jardann

I like the variables. And as for accuracy, IMO up until the Hasegawa models came out, the old Imai and Bandai variable Valks were the most accurate and had much more pleasing proportions than the non-variable valk models that were available. I know they weren't prefect, but you have to admit they looked better than those 1/72 stiff posed battroids. But hey, modeling to me is all about having fun, so do what is the most fun for you!

I think they do stuff like this whenever they get overstocked on models or something. I've just happened into a Hobby Lobby before and found their models on deep discount. I picked up some A-6E Intruder 1/72 scale kits by a company called KANGNAM. Anyone ever heard of them? Watch out for these. I just opened one. The model itself looks fine. Recessed panel lines. Really basic cockpit detail. Two pilot figs that look OK. Under wing ordnance. The decals on the other hand are pretty bad. They look pretty thick. I was checking it out and the cockpit dash decal isn't even on the sheet! Here's the funny part though, the red triangular jet intake warning decal says "denger" instead of danger! Oh well, for $4.50 I can't complain too much I guess. I'll be customizing these babies! If you're into armor models you could really save a bunch with this sale though. I can't believe how much those Tamiya armor kits cost. They do have impressive detail, great kits but expensive.

Not sure if this should be posted here or in the where to buy section, but I think more modelers will see it here. Hobby Lobby is having a 50% off sale on models. Click below to get an online coupon to print out. If you live near a Hobby Lobby you might find some bargains. No Macross of course, but I did see some Star Trek, Lots of Tamiya Armor and pretty many airplane kits. Tons of car kits. I spent $52.00 yesterday! Here's the link: http://www.hobbylobby.com/site3/weekly/coupons/coupon.cfm edit: This coupon expires this Saturday so ya's gots ta hurry!

Kinda sad when about ten models adds up to several hundred dollars isn't it? I remember when $10.00 was a lot for a model and that was probably a very large kit at that!

Yeah, that's a pretty tough kit. I put one together when I was a kid and it actually worked for a while! I've still got it. Maybe someday I'll refurb it One thing I advise is to make sure all the pieces are securely glued as you go along. Make sure that the moving parts work smoothly. If you don't get a good bond on the pieces of the moving parts they will fall apart as you transform it.(ask me how I know ) I built that at the time when I didn't realize there needs to be no paint anywhere where the glue will be. The engineering on the kit is fantastic and the English instructions from that kit make assembly a little (just a little) easier. Good luck and have fun with it. I hope you post pics of your results!

All of the modelers here are very supportive. Part of what makes MW great! I highly recommend you get the Tamiya modeling putty. It's far superior to the other brands I've tried. I would not worry about getting the airbrush right away. Save up for it and in the meantime work on some of those simpler kits just to get the feel of the modeling process. As you progress, you'll know when to start using the airbrush. There's no way to get a great finish onto a poorly built model. One other thing I don't think was mentioned yet. Make sure to wash the model parts in some water with just a little bit of dish detergent before you assemble and then wash and air dry the surface of the model before painting too. That will help the paint adhere to the plastic. Keep practicing and grab those kits that you like but beware, those kits can pile up quick! "Just one more, I swear by next year I'll have all of them built!" Grayson, That's a great cabinet! I can relate. I've got one set of shelves, one cabinet and kits are starting to overflow! And that doesn't count built up models either!

Thanks for posting pics of your kit! You've really done a fine job with this kit considering it's your first model and it still is able to transform! Those kits are not exactly easy to build especially as your first attempt. I have to agree with everyone else here that the number one thing to do is slow down. When assembling the kit, try to make sure that all the sprue attachment points are cleaned up before you assemble the pieces. Use a sharp hobby knife to gently scrape or cut off the little nubs that are left after you remove a piece from the sprue. That will result in a more realistic look, help with seams and will definitely help with the transforming and articulated kits. When you have a few pieces or a subassembly together or even two major parts glued together, look over them and check for any misaligned parts or anything you are not happy with and fix it now before you go farther. This will stop a small error from becoming a major one down the line. Ghadrack gave some good advice on brush painting. I have painted plenty of models without an airbrush and although not as smooth as an airbrush finish they can still be respectable. Painting before or after assembly depends on the situation. I often spray some kind of a primer coat while the parts are still on the sprue, but I find that I end up scraping and sanding alot of it off during assembly. Still, it gives a nice surface for the finish coats to adhere to. Make sure you have plenty of fresh air when painting. I do a lot of painting indoors and I think I've escaped brain damage.(my wife may disagree) If you start to get dizzy or light headed get out into the fresh air right away and see what can be done to alleviate the problem. Maybe use a fan if needed to keep the fresh air flowing. Stay away from open flame while you are painting too! One more thing I would suggest is to work on a couple of simpler models before trying another variable or expensive model. The work will be easier and you can get comfortable with the basics of assembly and painting without worrying about producing a model that does justice to the complexity and cost of some kits. I highly recommend the 1/100 valk fighter kits. They can be found pretty cheap and build up into a decent looking valk. Or you could try some 1/72 scale modern fighter jets. You can usually find some Revell or Monogram kits for low prices in your local hobby shop or at some online retailers like http://www.squadron.com/ or http://www.greatmodels.com I would stay away from the 1/144 scale airplane kits or 1/72 armor kits as they can often be hard to work with with many very tiny parts. Good luck, and don't get discouraged! The purpose of model building is to have fun and it looks like you are doing that now. You show a great sense of humor and willingness to have fun with the hobby so go for it. We all aren't going to be model masters,(lord knows I'm not) but everyone can have fun with this hobby. I look forward to seeing future models posted here by you. WOW! this turned into a huge post! I hope some of this helps. Just keep practicing and having fun! Thanks again for sharing!

