Graham

Just picked up 41 and saw on the back cover they show how you are supposed to divide the sections between the 5 folders. It doesn't seem to show how you separate the character sheets between folders 2 and 3, or am I missing something? Graham

I've seen it in the model shop on Wanchai Road, the one next to the Charter House hotel. They had several. Graham

Sigh............still no VF-171/VF-171EX. Graham

You are just guessing that the Raytheon Bifors AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 used by the VF-0 was taken out of service and replaced by the AMM-1. We don't know that either way. We do know that the VF-0 was a test-bed for more advanced systems than used by the VF-0. Could be that the AIM200A was the more advanced missile, but there was not time to but it into mass production by the start of Space War 1. Like much of Macross, there is just too much that has never been confirmed, revealed etc. Again, it could be that the AIM-200A AMRAAM 2 has been in service all this time, just we have never seen it. Certainly from at least the VF-11 onwards, most VFs have been shown with only internally carried missiles, rather than mounted on the wings. It is not until Macross Frontier that wing mounted missiles seem to have resurfaced. Again this doesn't mean they weren't used post-SW1, just we have not been shown them be used. Ther is a difference. Also, the missile used in Frontier, while looking similar to the one used in VF-0 actually has a different designation according to the Macross Chronicles. Macross Zero missile = Raytheon Bifors AIM-200A AMRAAM 2. Macross Frontier Missile = L.A.I./AAMS-02A Graham

Just saw one on display in fighter mode in the big Animate branch in Mong Kok. First time to see it in person out of the box. Really, really ugly. Even had a drooping (warped?) nose in fighter mode. Really completely unacceptable. I've seen better looking dog vomit. Graham

To give a real life example about the longevity of certain missiles, the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile (with sucessive upgrades) has been in service with US forces continuously since 1956. That's 54 years in service. So there's no reason why an upgraded version of the missiles seen on the VF-0 in Macross Zero in 2008 shouldn't still be in service in 2059. Anyway, back to talking about Destroids. Graham

I seem to recall reading in one of my books that the F-35 can't use Sidewinders in its internal weapons bays, as the IR seeker head is partially blocked even with the missile extended on its launch trapeze. If this is true, then it is limited to AMRAAM in the self-defence A2A role, which is not the most suitable option for close-in defense as I understand it. IMO, lack of a close-in IR homing missile would seem to be a definite disadvantage, especially combined with the lack of a gun on some models. While there's the arguement that the F-35 is not supposed to get into a knife fight, crap does hit the fan and if and when it does, I can see the F-35 pilot having serious trouble. While both the F-22 and F-35 are 'supposed' to fight at BRV and that is their forte, many times in recent history political considerations (not military ones), have prohibited firing at BRV and required WVR visual identification/clarification of a target before engagement. Remember, rules of engagement are often set by the politicians not the military and more often than not don't favor the good guys. Graham

That was the model kit. Graham

Nobody has answered about the stand, because nobody knows. It's as simple as that. It's nothing to do with caring or not. Can't answer about what is unknown. All I can say is, I buy both Hobby Japan and Dengeki Hobby magazine every month and so far no stand has been shown in any of the hobby mag pics of the DX VF-27. Likewise, no stand has been shown (that I know of) in any of the online pics of the DX VF-27. I think we all want it to come with a stand, but indications are not looking too good. But who knows, Bandai may surprise us and package it with a spiffy looking Galaxy stand. Worst case and it doesn't come with a stand, there are other options, such as the excellent FlexiStands. I'd actually prefer it not to come with the standard SMS stand, given that the VF-27 is not part of SMS. Graham

