leading edge

Geez your right he really hasn't aged!? I mean i saw mikimoto he looks about right Kawamori looks like he is in his late 30's these days when really he is closer to 50.

Exactly I'm not saying get terrrible stuff just get some new heads out there making waves try something with a series and add something to it that can enrich it. Take for example macross 2012 They could do story where they seach for the megaroad and see what really happened to it I mean we are left with a vague idea behind an entire colony disappearing. That right there could be a good story.

I don't want to sound like that but seroiusly you'd think they could release some good manga with some different character to expand a rich universe.

I guess there is no way to avoid this.... here goes. Basara isn't a character he is an aspiration. For good or bad like or has aspirations are just feelings on a subject. The reason I say this is like so many character fit this type and they do one thing they are their creator's voice to the audience on a subject they are biased they delve into the subject and that is what Kawamori likes. Look at all his creations there isn't a lot of inner monologue or any dialogue because that is just it . It is passion while good will lack a degree of substance. I 've always believe when a character is written by more than one author it can change that character for good or ill. The different stories evolve the nature add depth that was once otherwise overlooked that is why. Sherlock homes when given a look that is more modern or a context that is newer becomes less dated more updated. super man is very well known because the greatest fountain of youth is the writer keeping things new recycling telling the same stories new context. Gundam told over and over with very identical stories but with enough insight can create something new for a new viewer. I do not like Basara Nekki now but give me another writer with a little more emotional context and I will say yes.

I like macross II just wish some things were not so much like the first series. the futility of war is however a an old topic it is better to see it as a reality and acknowledge the futility than to just make a statement. The relentless struggle for no reason is clear in Macross but sometimes other series capitalize this too much ( ie Macross 7) and you get some silly results. Honestly Macross 7 was good but really when your talking life and death your not murdering if you stop someone from killing someone else or your self it really becomes an issue of restraint and not buying into violence solving a problem. Really violence solves a problem and creates a new one( killing someone equals vengence) that will happen the idea i always got from macross was there is a better way when people become reasonable and have a common interest or look beyond a barrel of a gun and they might see something in each other that theycan enjoy( music love) Iknow it sounds cheesey but that was what I always thought macross was about. I feel this Macross II did it I just think it could do somethings better still I enjoyed the series.

I know there are various creative differences but seriously Macross has easily a large following as other mecha series and has the interest to keep new viewers watching so why isn't there more like side stories or manga it all seems like Kawamori has a little too much control over his work. many peopl find this topic a little vague but really it isn't that unfair I mean 30 years there should be something interesting they can talk about i mean Macross zero shed some light on the UN spacy it woul have been nice to see what was happening. The world of Macross seems likean ideal society there is poverty and problems but technology and spirit seem to come thru that to me is a very positive message. The world to me is very vague as well in the first series there seemed to be a sense o sttucture but with all he time skips the society and impression of it always seemed to vary. We see other countries devastated by war and come back stronger usually by some unifying belief that things will get better by pulling together and buildingfor tomorrow. I however think that the Macross universe and some of the elements need more more writer and more information about how people live in order to explain their dreams hopes and sense of past events. All I'm really saying is there is fertile ground to cover some really interesting stories with a new generation of writers and after 30yrs and a new millnium and new year I think we can swing that.

I realize the thought of an energy field existing between the smallest form of energy( example inertia) exists as a theory but we can't discount the possibility that the field may give birth to other forms of energy research. Take the fusion research being done in Japan and paris I believe it is called cold electrolysis fusion at first it was nothing more than a pipe dream then some researchers took another look and corrected some equations and material and doubled the voltage of a battery. It may take small steps but together they add up.

here is a site on some progress being done

cold fusion

http://www.quanthomme.info/jlnlabs/cfr/html/cfrdatas.htm

zero point energy

http://www.calphysics.org/research.html

http://users.erols.com/iri/ZPEpaper.html

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/glenn/technology/warp/ipspaper.html

Honestly I like Eureka Seven but there were times in the middle it felt like it dragged a bit and developing character seemed a bit kinda long. Holland is cool but then he gets all gugnho an hates Renton then he accepts him( dude seemed weird they would angle it different and make it look like he was macking on a younger chick) but well the change in character makes sense it was how they got there that seemed too again preachy just do it and give clues or obvious symbolism it feels too explained at times. Again I like it but when you have these little areas of story that kinda seemed taked on it just feels like the original writer bailed because of creative differences. I s it me or is anything Shoji Kawamori done always involve The main character leaving a loved one for what ever the reason? I really think that happens a bit too much in his work. For example Aquarion, Escaflowne, Macross, and ( even if he is only losely connected) Eureka Seven. Sorry ranted a bit. Anyway liked it wished they delved a bit more into the story and i will look at the movie sounds good.

