PC Valkyrie

Ahhhhhh......Love the BMW M, Audi S, and Mercedes AMG cars. Used to be (and still am) a Honda fan, but times and finances change and now I'm a bigger high performance German car fan. The new M5 is probably the current king of mid-size sport sedans. The M5 has more horsepower than the relatively old supercharged E55 AMG (507 vs 469HP), but it has way less torque (383 vs 516lb-ft). Very similar 0-60 times, but the M5 will probably pull away as it has a higher top end. Of course, this may all change when AMG comes out with their new high reving naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 which will make ~510HP. I like the different approaches taken by BMW M and Mercedes AMG to power their cars. All the BMW M cars (M3, M5, M6) have relatively low displacement naturally aspirated engines taken to a high reving concept to generate the high horsepower numbers. The torque is relatively weak at low engine speeds. In other words, you have to work/rev the car to get the power. Mercedes AMG, on the other hand, has been relying on large displacement engines (C55, SLK55, CLK55), along with supercharging in some cases (E55, CLS55, S55, SL55, CL55), and twin turbocharging in others (S65, SL65, CL65) to generate horsepower and MASSIVE torque numbers, even at low rpm's. No need to rev the engine to feel the power. M cars often are tuned to feel much better on the track, while AMG cars are tuned to be more comfortable on the streets (less stiff ride). Different approaches for different customers. If I had the means, I would love to drive the M5 as my "family car". However, if I didn't have kids, I would have gotten the SLK55 AMG. Hardtop convertible with a 5.4L V8 with 355HP and 376 lb-ft torque. 0-60 in the low-mid 4 seconds, 1/4 mile in the mid-high 12's. In Corvette C5 territory, but it looks a hell of a lot better!!

F1 news: Fernando Alonso (Renault) becomes the youngest F1 World Driver Champion after finishing 3rd at the Grand Prix in Brazil, mathematically eliminating Raikkonen from the driver's championship race. Montoya and Raikkonen finish 1st and 2nd in the race, giving McLaren Mercedes their 1st 1-2 finish since 2000. There are 2 more races left in the F1 season. After today's race, McLaren Mercedes takes the lead in the Constructor's Championship over the Renault by only 2 points. Next 2 races should be exciting to see who wins manufacturer's bragging rights.

I personally think the Enzo is an ugly car, which means I wouldn't get it, even though it has the best performance numbers. It's got the most advanced sequential manual gearbox, which is a big plus. The SLR Maclaren is the best bet if I wanted the ultimate GT car. In other words, it's the car most drivers can use day to day without much worry (relatively). 5 speed automatic transmission with a manual mode is a good compromise if you don't track the car regularly. The Carrera GT offers a conventional manual transmission. Probably the best compromise between the Enzo and SLR Maclaren in terms of performance and day-to-day driveability. To be honest, I probably wouldn't get any of these cars, even if I had the means. My money probably be spent on the Ferrari F430!!

Let's change the direction of this thread by talking about/debating about somewhat unattainable supercars for most of us. Let's start off at the top of the line cars from Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes Benz. If you had the means, which one would you choose? Enzo Carrera GT SLR Maclaren

The stock sound of the G35 coupe is one of the best I've heard, especially if you're in a multilevel or underground garage. The G35 is an excellent car. Probably the best bang for your buck in the entry level premium sport sedan/coupe market compared to the BMW 3 series, Mercedes C-class, Lexus IS, Acura TSX/TL, Audi A4, and Jaguar X-type (we're not talking Mustang GT's or WRX STi's here). I find the G35 coupe to be quite a good looking car, but I don't like the G35 sedan styling as much.

Agent ONE: I didn't know you could even order the E90 M3. Rumoured to be a ~400 HP V8. Do you have any more specs/information about the car from your dealer? How much more expensive than the current E46 M3? You getting a manual transmission or SMG? (is it SMG II or III?) I was shopping around in the spring and test-drove the current M3, C55 AMG, and S4. Decided to get the Benz, and now I'm waiting anxiously for delivery later this month or early June.

Wow. I haven't posted here in almost a year. Like many people, I've been waiting for this product for a long time. I wonder whether the demand will outstrip the supply?

Great news. Been looking/waiting for this ever since the 1/48 line came out. I'm glad I skipped out on the 1/60 GBP armour. After this, my VF-1 toy collecting will stop.

Don't know if this will mean anything anymore, but here are my coordinates lat: 43 deg, 40', 20" long: -79 def, 20', 2"

You know, I haven't posted here in a LONG time. I must admit that I have lost some of my interest in my favourite 80's anime. The interest for toys peaked from 2000-2003, when i bought Yamato 1/60 and 1/48 scale VF-1's. Even though I know Macross Zero is available, I'm in no rush to see it (waiting for the 5 episodes in 1 DVD collection (HK bootleg?)). I didn't have much interest in the 1/60 GBP armour (given the negative reviews), and I don't want a blue Q-rau (already got the red one). The upcoming 1/100 VF0 is not too impressive, and the Monster is too big for my tastes. I use to check this website religously everyday, but now I check in once every other day or so, and I don't have the patience to read all the new threads all the time. There doesn't seem to be as much interesting news as before. I guess my interest in Macross is fading; partially because I've fulfilled my need for modern representations of the classic VF-1. I recently added the Doyusha VF-1A and Max's VF-1J to my collection. Perhaps my interest will be rejuvenated when I do eventually see Macross Zero. Now I have much more interest in my car.... worked on some cosmetic and performance mods.

