ChristopherB

Hello, After reading this thread for a long time, I finally broke down and decided to order the Bandai 1/60 VF-25. I have all of the 1/100 releases to include the event only, but I don't really care for "parts formers", although 1/100 scale is better with regard to display space. I just received my HLJ shipping notice: EMS (3) boxes: Item Code Item Name Quantity Price Extended Price BAN958453 DX Chogokin Macross Quarter 1 19,800 19,800 BAN960342 DX Chogokin VF-25F Super Messiah Valkyrie Alto Custom 1 16,000 16,000 BANOP-48 Macross Quarter Materials 1 0 0 TKT34145 RA-07 Knock Out 1 1,200 1,200 TKT34855 RA-21 Human Alliance Bumblebee & Sam Witwicky 1 5,000 5,000 TKT35579 RA-22 Human Alliance Sideswipe & Tech Sergeant Epps 1 5,000 5,000 TKT35582 RA-23 Arcee 1 2,300 2,300 YMT00054 QF-2200D-A Ghost 1 4,800 4,800 YMT00063 SV-51 Gamma Ivanov Type 1 21,800 21,800 YMT00067 YF-21 1 21,800 21,800 YMT00122 Destroid Tomahawk Olive-Drab Weathering Special Version 1 12,000 12,000 YMT00126 VT-1 Super Ostrich 1 15,800 15,800 YMT00127 VE-1 Elint Seeker 1 16,800 16,800 YMT00130 VF-1D Virgin Road 1 9,800 9,800 YMT00171 VF-1S Low Visibility Ver. 1 9,800 9,800 YMT00172 YF-19 Prototype Unit No.3 Bird of Prey 1 18,800 18,800 YMT00176 VF-1J Hikaru Ichijo w/Armor Parts 1 16,800 16,800 Merchandise Total: 197,500 Shipping Charge: 15,000 Total: 212,500 I'll post some pictures/feedback, and I really hope I made the right choice. The VF-27 looks awesome, and I placed my pre-order with HLJ the same day they started to accept orders. Sincerely, Christopher

Hello, I'm waiting on (4) packages right now, but not all of it is Macross. I'm out-of-town now, so hopefully they'll be there when I get home. I'll post some pictures as soon as possible. At the current time, I'm living in the Philippines, check out Subic Bay on Wikipedia/Google. Beautiful place, sight of former US Navy base. Jungle, beaches, mountains, and lots of recreational activities, plus a 46 to 1 exchange rate for Americans!!! Here are my HLJ shipping notices: EMS (3) boxes: Item Code Item Name Quantity Price Extended Price BAN958453 DX Chogokin Macross Quarter 1 19,800 19,800 BAN960342 DX Chogokin VF-25F Super Messiah Valkyrie Alto Custom 1 16,000 16,000 BANOP-48 Macross Quarter Materials 1 0 0 TKT34145 RA-07 Knock Out 1 1,200 1,200 TKT34855 RA-21 Human Alliance Bumblebee & Sam Witwicky 1 5,000 5,000 TKT35579 RA-22 Human Alliance Sideswipe & Tech Sergeant Epps 1 5,000 5,000 TKT35582 RA-23 Arcee 1 2,300 2,300 YMT00054 QF-2200D-A Ghost 1 4,800 4,800 YMT00063 SV-51 Gamma Ivanov Type 1 21,800 21,800 YMT00067 YF-21 1 21,800 21,800 YMT00122 Destroid Tomahawk Olive-Drab Weathering Special Version 1 12,000 12,000 YMT00126 VT-1 Super Ostrich 1 15,800 15,800 YMT00127 VE-1 Elint Seeker 1 16,800 16,800 YMT00130 VF-1D Virgin Road 1 9,800 9,800 YMT00171 VF-1S Low Visibility Ver. 1 9,800 9,800 YMT00172 YF-19 Prototype Unit No.3 Bird of Prey 1 18,800 18,800 YMT00176 VF-1J Hikaru Ichijo w/Armor Parts 1 16,800 16,800 Merchandise Total: 197,500 Shipping Charge: 15,000 Total: 212,500 EMS (1) box Item Code Item Name Quantity Price Extended Price BAN958458 VF HI-METAL VF-19 Kai Fire Valkyrie 1 7,000 7,000 TKT35583 RA-25 Human Alliance Skids & Mikaela Banes 1 5,000 5,000 TKT36731 RD-20 NEST Decepticon Bludgeon 1 3,800 3,800 Merchandise Total: 15,800 Shipping Charge: 2,700 Total: 18,500 Sincerely, Christopher