Was hilarious saw the Burt reynolds episode couldn't stop laughing. I mean there are so many Smokey and the Bandit hawk and car chase movies scenes even Archer's car looks like a non Reynolds reference to Bullit. I love how they did that double take with the extra cuban hit squad van. Hahaha.

I started and finished watching Tiger and Bunny actually very good.I wasn't expecting much most animes are good don't get me wrong but whenever they tackle this subject it is always very campy like go nagai. With this i had just the right amount of fun and action to keep the characters interesting to people who have seen super heroes. I don't want to give away too much but it leaves enough open and creates enough to keep you interested. I feel for Japan and even the us this kind of show reinvents some aspects of the genere . ifeel other movies have explored the concepts but this series hit upon other aspects that super heroes could be like in real life and even some of the limitations that can be imposed. It is a good watch and very fun if you just want to be entertained.

the series can be modern or.....

Very Retro.

Here is one how a bout a zero point energy converter?

Here is my choice no surprise the lancelot conquista

http://paradymeshift.wordpress.com/

speacial thanks to mahq for image

Was the Macross series written around pre-existing real toys (including this gun)?, like 'Transformers' and 'Gobots' were? (Wikipedia does not help here.)

Images of models:

http://upload.wikime...-Valkyrie-03.jp

Other images linked to from http://en.wikipedia....i/VF-1_Valkyrie

http://upload.wikime...e_Expo_2007.jpg

A man in VF-1 Valkyrie costume at Anime Expo 2007. VF-1 Valkyrie is a type of robot from the anime series Robotech and Macross.

Uploaded on Flickr on 8 July 2007; also at http://www.flickr.co...57600569532450/

It's definitely the original gattling from Macross the GU-11 dude ahhh. a classic.

Good point. I was mainly thinking about the rarity of the kit, but I'm also one of those who really prefers the morgan anyway.

Oy, I need to get back into CG modeling. There are so many designs I've wanted to build up in the computer, just to work out the finer details.

Thanks for the interest I've been really thinking about this build so I've decided to update a little more. here are a few top front and bottom view of the Morgan I drew with the reference I have I'll revise and update the build as I go. I need more Ideas for kits hope this will help.

I have made cutting and convertion on shoulders to attach the battroid arms to the body of the fighter mode, some little pieces of sprue were used, they are ready to receive arms and be placed on fuselage:

I have also made some modifications on the legs, I cut upper legg pieces and added some scratchbuild with a 1.5 mm styrene sheet, also, both "feet" were modified to give the leg a "chicken" position, this modification created a big empty space in the front of the leg, so I used the same solution that is depicted on a page of one of the hasegawa gerwalk convertion magazines... with another styrene sheet (with some panel scribe)I covered this space, I have to say I like it...I know this piece is not a real part of the original valk design, but hey!! this bird belongs to MY army so it will have what ever I want!!! hehehehe.

I finished the cockpit, I will just add some dark washing, but I did a mistake, when I glued the back of the seat, I didn´t realized I accidentally pushed it to the front with my finger, so it is too inclined to the front, I guess this Valk model has a RED adapted "car seat", I think the original one was ejected accidentally and now it is on the bottom of a swamp or somewhere...

Interesting what other parts are you planning to incorporate into the gerwalk mode. i heard there was a mod in the joint that you needed to hold it in place when it bends forward don't quote me on this but I believe it was a kind of lock I 'll have to get back to you on that. Ether way this is a really cool idea and looks like it's going well good luck.

I've been thinking about building the morgan after the project I'm working on but getting a consensus on parts and look of this fictional build would be nice. I'm thinking of putting some serious money into this project but I feel I need the extra push to motivate me to spend this much on this X-plane. I 'm calling on people from the macoss world forums to formulate a definite opinion to give me an informed decision and give ideas for an authentic look of this plane. I'll post some pictures and ref please be as critical a possible.

Well due to popular demand, and inquiry, my Wonderfest display will now being offered as a kit. The dimensions are 16 inches wide by 16 inches deep by 12 inches high. The kit comes with your choice of 16"x16" diorama panel (see above for design photos) , 1 side wall, one wall with your choice of door design, 4 supports and 4 greebles. There will also be a support base made of 1/4" thick plastic to add support to the walls and floor. I am also offering included with the kit an added door option. The buyer can choose any scale and a style they want and I will add in a personel door wherever they choose. I can also add things like doors and hatchways for a small additional cost. The kit will not have lights included, but i can help you with that if interested.

The kit is going for $90, (plus shipping) but thats a lot of stuff for the price. If anyone is interested PM me. Custom work is always avaliable, the door styles can be seen below or if you have your own, that can easily be added.

I just gotta know will the hanger doors open airlock style(hhe love that stuff). I mean i was blown away with the LED lighting (which by the way are you going to have a orange caution light like the ones they have on forklifts)I just think this is one of the more ambitious builds hats off to you dude.

