Lanessar

Background: As a note here, I originally got the Jetfire Transformer when it was released in the US and knew nothing of Robotech until it first appeared in the late 80's on the first US television broadcast circa 1987? Don't quite remember. I'm a fogey, for sure Anyhow, since then, I have bought many Robotech toys, Gakken Alphas, Mospeda Climber Cyclones, and the occasional model for destroids and whatnot. I even remember the old FASA game which totally ripped off all designs for destroids and battloids and made a game called "Battletech" and played religiously in 88-90. And the ensuing lawsuit which totally changed the game to "Mechwarrior" and drastically changed the 'Mechs. I first became interested in Robotech toys just last year, where I saw the MPCs for sale, and was going to purchase the whole lot. I then did a search on the internet for "valkyrie" and "robotech" and, luckily enough, stumbled across these boards last month or so. After the thorough posts in the boards here, I resolved to get a Yamato 1/48, after actually handling bandais, toynami MPCs and so forth. The pictures of the Yamato had me drooling, the detail and the accessories were...unbelieveable. After getting the actual thing yesterday off of an ebay auction (via my girlfriend's buyer's account), I just have to say... It was worth TWICE what I paid for it. I have transformed it twice, and flew it around once, making jet sounds. I can't help it, I'm still 16 at heart, and the wonder and glory that was the original Robotech saga is still a very big part of me. In fact, my foray into the japanese culture (after reading Shogun, learning enough Japanese to hold a conversation, and earning my brown belt in Aikido) was due primarily to Robotech. That being said, I understand why most are interested in MPCs. They are far cheaper (which, for people with a budget, is a neccessary evil) and are "okay" at the 80 dollar price tag. IF you know no better. If you have not actually held the Yamato 1/48, you would never REALLY know. Even after reading the boards, seeing videos with the toy and seeing detailed pics, I worried that a 150 dollar pricetag was a bit hefty for it. I am now a true believer. I have a job that pays well, is corporate and I have little out-of-pocket expenses. I will be buying a large collection, no doubt, and a shelf to place it on. I went low for the "test valk" in price, geting the bare minimum I wanted to pay for an expensive toy. Especially after handling the MPC editions. I am now a Valk-a-holic. This is not a toy. This is...artwork. Thanks to the seller on Ebay. He's a great guy (I saw him post his valk auctions on the boards here some time ago). There were several doubts posted as to his legitimacy due to using stock pictures from the web. Let me now correct these naysayers by saying, this is the best condition toy I have ever recieved. This man is truely a collector and an afficianado of RT gear. I would buy any other Valks from him in a heartbeat, and know I was getting factory-fresh MIB. That being said, I just have to say, let those who are buying MPCs and don't do the research, continue to do so. I need my valk fix, and don't want to run out of Valks to collect. Next purchase will be another Hikaru to "play with" (i.e. let get worn). The one I have is now back in the box, so it does not get harmed, and soon will be in a glass case along with the future Max, Millia and all the others I end up picking up. I'll even shell for the low vis. Since I have made plans to buy at least 3 G's worth of Yamatos, I'll be getting pretty much anything I can get my hands on, via the Valk Exchange (a great place, BTW) and Ebay for the items that are harder to find. Thanks Macross World, and all the forum posters/valk-a-holics in it for opening my eyes. WOW. Just, WOW.

As one of the new 1/48 owners on these boards (it arrived yesterday, a Hikaru Ichijo 2nd Ed) I just have to say, this is a beautiful piece of artwork. I've gone over it in great detail, and have it transformed here before me. In the GBP drawing, it does appear that the nosecone would get removed while in armor. With the thickness in the plastic of the armor, it would be hitting the nosecone if it were still present. Let me just say this again: The 1/48's are one of the best investments a Robotech fan can get. I personally inspected every other Veritech model and toy out there. By hand in most cases (inclding bandais, toynamis and different scale yamatos). The 1/48 goes beyond the description of a "toy". It's a masterpiece. I'll be arranging to get at least 2 more shortly (the max and Milia versions) and will definately get the GBP armor. I sadly have a great job and plenty of extra cash to spare on "hobby items". I won't go all out, just get my favorites, and a super fast pack for my Hikaru, as well as a GBP when it's released. These replicas are the perfect size, everything. The only downside is the transformation to battroid mode is a bit slower than I would have liked, but with the stress being put on the piece, I'll not transform it often. Also, the nosecone in Battroid mode is a tad long, but with its appearance in valk mode and guardian mode, you can't complain that much about it. It's a museum piece until I get a second Hikaru for "play". God, this is one beauty of an item. Artwork. I'm now a convert. Actually, forget what I said about not going crazy. Afraid I have Valk fever now. Only one cure for it