Valkyrie addict, Very eloquently spoken, and you intelligently stated your position without being repetitive. I'm impressed and you literally took the words right out of my mouth, as well as others, I'm sure. Honestly, this is my first experience with a company "recycling" a high price broken/defective item into a new box without any warning to the customer. This was nothing short of deliberate and intentional on the part of Yamato. Historically it reminds me of when the Japanese ambassador was negotiating with Washington, DC, while at the same time the Japanese Navy was bombing Pearl Harbor. While it's not fair to consider the entire country in general terms, I always presumed that Japanese businesses operated under high ethical standards, in comparison to many American companies. Yamato is truly motivated by the Yen. Sincerely, Christopher

Loop, I had the same thing happen to one of my 1/48 valkyries. I just fixed it using some super glue and never posted anything. It's just a small nub, and looking at the picture the mold looks to be pretty worn out. You're correct that the plastic can become brittle. Sorry to hear about your problem. Sincerely, Christopher

Eugimon, Wow, I like the repair you made. Excellent idea! You could make some money offering repair kits, especially since the left/right shoulders are the same. Ron5864, Cool custom. The symmetry is great and the weathering makes it look more realistic.

Thanks for posting the pictures, very nice! Eugimon, Sounds like a good plan. Would you please post some pictures of your "little metal insert" or a link to the thread if it already exists? I'm interested to see your remedy. ChristopherB

If past performance is an indication of future behavior, then Yamato will not provide any replacement parts to customers living outside their limited service area. Instead they will release V3, which will eliminate the shoulder problem, provide various upgrades taken directly from MW, while at the same time introducing another point of breakage in anticipation of V4. I checked last night and the Max VF-1S and Hikaru VF-1J weathered versions both utilize smooth pins. Hopefull the Focker VF-1S weathered will follow suit.

Eugimon, It's up to you, but I would recommend doing preventive maintenance now. You might wake up one day to find that the shoulder has stress marks or has cracked. From what I've read, the pins are pretty easy to remove and sand down. My fear is that my GBP will arrive with the shoulder already cracked, so I'll have no chance to fix the problem. Sincerely, Christopher

Hello, So far, I only have (2) 1/60 V2 valkyries, which are both the limited weathered versions. Previously, I naturally presumed they are brand new toys, but after reading the posts I learned that Yamato has been repackaging and repainting old valkyries that sold poorly the first time around. Very clever marketing on their part and completely sh!tty to sell broken toys at such high prices. As such, I will have to inspect my (2) valkyries and post pictures if I find any cracks/breaks. Lord forbid. After reading all of the posts/threads I have decided to cancel my pending 1/60 V2 orders, because they can break sitting in the box, sitting on the shelf, or suddenly break after being just fine for several months. When Yamato released the 1/60 V1, we didn't know about V2. Who knows if we will see V3 one day, especially after we created a thread with so many good suggestions. For my part, I will wait for the Bandai 1/100 perfect transformation VF-1 and see how it does. In addition, I would rather own a "parts former" for a lower price than pay a high price for a perfect transformation valkyrie with broken shoulders. Sincerely, Christopher

I ordered the 1/60 GBP, but would rather have the low visibility woodland color scheme that was released for the 1/48. I hope Yamato will release it soon. The factory should have thrown away or recycled the old style metal pins. Honestly, if they were supposed to be using a new pin, why would they leave the old ones laying around for the factory workers to pick and choose as they like? My experience is that these toys are made in an assembly line process, wherein specific individuals are responsible for the final shoulder assembly. This was created/perfected by Henry Ford to permit employee specialization, thereby increasing production speed. Considering the toys are made in China, I sincerely doubt the workers are college graduates. Companies use China because of the cheap labor. This is an example of the fact that you don't always get what you pay for. A pin with one edge like that is normally used to keep the pin from sliding out on one side; however, it makes no sense to use it in such thin plastic holes. I feel bad for everyone who has spent so much money only to end up with a broken arm hinge. The plastic around the pin looks to be only 1mm in thickness, which is much too thin for a shoulder joint, not to mention that the arms hold additional weight with the gunpod and armor. Getting a good Yamato appears to be a crapshoot. Roll the dice and pray yours won't end up an amputee.

