megaprime

Wasn't the reason that Bandai released a re-issue of the VF-25 models because the first run was not that good? Or have I got that wrong? Still, judging from success and the current prices of the 25 models Bandai will make a nice profit whether it is a new run or a re-re-issue. Amen. Anything will do considering the high prices on the secondary market. Although I quite wish for Bandai to come out and release a nice large scale model (1:32 or bigger). It is probably just a dream but the DX line would look magnificent in large scale in my opinion.

This has left me scratching my head. I have been keeping an eye on the 25F and they were JPY18000 until a couple of days after the Tornado packs release, at which time they increased the price to JPY23500. The price has remained the same until yesterday when it had increased to JPY25500.

From my experience with transform-able toys I can say that the secret is patience, light touch and find a decent video on the net. Although I do agree that the Bandai Macross line of models are some of the hardest to transform.

Actually, I think I have sorted it out:

I stand corrected. Apologies. And thank you very much for the amazing work you have done. My Mac is proudly wearing the Alto Durandal in Batroid mode as its new wallpaper. I'm happy with the black background (although I do think that the red colour of the Alto will stand out more on a white background). Strangley enough there seem to be no Bandai Macross desktop wallpapers at all on the web. It is surprising considering the popularity of the series. @plastik: Thank you very much for the offer. I'm not sure if I am in the minority but I am more attracted to the battle scenes in the movies rather than the singing and non-military part of the story. And at the moment I have this obsession with the Alto Durandal Valk (maybe because it is my favourite colourway and I missed the chance to get it at normal or half inflated prices). It reminds me very much of my favourite artwork from artists called Tokyoplastic. I would post a picture of it here but unfortunately it doesnt allow me for some reason (it says: Error, This upload failed)

Thank you. Very nice pictures indeed. Unfortunately a lot of them are not HD (1920 x 1080) and all have a black background. I'm not very fussy, am I really?

Does anyone know where if there is somewhere where I might be able to find desktop wallpapers (preferably HD) of Bandai Chogokin valkyrie models in various poses? I'm particularly keen on a wallpaper of the YF 29 Durandal Alto custom in batroid mode. I have searched on google but have had no luck so far.

Thank you. Ordered I figured I cant have the YF 29 Durandal Alto custom (which has the most beautiful colours ever) so I thought to get the 27 instead.

On the subject of NY: Could someone kindly clarify for me please if the VF27 super parts set in the link below is actually the valkyrie + the super parts? Or is it just the super parts? http://www.nippon-yasan.com/macross/5088-macross-f-dx-chogokin-vf-27-lucifer-valkyrie-super-parts-set.html

@Sycla: I think it is fair to say that if HLJ used to under declare in the past and they dont now then that means that they have chosen to become law-abiding when it suited them. I suppose it happens to most companies that when they are small they will try shenanigans to gain customers but once they become huge they dont care if they gain customers or not.

Does anyone know if HLJ declare the value less than the actual price? I just dont want to get stung with the high custom's fees. Damn, I missed the DX Macross Quarter. eally wanted one of them.

I must say that the price fluctuations from Japanese web retailers are the craziest ones I have ever seen. I have never seen such rapid price increases and decreases within a matter of days. Bizarre (and frustrating). Personally I pre-ordered the YF 29 Ozma instead. Am going to take my chances with the YF 25 and wait for when it is released. Hopefully it will be available at retail price (no markups). If not then I'll wait and see if any other colourways may appear in the future. I dont know why but I am not feeling the orange colour that much.

If producing a particular model was risky then wouldnt it make sense for Yamato to use Kickstarter? That way everything is preordered and pre paid and Yamato know where they stand.

I just managed to preorder a dx chogokin yf29 Ozma version from NY. Very happy since I really wanted an Ozma version. @plastic: That IronMan bust looks really mint. May I ask who manufactures it? And by the way your display is one of the best and least cluttered ive seen. Love it. Edit: ooops, after reading your last post more carefully I can see that the maker is Sideshow.

@mechaninac: thank you very much indeed. That does clarify things for me perfectly. Much appreciated.

Is there going to be YF 25 models for sale upon release date? I thought they were all pre-booked? have I got this wrong?

I meant if there is any other model versions planned to be released apart from the existing F, S and G (renewal versions). Apologies for the confusion, I'm new to the Macross world so still learning. From what you're saying though my best bet might be to start hunting for a VF 25F (the cheaper of the 3 renewal versions so far) rather than wait. If I am not mistaken I have missed my chances to get a YF-25 Prophecy anyway.

Do you guys think or know if any other 25 series Renewal versions will be released? I really want a model from the 25 series (dont mind which) and am wondering if I should buy the 25F renewal at NY or should I wait for another verision that may come out and be cheaper. Any advice?

Is this what you mean by V1 accidental purchase? It does say DX Chogokin on the description but doesnt say "renewal". http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MACROSS-FRONTIER-DX-Chogokin-VF-25S-Armoured-Messiah-Valkyrie-Ozama-Lee-Custom-/221387638997?pt=UK_Collectables_AnimationCharacters_Anime_SM&hash=item338bbb48d5

I am referring more speifically to the Bandai Chogokin DX line (VF25, YF29, etc). Do fake chinese copies of these products exist? Also if buying used models from places like ebay what does one need to be aware of? Do the models' joints loosen and weaken over time? I am new to the Macross world of collecting and want to be careful to avoid being fooled by some unscrupulous individual. Any advice?

My YF 29 arrived today safe and sound. I guess 10 days is not bad at all for SAL service considering the savings in postage fees. Now thinking of my next purchase.

Thank you very much for the advice guys. I never realised that SAL was shipping by boat. I thought it was airmail. I dont mind waiting a week or two though so that is fine. It adds to the excitment I suppose.

Thank god for that. I was about to ask if they did declare the full value or not since I live in UK and this coutry is well known for high customs fees and taxes. I ordered a VF29 from NY a week ago and they were prompt in sending me the email with the link to track. However for the past week there have been no updates on the Japan Post website regarding the progress of shipping this item. The last note on the page says that "Dispatch from outward office of exchange" from Osaka International. Is this the type of tracking that provides updates only for within Japan? I use the tracking number on the website of Royal Mail and Parcel Force but it doesnt get recognised. I'm a bit puzzled. The shipping method is Eco SAL Registered. Anyone with more experience can shed more light on this please?

No sorry, what I meant was that is have only ordered the superpack and not the valkyrie itself.

I think I need to teach my brain to stop being in Western European mode when judging Japanese priced items