The Bandai R2 disc and the bootleg FX disc both are encoded in Dolby Surround 2.0. In other words, you will not get discrete Dolby Digital 5.1 surround. Rather, if you have a Dolby Surround processor, you can get matrixed surround sound (echoes, mono background noise from the rear speakers). However, if you have Dolby ProLogic2 or 2x, then it can simulate 5.1 surround pretty well. I watch DYRL FX bootleg using Dolby ProLogic2 on my 5.1 surround system, and it sounds pretty good. However, if DYRL was ever remastered in true Dolby Digital or DTS, I would snap it up in a heartbeat!!

I couldn't agree more. Do YOU remember love?

Haven't posted here in a while. I completely agree with AgentOne's post. Yes, Macross would be far more popular if it went the Gundam route. Face it, to have mass popularity in young/teenage boys (you know most fans are boys), you have to have cool looking/transforming mecha. Without cool mecha, Gundam and Macross WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POPULAR AT ALL. Yes, some fans crave story, character development, but they are not the vast majority (for mass appeal). Bandai/Gundam has been very successful because there has never been any prolonged drought of new series. With a continous stream of TV series, OVA's, movies, etc, old and new fans can come aboard with ease to strengthen the fan base with sheer numbers. Yes, some series may seem like a rehash of the same old thing for old time fans, but it doesn't matter!! What matters is that cool mecha will still attract new young fans, who will then discover all the older series as well.

If you count the 1/60 Q-rau, then add one more to my total of 1/60 Yamato toys. Therefore: 1/48 = 4, 1/60 =7, 1/72=1, Total=12

heh heh. I too absolutely LOVE the Enterprise getting damaged and/or crashing. I agree with you about ST 2 and 6. The space battle scenes are great to watch cause the good guys get their but kicked. Don't forget Generations and Nemesis, where the Enterprise D and E lose a lot of metal courtesy of bad guys. ALL HANDS, BRACE FOR IMPACT!!

DYRL Perfect Edition DVD bootleg - got it Yamato 1/48 and 1/60 DYRL toys - got it TIA DYRL book - got it Gold book - don't got it Even though DYRL is my absolute favourite rendition of Macross, I find it hard to get excited/upset about any potential R1 DYRL DVD release from HG. With the exception of the Gold book, I'm very happy. However, if they manage to release a true Dolby Digital or DTS remix of DYRL, I would snatch it without a second thought and I would be in Macross heaven. (oh yeah, baby!) Maybe HG can re-release the DYRL Gold book too!! Yes, I know I'm dreaming.

Most visually appealing battle scenes for me: Space battle around/within Death Star 2 in Return of the Jedi. Dogfight between Guld and Isamu on Earth in Macross Plus. Space battle between Enterprise E and the Scimitar (spelling?) in Star Trek Nemesis. Not really in space, but the APU's vs Sentinels in Matrix Revolutions.

Zeonography KAEMPFER and SAZABI would make me VERY happy.

One thing always bothered me about this scene where Kakizaki gets killed. I'm not sure whether this has been discussed before, but why wouldn't have they detected Millia and company by radar before she was able to strike at such close range?

Congratulations Sephiroth on obtaining what you obviously have a passion about. I don't have any original Taka 1/55 VF-1's, but I do own the more recent Bandai reissue Super VF-1S. Other than the nostalgia factor and the fact the the Taka's are the original toy, are there any structural/aesthetic features of the original that the reissues don't have? In other words, is there any difference in the actual toy, other than the the fact that the markings on the reissues are pained on?

Wow. First time posting in the Arnold thread. In 100 years, I don't think he will be remembered at all, given that all the present people who know and love him as an actor/body builder will likely be dead. If Arnold continues on and becomes successful as a politician in the LONG TERM, (like Ronald Reagan), then he may make a mark in history as an ex-actor/body builder becoming a politician. I think the question is more geared towards the next 20-50 years. In that time frame, I agree with most other people that he will be best remembered as a successful action movie star.

Registered as a member on the old boards in April 2001. I don't post much, but I've been "around" a LONG time. I blame MW for my inefficiencies at work and spending money on "toys" from a 20+ old anime.

So many points of view. Here's mine. Yes, it is expensive, especially for people who have to import the toy. Don't like the toy for whatever reason? - Don't buy it. Think it's not worth the money? - Don't buy it. Just don't imply that people who like the toy or who feel it is worth the money are being stupid or making a BIG mistake. This reminds me of jealous people pissing on people who drive luxury cars or live in monster homes. Yes, some people can afford things that to most people seem totally not worth it. No one NEEDS a BMW, Merc, Porsche, etc, etc. All you need is a Chevy Cavalier to go from point A to B. Are those people who purchase expensive things being stupid or making a BIG mistake if they have the money to spare? I don't think so. Face it, the world ain't fair. Yamato has a monopoly on the Macross enemy mecha toy market. From their point of view, they can afford to mark up the price a bit. If the response from the market is lukewarm, they will suffer the consequences. On the other hand, if it sells really well, they will have done the right thing for the financial health of the company.

Graham's probably asleep right now in HK.

Push the "head door" all the way in till it snaps in place behind the two little "nubs" you speak about. It will "snap" in place and the backpack will be very sturdy. Use the white supportive piece as well.