15.) SDP-1 Stampede Valkyrie Conversion Kit http://www.new-un-spacy.com/macrossga/sdp-1.htm

Hello, 1.) VF-1AG (Armored Gerwalk) kit 2.) VF-1SR 3.) Thunder Hammers 4.) Custom Decal Sets (Hasegawa Style) for use with the undecorated valkyrie 5.) Removable covers on the sides of the legs to show turbine engine detail 6.) Removable cover on the bottom of the fastback boosters, instead of only the top 7.) Removable nosecone assembly to show radar/electronics 8.) Small laser light/changeable batteries for Strike Cannon red targeting sensor 9.) More detailed cockpit, pilot, standing pilot/passenger figures 10.) Misc. diorama sets/ground crew/equip. 12.) Detailed launch arm which can be wall/shelf mounted 13.) Small hidden button to activate pre-recorded sounds similar to Yamato battleship/Tamiya 1/16 Tanks (Roy Focker's voice, turbine noise, etc.) 14.) Release something other than the VF-1 or Macross Plus valkyries (VF-2SS, etc.) Sincerely, Christopher

Hi Tober, Thank God someone remembers me. I haven't really posted for a long time, just started visiting again September of this year. I hope you're doing well amigo. Yeah, I miss that avatar. Jung built VF-1S Focker, Hikaru and Max custom valkyries for me with Takatoys extended nosecone with clear canopy and pilot, plus decals from Anasazi, removed swing bar, and resin strike armor. Those babies were sweet, but pricey at $400 each. I've been too lazy/busy to update my avatar. You might be right about the VF100's line, but I'm still holding out hope. At this time no future releases have been announced besides the hi-metal you mentioned. There are (2) new 1/60 releases, but what about the 1/72 line? Dashgtr, I paid close to $200 for my VF-1S Max to include Super/Strike armor from an eBay seller. It was the lowest auction price I found, and the only one that included the armor as well. I personally like weathering, and I don't plan to buy any other 1/60 VF-1 valkyries. So I didn't mind spending more for something special. It's funny, but HLJ has (2) identical VF-1S Focker valkyries with armor listed for sale. One is a re-stock and costs 12,800 yen, and the other is an early bird special which is 12,160 yen. Duh, which one are you gonna buy? That translates to about $130, so I paid more than $70 extra for the weathered version. How limited is the VF-1S Max, and will HLJ eventually carry it for a lower price as they are doing with the other weathered versions? Only time will tell if I paid too much or not. Thanks, Christopher

Hello, I recently purchased the (2) 1/60 Yamato weathered valkyries (VF-1S Max & VF-1J Hikaru) on eBay. I found a pretty good price, and both come with the armor set, but it would be better if the armor was also weathered. Perhaps HLJ will carry them later, but either way the price should be about the same. I agree with a lot of the comments from "do not disturb" and find most of them to be pretty damn funny. Although he does seem to intimately familiar with homosexual terminology and the side-effects of anal sex. Hopefully it's not from personal experience. Ha, ha (just joking my friend) The following is off topic: I have no idea where Yamato produces their valkyries, but the selling price seems to be way too high. We could start a thread on production costs/materials/labor, but I think there is a very large profit margin. The price seems to be directly correlated to how much we're willing to pay, since people keep lining up and paying whatever is asked. I'm not sure what we as consumers can possible due to complain and lower prices to a reasonable level. Yes, it is possible to stop collecting. "Do not disturb" and I are proof of that. Before, I would buy every single Macross/Robotech item released. I had the complete 1/72 Hasegawa collection, even the rare event ones, and one autographed by Kawamori. I also had a lot of rare resin kits, plus a custom built Club-M 1/48 Ultimate Valkyrie with working lights and matching hanger diorama with figures/etc. My collection included at least (20) custom 1/55 Bandai valkyries with full armor made by Jung/Mslz22/etc that cost $250 to $400 each. Not to mention Gundam FIX figures/PG/MG/G-System, Transformers, Zoids, etc. I went to work in Iraq as a contractor making good money. I lost contact with MW, eBay and HLJ so the collecting "bug" died due to a lack of fuel to feed the fire. When I got home I took everything out of storage and sold it on eBay over a period of time. I made a profit for the most part. I stopped buying collectibles for about (4) years or so. I did this by staying away from websites that would entice me to start collecting again. It's like a drug, you've got to restrict yourself from the temptation, or be strong like "do not disturb". He is able to look at all the pictures without feeling the compulsion to buy something even though he is financially able to do so. I recently started collecting again, and will do so in a limited and focused manner. For example, the Bandai VF100's are reasonably priced and are supposed to cover the entire Macross valkyrie series. Just some advice from a long time member (8 years as of September 2009). Sorry for being verbose. Sincerely, Christopher

