Drad

Despite the snowstorm, my GX-64 arrived yesterday. Only had a brief look at it but I can tell it's amazing just by looking at the AA batteries.

Size-wise it's the same size as the Taito Super Mechanics model.

How d'ya like it so far?

Isn't it pre-assembled? BTW, cancelled my Starblazers version, and ordered a proper Yamato version of the GX-64.

Mostly. The deck guns, catapults and anchors need to be plugged in, but that's as much assembly as it requires. Everything else is ready to go out of the box.

Edit:

You'll need a small Philips screwdriver to remove the battery compartment cover on the underside of the ship. The screw is hidden under a panel.

Minecin still in route to me. I live in canada and t cost me $285 can. Can anyone tell me if you have to cut parts out of sprues on this thing like the old soul of popyicon version? I really hope not. I can never cut them out good.

No need to cut anything out. It's all just sitting in the trays, ready to plug in.

He'll make it even more awesome. Then ours will look very plain in comparison. VERY plain.

I've ordered from AmiAmi several times but I don't remember if any of the packages were marked as a gift or undervalued. Then again I've never had to pay customs and duties charges. Was I supposed to?

Anyone else getting the GX-64?

One thing I like about the 1/500 kit and GX-64 (basically the 2199 Yamato form) is the shape of the bow and wave motion gun. As well as the mid-section bulge. It just looks right in every way.

I agree with you on that, definitely. I've read that the designers who worked on Yamato toys and models in the past have said that the Yamato's proportions and lines are difficult to capture in three dimensions with respect to the animation. With this 2199 version, I think they've finally done it. Did it take a while? Yeah. Decades.

But it's finally here.

Congrats on getting your GX-64, Kyp! It sounds like you're enjoying it enough for all of us. Looking forward to your review.

There are definitely some panel lines in front of the engine cone, and under and around the catapults. I'd take a pic, but I don't have anything except my crappy phone camera.

Nope. No spot for the remote, unfortunately.

Finally put it all together and got the batteries in (harder than I thought it'd be, was afraid I was gonna break something or chip some paint).

As long as the ship is switched on, the bridge lights and the engine will stay lit. During the Wave Motion Gun firing sequence, the bridge lights will dim and go out after a certain point. They'll come on again after the gun has discharged.

I'm really happy with this version of the Yamato, but I plan on keeping my GX-57 as well. The GX-64's music selections don't quite strike the same chords with me as the classics on the previous model. In particular, the female vocalist's solo track is not included with the new release. That said, I do prefer the GX-64's sculpt over the GX-57.

It'll be nice to have two beautiful Yamatos on my shelf, representing where we've been.. and where we are now.

Edit:

Just discovered that the LEDs will turn themselves off after a few minutes of inactivity. Also, the speaker on the GX-57 is a bit louder.

Got mine today! As far as shipping, about the same as Kyp. I guess Hawaii or Alabama doesn't matter; EMS from Japan is roughly the same price. I paid 20,050 JPY for the item and 4670 JPY for EMS.

DOOOOO IIIIIIT!!

Wow. I really thought the GX-57 Yamato was impressive, and it is.. but this, the GX-64 goes beyond even that. I'm gonna be floored when I open up that box. Hell, even the box is nice.

It's in the country at ISC New York (USPS), so if all goes well, it might be here by Thursday if they release it quick enough.

-Kyp

I'm in Hawaii, so I'm hoping mine will show up fairly quickly. It left Tokyo yesterday. It's probably here and just sitting in customs.

I paid 20,050 JPY at Hobby Search. Haven't checked to see if they have any more, but they shipped mine today too. Can't wait!

Looked to preorder the Starblazers Bluray($44.99) from starblazers.com and the shipping is ridiculous! Shipping in the states it ranged from $14.25 - $86.41

To Canada it's $36.43 to $213.82. For shipping alone.

frakk that! I'll import the Japanese ones it'll be cheaper!

Eesh. I just tried to preorder and shipping to Hawaii came out to $32, which brings the grand total to $84.

Holy crap! I dunno if any of you guys have seen this, but I just ran across it and wanted to share. This is probably the cheapest we're going to get, especially with free Prime shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Tamashii-Nations-Battleship-Yamato/dp/B00E15ECCM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387517706&sr=8-1&keywords=yamato+2199

I'd be all over this if I hadn't already secured one from Hobby Search (can't cancel); they had the best price I could find at 20,020 yen before shipping. Most places I've looked that still offer this have it listed at around $260.

Here's a question for anyone who might know: what exactly is the difference between the US/JP versions of this piece? Just the box, or is it more than that?

Number 1 wish? 80%off sale.

In a perfect world...

That's a great wish, though. Really.

I would love for them to re-release Ozma. I want one, but I don't wanna pay $600-plus.

Hopefully they use the English subs off the Japanese discs. It will be painful to watch if everything is changed to "Argo" and "Wildstar".

That's true. I didn't even think about that... I mean it's not like the Japanese audio is going to be changed just to match the subs.

Still, for that price, I'll live with it if that's what ends up happening. i hope not, though. To me it'd make the most sense to just use the existing subs. People who know the show and are buying the discs will understand the references.

The Star Blazers website has more information. Prices are 34.99 for DVD and 44.99 for Blu-Ray for the first disc. Disc 1-5 have 4 episodes and disc 6 will have 6 episodes.

That's half price off the Japanese discs. I'll buy these, definitely.

More shirts from -knives-, this time SMS insignia in grey.

More awesome.

Thanks to -knives- for some awesome shirts! BUY HIS STUFF.

Guys, these shirts are definitely top-tier. No joke.

The shirts are made using soft, slightly fitted Anvil knitwear blanks. The fit is excellent. Not too tight, but won't fall over you like a drape either. Very soft and comfortable. I could sleep in these.

The designs are classic, minimalist and clean. No sloppy, cheap, fundraiser shirt prints here. The polyurethane printing is durable and should last through years of wear and washing. Even the retail tags on them are in the shape of a Minmay doll. I rest my case.

Nerd pride.. without looking like a nerd. I'm ordering more.

I had to talk to people in person because the site was down and I had extra free time. What a weird experience.