, you would be airborne, only to see your fighter still on the deck of the ship. This is one of the reasons (along with higher fuel consumption, and lower weight) why conventional or STOVL (Short Take-Off, Vertical Landing) was preferred.

Good reviews, the photo of the VF-0A in Gerwalk mode is awesome btw!! Really speeks "You talking to me?!" My first VF was the Max Jenius version of Yamato's 1/60th VF-1J with Super Parts. Still a great looking toy if you ask me, although I can just stare at it while in the box as well. I got it out a few times, but transformation is a bit difficult, and I'm afraid of breaking any parts. Next one is the SV-51 (underway from HLJ) and a 1/72nd VF-11B with Fast pack from Yamato. I plan on getting the VF-0S with Ghost fighter next (probably around January or so), as it just kicks ass! Especially with those missile pods on the fighter's shoulders. My favourite would be a VF-0D with Ghost though. Even more firepower with the larger wing area! But since there's no transformable 1/60th VF-0D (yet), I don't see that happening anytime soon.

Are you kidding?? The rectangular FAST (Fuel And Sensor Tactical) packs used on the VF-11 are my favourites of all!! They look great, and I just love the part that they have two exhaust nozzles per Pack. The VF-1's in contrast are much to bulky with those giant boosters... A VF-11B would be great, and I can't wait to get my hands on one. I already thought I bought one, as it was advertised as 1/60th but from what I later learned it's the 1/72nd Yamato model... Too bad, but still cool. The VF-11B is still one of my fav VF's.

This is going to be a very interesting thread. Like I said before, it's been a long time since I've seen the original show (although I still have the first two episodes on VHS tape, with German dubbing!! ) so i don't remember all the action from the series. Anyway, launching fighters (be it VF's or Ghosts) has been shown on a very good occassion in Macross Frontier, as already mentioned in this topic. The way Galaxy launches those damn Ghosts like they ame just of the assembly line is awesome, and probably the most effective way of launching small combat craft in space. Something else was bugging me as well, can VF walk in gerwalk mode? I remember the VT-1 from the first show standing with one foot before the other. But if this means it can actually walk, I don't know. Then again, even if it could walk, it would be most likely similar to the ED-209 enforcement droid from Robocop. Awkward, like a big turkey.

This was posted on the Starship Modeler website sometime ago, and may already be known, but it's still my favourite, an fits the VF-4 Lightning perfectly. The Japanese cranes in the background are also a great homage to the origins of Macross. And of course the website of http://www.hungrylizardstudio.com with a host of SV-51 Alternative colorschemes Nice ideas for modelkits too!!

Yes, that does make sense. But still doesn't explain why you see VF's in fighter mode on deck in space. GERwalk I would understand. Yes, that's what I meant. Then, what name has it?