Hello, I read each post, but didn't see an official statement from Bandai or link to one. (Perhaps I overlooked it, or it was in Japanese?) I noticed that HLJ temporarily lowered the price for one of the VF100 valkyries, but they do that all the time on hundreds of items to include Yamato, but that didn't stop the production of the 1/60 line. The price went back up again, which indicates they no longer need to entice customers with a lower price. It's not surprising considering Bandai released 3 different scales of the VF25 at one time. In addition, Bandai frequently releases variants while the main line of toys continues production, the GFF is a perfect example. Personally, I would hate for Bandai to stop the VF100 standard line so soon, especially with so many other variants left to produce. So...is it merely unconfirmed personal conjecture that the VF100 line has stopped and been replaced by the Hi-Metal VF100 line or has a reliable source (Bandai/HLJ) confirmed it to be true? Thanks in advance, Christopher

Hello, It's been a long time since I posted, and although I haven't visited for a while, Macross is always on my mind. I'm celebrating 8 years of official MW membership this month!!! I remember the original, as in very first forum that we started with when I didn't join, but e-mailed with Graham in 2000. Regards to Graham and Shawn as well, not to mention all of the other long time members (Fulcy, Rosario, Jung, Takatoys, etc). Rosario is no longer here, but who can forget his love of purple font, and the non-delivery of some orders. My apologies to anyone I forgot to mention by name. The Bandai's VF100's are the perfect size for me, and I really like the concept since I'm a fan of the Gundam Fix Figures too. We've come a long way since my first Matsushiro Jetfire that I got for Christmas as a child, and my days of buying old Joons and Jetfire valkyries on eBay to customize. I used to hate soaking the parts in brake fluid. Best wishes to all and I'm looking forward to another ( years, Christopher

Hello, I'm excited about these valkyries. I haven't purchased any Macross related items for quite a while, and I like the scale as well as the price range. However, I expect that the valkyries with more accessories will be $10 to $15 higher. I love the Gundam Fix Figures (GFF), and don't mind swapping parts, because I find it to be fun, and hopefully the box trays will be designed like GFF to have cut-outs for each item. They make a nice display too. We've come a long way since I first joined over (7) years ago and had no choice but to buy used Jetfires on eBay and commission someone (Jung/Rosario/Mslz22/Takatoys/etc) to make a custom with extended nose, leg/feet mods, swing bar and etc. But, like the GFF series I agree that it will most likely take a while to work our way through the various versions. Sincerely, Christopher

Thanks for posting Fulcy. With regard to the question from "Ignacio Ocamica", Fulcy has no plans to retire from Macross, or stop participating. He and I are/were partners in the Armored Gerwalk (AG) project, which he doesn't like to completely give up on, but at the same time he doesn't want to indefinitely hold on to someone's property. That's why he's giving the unknown person a chance to come forward and correctly claim what was donated so long ago. Perhaps there is a talented individual who would like to create a custom AG conversion kit in either 1/48 or 1/60 scale, which can then be duplicated for other customers to buy. If so, they're welcome to contact me. Sincerely, Christopher

Hello, I've been looking forward to this new release. The 1/48 valkyries are nice, but too large for my taste. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but (2) of the pictures from the HLJ website, appear to show what looks to be the head of a phillips screw on one the arm, armors. It's a dull silver color, round and looks to have the slots for a phillip head screwdriver. Perhaps that is what holds the two pieces together? I've been collecting VF-1's since my first Matsushiro Jetfire when I was (10) and I've been a member here (7) years, so this is my first time to see something like that on an arm armor. Perhaps it is only for the display toy and will not be on the production model. Sincerely, Christopher

Definitely nice! After seeing this thread and the pictures, it's motivated me to start collecting again. The 1/48 valkyries are nice, but the size was a turn off for me, with regard to my display space limitations.

