MechTech

Hasegawa and Preiser are the only kits I know of on the market that make such things. Yes you will have to buy the other figures in the kits, but hey, someone's gotta maintain the planes - right?! The only commonly available valk kits on the market (other than resin) are the 1/100th and 1/72nd valks. Bandai now molds and distributes them. Just google it with something like "variable valkyrie kit." While we're at it check out this thread for flying base ideas: http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?...pic=15736&st=80 Hope that helps!

FIRST, be sure to CAREFULLY wash the parts in a water and mild detergent solution. Use a container or cover the sink drain so you don't lose anything! The plastic molders use a wax that retards glue adhesion. The detergent washes it off. If you're afraid of being a total failure with gooping and getting glue laiden finger prints everywhere, CLAMP the parts together as they should go and THEN let the thin "welding" cement flow into the seams (use sparingly- a little goes a long way). Rubber bands AROUND parts will guide the glue wherever they touch IF you use too much. Plus you can ensure the parts are positioned just right BEFORE you commit to gluing (you can also sand the joints with FINE sandpaper on a flat surface where possible to assist adhesion and stop large seams.) Check the joints and fit because some models will have molded marks leftover on them. These stick up and make large seams or gaps. Don't assume your parts are "good to go" from the factory. Many will be sitting here nodding their heads going "preach it brother." If you are not sure, practice on sprue tree parts. File some sprue (plastic parts runners) flat in areas and apply the glue. Get used to the set times and pressures needed to make your brand(s) work properly and be familiar to you. I personally use both thick and thin glues. I use the thick glue for the smaller parts, or ones that are difficult to clamp. Use white glue for the windshields and clear parts if you like - it's water soluble! ;-) Like any art, it's going to take some getting used to and practice.

I just moved from South Georgia and had the same problem. I usually watched the Weather Channel and shelved my stuff untill the blasted humidity went down. I read one guy in Fine Scale Modeler put his stuff in a dehydrator (like for drying fruits and making jerky). It sounds like it would work...

The best thing to do is use an LED and with that you can use tiny batteries. I've stuck stuff inside tiny areas the size of a quarter before. Make sure you wrap your light source with foil to keep stray light from shining through the plastic!

Big and beautiful! If only I had the room. I scratchbuilt one in 1/100th scale to go with my Imai/Arii/Bandai kits and it is TOO big to display, let alone in 1/72nd! 1/100th was just a phase... I love the small space 1/200 uses, but I'm a 1/72nd scaler at heart since 1st grade! Keep up the great work! - MT

You made me get my macro lens out again! Does this help? PM me if you need more. - MT

That photo is monotoned except for the shading effects. I don't remember where I got these but... Hope this helps. I'm thinking the main colors are battleship gray (light), Realm gray (dark) and tan/radome tan "feet."

Thank you for the compliment. I built the painted ones around two or three years ago. The resin one is recent. I've done several non-Macross models in the mean time (Scratch built destroyer and Battleship Yamato (IJN) models parts. All plastic (except for the wooden box). I cheated on the VC-27. The intakes and wheels are resin castings. I also used Milliput to form the nose.

I'm moving in September. I'm rushing to get the Daedalus laser cuts done within the next week. So far I've got the bridge and side parts done. Ramp parts are getting started tonight.

I will very seriously consider making 1/72nd kits - after I move. Being a proffesional modeler would be my dream job. I know what it's like to try and find something you want, and can't get it. The resurgence in Macross products has been awesome! I was able to get stuff I couldn't find or afford before.

Note To Self: when out of ammo in combat, shoot beer and octopus cocktails at enemy - it worked on T.V.

All of the aircraft are one two hundred. I guess I'm trying to get at least one of everything in 1/200 scale (since that's what I have the most of and room for.

Thanks guys. I would love to build large scale resin kits. The VC-33 was designed as a "kit." For now, everything is an accessory to the Daedalus. My problem is time (I'm moving soon) and is going to be cost when I move to the UK-making American money. I've done it before and it was pricey - without children. Now I have two! I can help with making plans or views if anyone wants. It's all in the planning - really. I have the VC-33 in plans views (Powerpoint) for anyone that wants it e-mailed to them. Just drag it up to 1/72nd scale. As a side note, I love 1/72nd the most! But I can put a whole 1/200 valkyrie flight in the footprint of one 1/72nd valk on my shelf.

And the last one I just had to do because it sounded/looked like a good idea! My aplologies to the extreme purists.

I should have added more shadow so the panel lines stand out. None of the landing gear or bay doors are on yet either. They'll break way too easily in the move.

The wing parts are not glued on/filled yet. Let alone any apinting. In fact, these shots are all taken on the foam case they're packed in. I'm moving soon... anybody in Jolly Ole' England out there?

Mom's Kitchen is a resin copy I made several of for my Daedalus model. The VIP's gotta cruise around in somethin' cool.

Why such large seams? Because it comes apart so when I move AGAIN due to my job, I can pack it safely.

From the "Tanker" perspective.

Side view of the "Tunny".

What good is your "ride" without some horses under the hood!

Top view with stupid white paint that yellowed some already (three years). I was overseas and could only get some cheap stuff.

The EC-33B was the first one I built. I didn't have the materials to do windows, so I went for decals.

Thank you. You caught me in the middle of posting the rest of the photos. I scratchbuilt them a couple of years ago. Some people asked to see them, so I'm posting them. How's the weather in L.A.? That's originally my hometown area.

Last fanjet view with box shut and from the side. Laser engravers rock!