Well, I finally have those updated photos. Watching "Deathmatch on Planet Lux" today, there's a good dorsal shot of the Northampton as the fleet is forced onto the planet. Looks like I may need to make the ass a little fatter. I took off the aft ventral fin, it was in the way and off center, so I'll have to fashion a new one later. The forward hull is smoothing out nicely. I've also beveled the conning town and main ventral fin. Now that I have access to glue again, I'll try the engine ports this week.

How will you get the surface to become smooth and detailed. I've used milliput fine and gottem nice results for the surface of ceramics and plastic.

This was a question to those who own or have owned both versions valks.... what are the major differences in trying to get the v.1 gbp armor onto the v.2 valk? Are the sculpts really that dissimiliar that it would be near improbable to make it work? Has anyone even tried to do this? Thanks

I don't know much about that armor did you try a comparison y'know do you have both part available to check against each other? If not modification is not out of the question.

Funny you should mention that. There was a recent thread where the different canopy treatments were being discussed. Some have that rainbow affect, like the Yamato VF-1 (v2) toys, and others have a metallic gold affect. I was only planning to do the purple tint on this build (and still do). I've got an SV-51 that I would like to do the gold on though. Unfortunately, the consensus is that it's very difficult to achieve a decent gold tint on a plastic model. Partly due to the size of the metal flakes in most any gold paint, and probably also due to the small size of the canopies. Still, I do plan to try to do something to my SV-51 when I eventually get to it.

Actually I found a way that is cheap and easy. http://image.misterart.com/grouppix/528x352/000/g467.jpg rub and buff. This is only a part of the process to change your canopy's surface shine and color. the first part is keeping the color from being distorted here are a few solutions 1. mount a iridescent mylar alumilzed wraping behind the canopy this is done with eiter a adhesive or a what I like to do is just use a heat gun or hairdryer to apply the film to the back of the canopy. 2. If the tinting is not enough or you want a single color in the spectrum to dominate like orange purple or green just dye the canopy or use a transparent color and paint via an airbrush. Remember to have a thinning solution ready and use test pieces to get the color right. It is also in my experience that you should wait to apply the irredescent film permanently it tends to be kind of distracting. A final note on this is to check in natural sunlight to maktre sure the color is working well with canopy and there are no blotches or bubles in the film. 3. If the coating of transparent film is not metalic enough just apply a little rub and buff wax ( be sure there is a clear coat of thin transparent acrylic on the surface before you do this) without a clear coat of protection the transparent layer on the canopy can be rubbed off. Wax from rub and buff is pretty easy from there just polish gently or as the instruction tell you and you should have a incredible finish. A final advice make sure to do all these steps as fine as you can and practice before you try this or you will have to repeat the process again.

The fact that a thread like this can inspire a seasoned modeller such as yourself is high praise indeed and makes all this slow and tedious work that much more worthwhile! Thanks Petar - glad you've stopped in.

Here's current progress:

The white parts of the wing root hinge after being painted blue, seem OK (sorry about the grainy, not so in focus pics - they're crops of the bigger one):

The overall sheen of the last clearcoat, as best a photo taken late at night under halogen ceiling downlights can do:

Nice choice with the Iwatta they really do a good job blending colors. Are you planning on adding a metalized finish to the cockpit? It tends to make the canopy look like a mirror/ translucent sunglasses like the FA/22 canopy except in this case a more bluish purple. here is an example.

wow, was that really necessary?

I really don't see the point this considering half to 2/3rds of these images are readily available on other websites, and a good chunk of whats left are thumbnail images so small you can barely tell what they're depicting.

almost all of the line art is availible on (if not directly lifted from) Mr. March's M3

and most of the book scans can be found on http://www.macrosshare.com/ : Quote

Actually they are scans that I own at least some of them the rest are from various sources some were chosen for size and quality and others were saved for reference over the years. Like I have said this is a localized reference this is meant to aid you as of now it is not finished it is being sorted throught also I need a better way to access them at the moment I'm working on that. If anyone has any ideas oh and by the way I have a lot of references I bought plenty of Macross imports over the years so this is just a little bit of what I have collected.

I had a chance to smooth out some of the surfaces this weekend, while I'm outta town. The tricky parts that I'm dealing with now are the engine ports, wehre there're some weird compound facets. Without glue (which is back in PA) I can't go much further. Pics to be posted upon my return home.

Say if you need more ship reference my Macross reference collection thread has a lot of Lineart on that ship check it out. http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?showtopic=33264 check the macross plus section for the ship sorry it's so disorganized trying to make it more accessible.

Here is just a few add more if you like. If you have any ideas to improve this please tell me.

How did you molded the styrene to get that perfect cilindric shape !?!

I'm tempted to build the rocket boosters for my VF-11 but didn't know that the styrene could be molded like that from a flat sheet.

Wow very difficult given the type of craft chosen but looking good. Do you have other plans for future scratch/conversion projects.