That's one way of looking at it. The way I see it is that after Space War I, the Destroids Tomahawk, Phalanx and Spartan were found to be extremely lacking in the necessary offensive and defensive capabilities, not to mention mobility to combat Zentran/Meltran mecha on a 1/1 basis, which could explain why we have not seen any futher development of those models (non-canon Macross II not withstanding). The Destroid monster while more than adequate in offensive capabilty was found lacking in mobility, hence the developemont of the more mobile and self-transporting Konig Monster. Whereas perhaps the Cheyenne was found to be more capable and suitable for further development than the original Destroids, hence the Cheyenne II in Macross Frontier. Whereas the original Tomahawk , Phalanx and Spartan are seen relegated to construction mecha duties and then to nothing more than amusement park attractions by 2045 in Macross 7. While the Cheyenne II is superficially similar to the original Cheyenne, it seems to offer enhanced capabilites over the original SDFM Destoids and the original Macross Zero Cheyenne. Note the twin heavy duty beam weapons, two heavy-caliber gunpod class gattling type guns, and larger twin missile launchers, not to mention the obvious improved mobility over the SDFM class destroids offered by the wheeled feet. As mentioned, while superficially similar in outward apearance, the Cheyenne II could likely have far improved armor weapons, sensors, mobility etc than the original SDFM Destroids or the first mark Cheyenne from Macross Zero. It could be said that an M4 Sherman and MI Abrams are superficially similar. Both are tanks, have tracks, a turret and a main gun, but are worlds apart in terms of capability. Just a counterpoint to those that automatically write off the Cheyenne II without a second thought. While not that relevant to the discussion at hand, it should be at least noted that the Cheyenne and Cheyenne II in the PSP Macross Ultimate Frontier game are far more versatile and comabt effective than the Tomahawk, Spartan and Phalanx (at least I find them so). Graham

Heh, yeah that pic above actually makes me think about picking up a Toynami for a cheap fun transforming VF-1. Revoltech transforming VF-1 = free advertising for Toynami! Graham

I wouldn't call any of those plot holes per say, more like there's a lot of back story that hasn't been revealed yet with regards to how and why the Prawns ended up on earth and why they behaved the way they did. I suspect whatever sickness they were suffering from may have affected them in some way. Graham

Haven't watched any new (or old) anime since finishing Macross Frontier last year. Well, I did recently rewatch Macross II, but that's about all. There's just no new anime that interests me at all. I have been toying with the idea of rewatching RahXephon later in the year and perhaps the orginal Bubblegum Crisis as well, but still not in the mood yet. Currently borrowing and watching Farscape complete box set (yes, I know it's not anime, but it is sci-fi). Not sure if I'll be able to make it through all 4 seasons though. Keep falling asleep half way through the eps. Graham

Frontier has the Cheyenne II, not the Cheyenne. I would imagine the Cheyenne II is significantly newer and improved than the original Cheyenne and likely performs much better. Don't know why people are so down on the Cheyenne II. While it obviously shares a common design heritage with the original, it's not the same mecha. Graham

I will LMAO if sometime in the future, the US ended up having to buy or licence produce these from the Russians. Could happen if the F-22 production line is closed, jigs destroyed, and a credible A2A threat emerged to challenge the US. Graham

MUF is awesome. I'm now at 186 hours play. Probably going to take a break for a while now though. Anybody recommend any other good real robot games for the PSP? No Gundam, though please. Graham

Anybody read whether or not the T-50 will have thrust vectoring? Graham

The VF-171 is one of the most beautiful VFs in the Macross universe. I can't beleive Bandai still hasn't done a toy or model of it yet. Graham

Given the relative paucity of technical and background information on the YF/VF-19 series, compared to say the VF-1, I'm extremely curious as to how they are going to fill this volume. Existing information on the various versions of the 19 only fills a few pages at most and it's not like they have any older fan-made books like the Sky Angels books to draw on either for material. I guess, the book will be heavily padded with line art and CG pics and likely not have too much in the way of text. Graham

Yeah, noticed that about a week ago on Amazon jp when I was checking my order status. Not surprised, as the first book got delayed be several months as well. Graham

Plus the F-22 looks pretty chubby when viewed from the side, especially the front part. This new Russian plane looks much sleeker IMO. Graham

I could and I do with some series like Supernatural, but for other series, call me old fashioned, but I actually like being able to come home, turn on the TV at the scheduled time and watch a series in regular weekly installments. With downloading, there's always the temptation to watch the whole series all at once. Graham

That is one sexy looking plane. Much better looking that the F-22 and F-35 IMO and about equal (if not slightly better looking) than the YF-23. Let's hope the Russians get it into mass production in serious numbers quickly (unlikely I know), so that the US will have to restart the F-22 production line. Graham

Anybody know the exact release date in February for Brera's VF-27? I hope it's before the CNY holiday. Graham

How about make Protoculture a plant that is also a fuel source? Graham