Chet

Thanks for this. Hope you keep us updated.

What do you mean by this dastardly ambiguous post?! Are those release dates unlikely? Are they possible? Please elaborate!

I agree. The discussion in this thread is different and substantial enough that it really ought to be separate. Besides, in this thread, it is quite clear that we are all just expressing preferences. The other one will likely hinge upon every bit of news that trickles in.

I don't see why they should be merged. A discussion on the VF-1A reissue is completely different from the discussion on the Vf-1S reissue and the QC concerns surrounding it. Maybe the it is the latter two threads about the VF-1S which should be merged.

I'm sure this is a moot point,seeing as this is supposedly being released in April. But I wish the new Low Vis would sport a more "even" paint job. Don't know if that makes sense, but I've noticed that the original one seemed to have dark splotches randomly placed all over. Didn't look like a camouflage scheme or weathering effect to me. Believe it or not, I'd also prefer it if there were no Skull Squadron symbols. I think that would make it look less conspicuous and give it a more contemporary military look. Finally, I'd actually want a darker colored gunpod, maybe like the one that comes with all of the other models. That white one just looks hokey. Hope they it is still a VF-1A, too.

This is a very good point. I've been trying to gradually build up my collection, but I don't think I'll be able to keep up with this apparent deluge of releases. Now HLJ's even got the VF-1A Hikaru for pre-order. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a price reduction.

I seriously_cannot_keep_up with all of these releases anymore! It's a veritable flood! http://www.hlj.com/product/YMT00017 Too bad the prices don't seem to be coming down.

The suspense_is_killing_me! What do these variants look like?! Is this Low Vis the same as the older one?! Dammit!

I wish... 362963[/snapback] Me, too. Unfortunately, I'm practically blind. Oh, and our country's navy has no carriers.

A little off-topic, but did Bandai do anything for Mobile Suit Gundam's 25th Anniversary in 2004? I remember mentioning it on animeondvd.com a while back and somebody said the Japanese don't really make as big a deal out of the silver anniversary as they do for the 20th anniversaries.

For reissues, I'd like re-releases of the Takatoku 1/100 scale "diecast model" Destroids (they can keep the non-transforming Battroid Valkyrie), the 1/240 scale "diecast model" Monster, the Destroid Conversion kit, and the transforming SDF-1 Macross (this time with a touch more panel-lining). While we're at it, I'd like to see reissues of the HCM Valkyries (yeah, I know... mold lost in a fire...blah-blah... ), alongside new repaints for Roy's VF-1S; Max and Miriya's VF-1J's; Max's VF-1A; Hikaru, Max and Hayao's VF-1A's from DYRL, etc.

I don't think there is a 1/48 scale Yamato VF-1J DYRL Hikaru. Maybe you are referring to the VF-1A or the VF-1S?

Lawyer. Maybe this shouldn't be in the toys forum.

Great photos, ghostryder! This would be a nice idea. Very helpful for newbies.

Does anyone have pics of the 1/48 Valkyrie tailfins with the correctly aligned skulls and those which have crooked skulls? Valkyrie Hangar used to have some handy shots of these, but the site seems to have been taken down.

Yes! All those pics have given me a MUCH clearer idea of the differences. Thanks to all who posted. Might I suggest that these pics be included in the pinned newbie FAQ thread?

I agree. Something like black-colored gunpod and missles. Just to keep the original release of the Low Vis distinct.

No problem. Looking forward to the pics.

Thanks. Hope someone can post clearer pics, though.

Thanks! I'll look them over when I get home. (damn office monitor is shot... )

Hey thanks! Was thinking of getting a Hikaru 1A so I really appreciate it.

Tried. Couldn't find any.

Ok, so I've read that one of the ways you can tell a 1st release 1/48 Hikaru from the revised version is the different shape of the head rests. Does anyone have any pics of the two kinds of headrest? Would these be visible when looking into a sealed, boxed toy?

This would probably be easy to do with a 1/6 scale action figure with a Zentraedi uniform. Or they could make an Extra Story! Image! Figure! sized PVC statue of a Zentraedi soldier in armor.

With the sporadic releases from Yamato and nothing new from Bandai, one could be led to believe that Macross toy collectors have seen better days. Sure, there are still some releases from Yamato coming out...eventually. So what's the one thing that could revitalize the industry? I'm beginning think that the design and release of one particular toy could rock Macross fandom and set fans on a feeding frenzy again, just like they did with the Bandai reissues and the early Yamato releases. And I wouldn't be surprised if it's already being considered. What would this toy be? How do you think you would react to the announcement of a 1/60 scale Valkyrie toy which featured PERFECT TRANSFORMATION (no parts removal) and diecast parts? Just think about it. Doesn't it make sense? The smaller size should make it cheaper and easier to produce. I also read somewhere that the presence of diecast doesn't significantly increase the production cost of toys, so gokin snobs should be pleased. More importantly, the technology is already there. I'm no engineer, but isn't it just a matter of adapting the technology of the 1/48 scale Valkyrie for a smaller toy, probably retaining the diecast in the legs that the old 1/60's had? I don't really know, but it sure seems that way to a layman like me. : Is it just a coincidence that, according to HLJ, almost all the old Yamato 1/60 scale Valkyries are discontinued? I guess a new 1/60 Valkyrie wouldn't render too many currently available Yamato products obsolete, eh? And Yamato probably wouldn't have to worry too much about collectors of the 1/48 scale Valkyries. These collectors are hard-core. If they lasted with this expensive hobby this long, they'll probably finish their collections of 1/48 toys regardless. A new 1/60 Valkyrie would also open up the possibility for related products. Was the VF-0S sized at 1/60 scale precisely for this purpose? (yeah, I know it would've been frickin huge at 1/48 scale, but stay with me!) Perhaps newer 1/60 scale Valkyries would revitalize interest in Yamato's 1/60 Queadluun Rau's and even pave the way for more 1/60 Zentraedi mecha toys. Heck, if there was significant interest in a new 1/60 scale line, that could pave the way for the resurrection of the 1/60 scale Monster, the production of other Destroid toys in 1/60 scale, and may be even *gasp!* 1/60 scale Macross Plus toys, starting with a 1/60 scale YF-19 with Fast Pack?! What do you guys think?