Graham

Just doing a quick build on the VF-25S. Not bothering to do much panel lining this time, just assemblely and sticker. Got the torso, nose and head done, just need to do the limbs and gun. With the release of the toys imminent, this will probably be the last of the model kits I buy. As I mentioned previously, the models were just a toy substitute for me until the toys are released. I have to say I have been extremely impressed with the kits though. Graham

Hopefully the VF-171, VF-171EX, VF-25S w/Armored Pack or VF-2SS w/SAP. Graham

Macross has already got to the stage where it's getting too expensive to keep on purchasing all the merchandise released. Having to start being selective now. Graham

Finally saw the movie on DVD with my son over the weekend. We both enjoyed it. Not too keen on the stylized chracter designs, but overall I thought it captured the spirit and feel of Star Wars far more than the 3 prequel movies. Looking forward to seeing the TV series when and if it's shown here in HK (if not, I'll just buy the DVD set when released). Hope for lots of episodes just featuring Clone Troopers. Graham

The sketch looks like a mid-to-late Kawamori design concept sketch, but from the style it's obviously far from his normal polished finished design drawaings. As well as being more chunky overall, the gunpod is very different and the S type head only has twin head lasers instead of quad. Graham

That drawing definitely looks like a mid-to-late (but not final) design stage Kawamori concept sketch. Graham

Just because the YF-19, VF-19, YF-21 & VF-22 are stressed for higher (30 + ) G force ratings than the VF-25, doesn't necessarily equate to them being more manueverable, or being able to pull tighter turns than the VF-25. The higher G rating is pretty meaningless anyway if the pilot is unable to withstand that amount of G force. If the Ex-Gear in conjunction with the ICS lets the VF-25 pilot withstand higher G forces, up to or near to the planes limit, then the advantage is definitely going to be with the VF-25. GrRaham

Those latest pics look great. Graham

Got my son a bunch clone trooper figures and the Republic Gunship for them for his Christmas present. I'm sure he's gonna love it. Wish it was still possible to find Clone Trooper pilot figures that don't cost an arm and a leg! Grahan

Just checked all the hobby shops in Wanchai and Causeway Bay during my lunch, but they don't have this issue yet, just the previous issue # 129. Graham

Thanks for the translations so far guys. I hope some kind soul can eventually translate all of both pages, as it seems like there is a lot of background info there. Graham

Here's the scan of the tech spec pages from the VF-25S model kit manuel. Hope someone can translate this, as it looks like it may possibly be the most complete source of info so far on the VF-25. I note the gunpod has a different designation if using MDE rounds, GU-17V (Vajra?) as opposed to GU-17A. Graham

I don't have the toy on preorder, as it should be easy enough to get here in HK. Still plan to buy 1 of each. For what we are getting, the price seams reasonable. Graham

Wondering how detailed they will be compared with brand Y's FAST Packs. Will they have removable covers, engine detail etc. My guess is no. Still as long as they look good and have the many white markings tampo printed on I will be happy. Graham

Those mecha don't really look very Macrossy, or should that be Robotechy. Wonder if they even transform? IMO, they look more like something from Megazone. Graham

Actually, I was really happy with the quality of the stckers on this kit, especially for the red and black markings. I found they fit and adhere really well and look pretty good IMO. Graham

I basically, got the same reply: from OverDrive as well: - (names removed to protect the guilty). So it's good we have at least one confirmed source. I personally have no problem with the service charge on top of the retail price, as long as it is not to excessive. Graham

My two VF-25S kits are also on the way from Rainbow Ten. They should be here in a day or two. Can't wait to start building. Graham

I've just sent off an email to OverDrive to ask if they will be able to help with obtaining the 1/60 DX Alto Super Parts for Macrossworld members. I'll post their reply when I receive it. Graham

Thanks Keith, didn't know that. Graham

Yeah, Ozma usually used the Armored Pack, but there were at least 1 or maybe 2 episodes where he used a Super Pack. Graham

I wonder what's happening with the Ozma colors Super Pack? I thought initially it was going to be released oon the Tamashi site at the same time as Alto's, but this appears to now not be the case. Graham

You could always open a new thread. No guarantee that the mods would let it stay open though. Graham

When I built the VF-25F, I panel lined the parts after cutting them off the sprue, but before assembly. But I didn't paint my kit, except for some of the small parts. The only stickers you need to apply during assembly are the stripes on the wings, as the ends of the stickers actually fit inside the wing gloves. All the other stickers can be applied after assembly. Graham

24th November. Graham