Skypoet

I totally like the transformable 1:72 models! I even liked them so much that, since only the Messiah's and Lucifer's were coming out, after I had built a couple, this got me into Gundam Master Grades. I totally love the articulated color-molded snap-fit model concept with or without polycap joints! And wish Bandai made the VF-171's, Quedluun Rea, Vajra. Transformability is not an issue in itself, but some issues, leading to parts failure at some points, need to be re-thought by Bandai. Transformability means that some really small joints and weak parts get over-stressed, plus poseability issues. These issues are new for Bandai. I just really hope that Bandai still goes forward with the Macross variable-MG Macross line. I know that most of the guys in this forum are traditional model kit builders. But personally, as a former traditional kit builder, I want to stay away from the logistical problems or traditional plastic kits (glue, paint, solvents, aerographer, etc... and having to maintain a "mini-warehouse" of all sorts of absolutely required sorts of supplies and tools). I don't want to sound lazy but I want to keep my hobbies simple, and I just like MG's so much because they don't require sophisticated and extensive tools and supplies! Just the 2 cents of a guy who loves MG's AND Kawamori variable designs ;-) By the way any news of the next Kawamori Mecha Porn show in the Macross franchise? Because in Macross Frontier we only have four quite similar designs until now (25, 27, 29, 171). Too bad the Macross franchise isn't as productive as the Gundam franchise!

See and judge for yourselves ^^

I agree... On the other hand, since Bandai is still active with Macross Frontier kit, that could also mean that we can still hope for a VF-171... who knows?

Thanks ;-) Any experience with Yahoo Japan? They have quite a few Macross/Gundam related auctions!

ewwwps... 25,000 yen that's... around 300 US dollars... I'll pass after all!

Are you referring to the risk of lead or mercury poisoning? ;-)

VF-Naitomeapurasu Variable 171!!! I'm trying to figure out a way to make the payment...

I agree Graham. Experten totally rock. I admire their skills. I have no idea of what software they use but my level of knowledge of CAD is clearly unsufficient to allow me to do what they have done (I have a B.Eng in mechanical BTW). And even though I like well-detailed 1/72 kits, like most people here, I'll buy one of their kits and build it if I have the opportunity to. Great engineering work Experten, keep it up!

Thanks for the reply. I truly didn't know. Regards.

... How come this site sells a recast of Experten's VF-4 which also "was just produced"? How do you know it's a recast? I know this was mentioned earlier in this thread, but I'm just curious... Just how do you know. You have a better option? The best thing to do would be to get in touch with Experten, right? Well some people may say that this kit looks too toyish, personally I don't mind. It looks much more anime accurate than the 1/72 (1/100) YF-19 Yammie toy of 10 years ago... And at 1/100 you can't ask for something that transforms "perfectly" (without parts swapping), looks anime-accurate, and doesn't look a little toyish because you can see some screws here and there. Kudos to Experten, kudos to the scratchbuilders!

http://www.e2046.com...oducts_id=12117 From this website maybe :-)

If it sells for 35$ somewhere like the VF4, I too, want. 35$ is inexpensive for a such a garage kit IMHO (they certainly don't enjoy the same scale economies as Bandai since they produce in small numbers and with lower tech). I'll keep my fingers crossed...

A couple more... still the painted, finished model.

A few other pics, with a finished, painted, decal'd model...

You can get the VF-4 for as low as 35$ by the way ;-)...

The VF-17 is good too, indeed!

Done! Any other suggestion?

A few pics :-)

The kit we have all been waiting for! VF171 by Experten... fasten your seatbelts!

Or a device allowing to look behind? Or maybe something similar (in terms of function) to the AH64 Apache's radar/optronic ball (above the rotor - the helo flies below treetop level but keeps the ability to see above the treetops in order to fire missiles without being exposed) ?

I love this pic :-)

Awesome! I'm falling in love :-)

http://ga.sbcr.jp/mgangu/014234/02.html Nice other series of pics there... (may already have been posted! - sorry if so is the case)

Wow :-) After seeing this VF-17D, I really wonder what stops Bandai from doing a 1/72 VF171... really nice kit from Experten!

1/72 Bandai VF 171!