ChristopherB

You are correct Chad, and I still do. Because of where I live, I'm not able to do any painting whatsoever. I already tried, and it wasn't practical. I have several resin kits that I've puttied, sanded and prepped, but I'll have to wait until I move to complete them. Not only that, but my shading/weathering/panel lining skills are lacking. All of the previous kits I built came out looking brand new.

As I said, the VF-1D is the best kit to use, although I personally prefer the VE-1 cockpit and noseone, which is what I would use should a conversion kit become available. The picture of the model posted above shows that it is non-transformable, and that separate battroid and valkyrie models were created. The anime magic is evident as well in that the dish shown on the valkyrie is definitely smaller than the battroid radar dish. I've exchanged several PM's with the creator of this thread based upon my experience with custom projects and as usual someone would have to commit to scratchbuilding the parts and then the casting could begin.

And this thread pertains to "model kits" in what way?

Today's Friday the 13th, so I though it might be fitting to check and see if there are any updates. I wasn't sure if any progress had been made in the last (30) or so days.

Same as Graham, except I haven't seen him post pictures of any Hasegawa's built by him or someone else. I buy at least (1) of each kit released to collect, and then as needed I buy kits to be made. Pictures of the completed kits can be seen here in the model section. The quality of the kits and the boxart are what really tempts me when it comes to Hasegawa releases.

Wow, thank you very much for posting the pictures! I would love to see the other kits in the background as well. They must be Hasegawa kits.

Cool, yet another item to look forward to. As Graham said, it will be nice to finally have the wing mounted weapons. The VF-0 looks pretty non-leathal without them.

I would definitely have to say a custom with this level of quality would not "ruin" an original, regardless of whether it is or not. In my opinion, the original isn't that great to begin with, so he has certainly improved the appearance. I would however like to add that an application of dull coat will lessen the shine and help give it a more realistic appearance.

So much animosity over opinions. What the hell is the definition of a wanker anyway? While the conotation is apparent, I think it's also a British/Australian term. By the way, if I remember correctly: Sand Pebble One = Yamato Hater = Skull-1 . You've been a member for quite a while. I recall you had a bad experience with a Yamato 1/48 (cockpit canopy/etc.) The green used on the chestplate is too light, and what makes it worse is the fact that the green used on the rest of the valkyrie doesn't match. Taking into account that a lot of the darker green used emanates from decals, the heatshield would've been repainted. As such, it makes no sense for him to have used (2) different greens. It's pretty easy to bring the decals with you to the hobby store and match the color to a specific paint.

This is definitely great news! I never imagined we would see additional 1/48 variations besides those already released or planned (GBP-1).

Vitja, You did a really good job on both customs. Thank you for making them, they are definitely appreciated, as well as all of the hardwork/dedication you put into them. Sincerely, Christopher

I have to agree that it might be easier to use a Hasegawa VF-1D kit as opposed to the VE-1, especially since no armor is needed. However, if the VEFR-1 head is similar or the same as the VE-1 head, we would then want to use a VE-1 kit since it can be built with the legs in the normal non-fastpack position. Unless of course a resin head is provided. In this case, I wonder how the radar dish attaches to the body. I remember discussing this quite a while back, but there aren't a lot of reference pictures, so some details will have to be improvised. It would be cool to have a conversion kit in 1/72 scale, and it would be a first.

Thank you Devin. Your decals are really nice, and made these customs possible. Besides the numerial difference, the customs themselves will be different. I'm referring to the blue hexagon camouflage pattern. Very difficult due to all of the paint/masking required, but Thomas has devised an ingenious method.

One of my favorites: Blue Roses VF-1S Strike (dark blue with yellow trim, the armor is a slightly lighter shade of blue to help offset the valkyrie and armor from each other.) I came up with the idea that the rose color should match the predominate color of the valkyrie. The VE-1 Elintseeker has a green rose, and this one has a blue rose. I decided to go without missiles to keep the look sleek and agile. As with the others, all standard and applicable VF-1D PE parts are used.

Speaking from experience, I recommend the Hikaru VF-1J reissue. 1.) they are relatively easy to find and inexpensive. 2.) with a reissue you are guaranteed to get a brand new Bandai, and the reissues have some upgrades. 3.) the grayish color of the Hikaru VF-1J is the closest to the gray color used on the Elintseeker. Whenever possible, never use a white valkyrie to make a transforming gray valkyrie. Every time the paint gets chipped, you will see white underneath. The same goes for the VF-1A CF. You can actually keep the stock Hikaru VF-1J color, by carefully removing the chest stripe/etc., and then you will only have to paint the nosecone yellow, and the resin wings/head to match the gray of the Hikaru. Don't use sandpaper to remove the undesired paint, because it will leave scratches. There are several "chemicals" available which will remove paint and not damage the plastic underneath. Just use the chemicals in moderation, and don't let the plastic parts soak in the paint remover. By keeping the stock plastic, you'll never have to worry about paint damage, and all of the other work that goes along with a full blown repaint.

Awesome! I knew that you were a talented model builder, but this is truly a "custom" GBP-1.

I'm definitely interested, but then I have been since Noel first posted pictures of the original kit from Wonder Festival. I'm glad that this project has finally reached fruition, because my Hasegawa's were built with the launch arm in mind. I'm curious about the attachment option(s).

Damn, that's funny and painfully honest at the same time, . I don't know what's worse, them owning one, or the fact they are always stealing our batteries. It makes you question your manhood when start considering owning stock in Energizer.

Ken, Thank you very much for the update! Your revised barrel looks great. Your hardwork is appreciated. Good luck, Christopher

Thank you for the update Ken. It will be another month tomorrow, perhaps you can post the progress pictures you mentioned. Yes, I was away for a while towards the end of last year and now I'm back, and I appreciate the reminder to update the list. It has been done. If anyone else would like to commit or retract please let me know.

Looks great! Don't make any changes or revisions, because the arm armor looks perfect.

Noel, Thank you for your post. No problem, I understand that you are busy. Just be careful so you don't have anymore unfortunate accidents and injure yourself. Take it easy, Christopher

Vitja, Damn, looking good! If you start a new thread once you finish, I'm sure they'll get more exposure. Thank you for posting the pictures.

nightmareB4macross, I commissioned/bought quite a few 1/55 customs back-in-the-day when your only option was to find a halfway decent jetfire and have it painted/decaled to look like a Macross valkyrie. I'm glad you enjoyed the custom valkyries.

Damn, that was long winded. I hate it when people go on, and on about things. I've always wanted my own "Mini-Me." I'm torn between getting the 1/100 Monster, or waiting for Mike's 1/72 Monster. Although it will be sometime before Mike's is ready.