Great work Rodovan! The matte colors really help on this one. AlphaHX your work in that other thread is great too!

I've used the Testors acrylics and all I can say is...meh. Sometimes they work well and sometimes they don't. I don't think that they cover very well. Unfortunately I've got a bunch of bottles bought in those large assortment packs. I've used the Tamiya acrylics a little bit and I think I'm going to slowly switch over to those exclusively. Maybe I'll let my son experiment with the Testors acrylics.

Hope you get the decals soon. They are in a gold wrapped envelope (like Christmas ) The only thing I have for the Legioss is some decals for the 1/48 transforming model and decals for the 1/72 scale models. I suppose I should keep them for whenever I build the kits, but you could make an offer if your interested. I thought Anasazi was working on some better decals for the MPC Legioss. That might be just the ticket for you if they come about. Keep up the good work. Can't wait to see better pics!

It might also look good to move the weapons pods inward and maybe blend them into the fuselage a little bit.

One small suggestion. How about turning the squarish weapons/missle pods on the tops of the wings into cylinder shapes that protrude above and below the wings. That would effectively double the fire rate of the weapon. And I think it would look cool.

Alex, Thanks for the detailed review of the Plastikote dye/paint. It sounds like something that toy modders will definitely want to check out. As for the stickers, I was talking about the Cyclone decals you purchased from me. I sent them out last week and I thought they should have arrived by now.

That's an impressive job! I am curious as to the results of using the plastikote paints. Did it obscure any details or soften the plastic in any way? Did it cure fully and how long does it take to dry? It looks great from here! p.s. did you get the stickers I sent you?

The blue looks awesome, but I don't know how much good a blue light would be in space? Thinks it over What the heck! It looks cool so I vote blue!

Hey Andy, I think I've got some of those old 1/144 kits lying around in pieces. Give me a day or two and I'll see if there is a spare pilot I can send you. I remember that they aren't too impressive though.

Oh yeah, I definitely feel your pain concerning those seams. Like I said, I ALWAYS have a headache with seams! Although I am getting better thanks in part to the info and tips I've seen posted here. I'm just trying to pass on some of those tips that have worked for me. I also know those older kits are not easy to work with either. You have done a great job with them and the paint and decalling looks far superior to most modelers' first effort! As for the gold scheme, that's just a matter of opinion and you've done a fine job pulling it off. I've never seen any pics of that before(I haven't seen Mac7). The more I look at it it kind of grows on me. I definitely like the copper color you used on the shoulder areas and feet. Can you let me know what color that is and what brand of paints you used for these? I can't wait to see some more of your work in the future!

I had to go with the Komillia, but there are several of those suggestions I would like to see! Especially the Minmaychan, but maybe Minmay needs a rest for a few months!

Thanks for the close ups! I think you got the colors right on even though that gold scheme is... something. Overall the models have a great finish, but those darn seams really take away from an otherwise great finish. I'm just giving some constructive criticism here(not nit-picking). I have always had trouble with seams too. I've just started using Tamiya brand putty (as recommended by several modelers here) and it is really a dream to work with compared to other putties I have tried. I encourage you to give it a try on your next models. Thanks for sharing and keep building! It's always great to see other peoples' work!

Hey, Those look really great for your first kits! Thanks for sharing them here! Can you post some close up pics of the head/torso area?

I have to chime in in support of Tamiya putty. I just started using it last week and I have to say that it is GREAT! It's better than anything I've used in the past.

I'd say you bear a strong resemblance to the guy on the cover of the book!

I definitely see your point. If you like to collect the unbuilt kits for the box art then by all means, go for it! I buy the model in order to build the kit, but I keep the box for the artwork. (drives my wife nuts!) I have bought a kit in a different box just because I like the artwork better than on a different reissue or whatever. A couple of times I've even paid a couple dollars more for the box with the better artwork if I really like it. The kits are definitely the priority and I consider the box art a bonus.

I agree, that model looks fantastic! Can I ask what color you used for the tan/off white areas? I think it is a perfect color for the VF-1D. (I'd like to use it myself) I really like the cleanly marked panel lines with very little weathering. Sometimes the weathering gets a bit overdone, but not here. One small point, you have some seam lines showing on the legs near the feet/thrusters. Please take this as just some friendly constructive criticism. I'm sure that I coudn't produce such a fine model. I have tons of trouble with seams. Sometimes I fill and sand for hours. I just know that judges at model shows and such definitely hate seam lines. The rest of the model is practically flawless! Thanks for sharing your work.

Wow, I feel like I have great power ordering you around like I did! j/k If I could get my wife and kids to respond like that I'd be a very happy man! Since your working hard and making such good progress I'll reward you with a little time off for Christmas! Everything looks great. Thanks for the step by step info. I'm really enjoying watching this build!