Great job on the custom! It's been a really long time, like (5) years or more, but I used to buy quite a few of your custom 1/55 nosecones, complete with pilot, etc. I think I bought around (15) in one order. It brings back memories of the days when there was no Yamato, and your only option was a yellowed Jetfire or Joons off of eBay. Ha, ha. If I remember correctly, your name is Eric? Anyway, good luck with your auction! Sincerely, Christopher

eugimon, First of all, I'll respond to your (4) points, but anything further please feel free to PM or e-mail someone else who cares. Actually, I'll only respond to (2) of the (4) via this thread, because the other half aren't debatable. It's common sense that Transformers will have planes and vehicles in it, which renders your point completely moot. Anyone who's seen the movie is aware that Optimus Prime fought with another type of (military) truck on the freeway. I never claimed otherwise, so this point is also moot. You're batting average is pretty low so far. 3.) The location of the actually freeways utilized is irrelevant. I compared freeway to freeway fighting, not the specific location. To the casual American/foreign observer the freeway locations are very similar, afterall there isn't much variation in concrete overpasses/etc. I'll get the (2) movies on DVD and compare the total time for each scene, but what would that prove? I never suggested the amount of time spent on the respective scenes was similar, so it isn't pertinent to the points I initially raised. 4.) I can't find your point here. Obviously, different jets have different abilities. Once again, to the casual average American/foreign observer, the planes look very similar, especially considering they are both new versions and colored grey. I don't mind discussing an issue, but I come to MW to enjoy myself, not get into petty little squabbles over my personal observations/speculations with complete strangers. My personal feelings/comments aren't subject to debate, because they are my opinion and no one will change them. Just because I posted my thoughts doesn't mean anyone has to ascribe to them. I'll be a member for (6) years in a few more months, and this website represents my love for a cartoon from my childhood, and I could care less whether you agree with me. I must be bored, because I can't believe I've wasted this much time just to indulge you with my "insightful" wisdom. Second of all, perhaps you've heard this already, but apparently forgot that: Arguing/debating on the internet is like competing in the Special Olympics. Even if you win, you're still a retard. What's the prize for winning anyway? Absolutely nothing! Lastly, you make assumptions as to why I don't consider this a debate. I've already explained myself, and it's your call if you still want to make an a** of yourself, but please leave me out of it. After all, if you assume, you make an a** out of you and me. Best wishes, Christopher

Not a stretch at all: (2) movies released at almost the same time. Both feature the bad guy in new jets (F-22/F-35), and the good guy using almost identical semi-rigs, minus the paint scheme. They're are plenty of new trucks out, but they used the older style in both movies. Cars chased by planes, yes. Big rig truck chased by a plane? Don't patronize me, I never suggested his truck could transform, and there are a lot of other roads to fight on, especially in the DC, Baltimore, Virginia area. I should know, because I lived there a long time. I'm not comparing movies released (5) years or (1) year ago, and of course you can find similarities between a lot of movies. My suggestion doesn't diminish either movie, and I liked both of them. There's no need to go into a defensive status over my observation. It's not a debate, so let's agree to disagree. Later.

Hello, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and felt that some of the stunts were definitely not realistic. But then again, I didn't pay to see a "realistic" movie in the first place. I paid to be entertained, which I was. The week before I saw Transformers, and I recall that Starscream (bad guy) was a F-22 Raptor, but don't quote me as to whether that was the specific airplane. I also noticed that Optimus Prime (good guy) was a semi-truck. Both were in their typical vehicle roles. I'm not sure if I'm the first one to mention this, but it seems to be very coincidental that Bruce Willis was driving a similar semi-truck (grey) with box car style trailor, and he was attacked by a F-22 Raptor, which he destroyed. It would be one thing if these two movies were released in different years, but the similarity/symbology is amazing. They could have selected any other type of large vehicle, and/or different jets/helicopters. Not only that, but Transformers featured a scene where Optimus Prime had a nice fight on a large freeway, and the same is true for Die Hard 4.0. I can't help wonder if this was deliberate, especially considering both movies were made by/in Hollywood, and movie details aren't difficult to come by. My two cents, Christopher

Thanks for your post Ken. So, it looks like you won't finish the kit then? Please send the refund to my Paypal account via: aperfectbluesky7@aol.com Take it easy, Christopher