sketchley

You do realize that Graham lives in Hong Kong and gets it virtually the same time as it's released in Japan, right? Overseas shipping can take as little as 2 days, or as long as a month. EITHER way, there are overseas retailers that are importing it with the same delay as you, and they are also suffering. Perhaps much more-so than the publisher. They'll get burned by it, and they'll be much less likely to import such things in the future. Therefore making it that much harder and expensive for overseas consumers to get these kinds of things. Why are you mentioning Bandai? Do they publish the magazine? Isn't it a Dengenki publication? And the February issue is still on the stands. Been there for only (approx.) 2 weeks.

Here's the most complete list that I've been able to come up with: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/Sketchley/Statistics.htm#Variable_Fighters

I'm more worried about server disc space and bandwidth being used up, then any download times. So I agree with David Hingtgen's motion. As the images are hosted off site, bandwidth concerns aren't an issue. Perhaps only post the links, not the images themselves from hereon out? I would also like to add that the scans shouldn't be put up until after the magazines are off the shelves. Even partial scans put a dint into sales.

Nods. However, I've never seen the AVF (Advanced Variable Fighter) from M+ described as "5th generation". I think that's a real-world terminology slip-up. If memory serves, I don't think variable fighters have ever been referred to by generation. If they were, then it would be something along the lines of: Gen 1: VF-1 Gen 1.5: VF-4, VF-5000, etc. Gen 2: VF-11, VF-14, etc. Gen 3: VF-19, YF-21, etc. Gen 4: YF-24, VF-25, etc.

There are some errors in your post. Ballistic shield: as a dedicated shield, yes. However, the VA-3 has dual purpose ballistic shields/wing units. If VFMF:VF-1 Wings of Space is valid, then the VF-1X/VF-1P are the first with a re-loadable gun pod. If it's not valid, than the VF-3000 is, as they're all using the same weapon. Pending the development of the VA-3 (believe you me, I've looked, and natta), the VA-3 could be the first with internal micro-missile launchers. The VF-5000 has been indicated as the first to use passive stealth features. The VF-1 was shown as the first to reach low orbit unassisted (SDFM eps 01 & 02). Though, if you add the caveat of being able to perform in combat after achieving orbit, then that would be the VF-4. Correct. The VF-9 is the first with forward-swept wings AND has a more complex transformation (wings become the torso). The VA-3 and VF-4 also have more complex transformations. Though it might be the first VF to have a PPB, the Monster Destroid was the first small-scale unit to be equipped with a PPB. If "panoramic cockpit" equals "wrap around imaging monitor", than yes, it's the first. (former equates to unhindered view (which is not canon, as things like the instrument panel and seat get in the way), latter equates to "slightly" hindered view (screens under the feet, etc).) VA-3 predates the YF-21/VF-22, and also has engines that form a backpack unit. The VF-4, VF-14 series, and VB-6 also deviate a lot more than the YF-21/VF-22 from the VF-1's "original" layout. correct. Now that that's out of the way, I have to disagree. The VF-3000, despite not being mass-produced, had a far greater impact than the VF-11. In as much as the VF-4 adopted the control system developed for the VF-3000, and the VF-5000 was developed based on the VF-3000's test data. Both being direct predecessors to the VF-11, which only really did one new thing: work equally well in all regimes (a problem since the very beginning, despite the VF-1 being generally accepted as an all-regime fighter). After that, I'd like to say the VF-17, but I'm waffling between it and the YF-19/YF-21 Project Supernova AVF, followed by the YF-24 Evolution, as the ones that have made the next largest impacts.

I like the VA-3 Invader, too. A chunk of that is for the creativity of the design; it's unlike anything seen before (in the Macross universe). For disliked designs: the Tornado Pack for the VF-25. I'm leaning on the side of liking the YF-29. One of the main reasons is that it's the first (canon) YF-24 derivative craft with internally carried missiles in the leg nacelles (something that has been pretty much standard on VFs since the VF-5000. Or VA-3 and VF-4, pending development time and what one defines as "internally carried".)

Must've missed it the first time through, or it wasn't there. The article has definitely been changed since I viewed it, as there were no colour highlights breaking down the sections at 12:30.

Because this is the anime or science fiction section of MW? Also, why automatically assume that Invid/Inbit material automatically means Robotech? As you mentioned yourself, Robotech comes from 3 sources, and the Invid/Inbit comes from one of them. Ergo, the poster is posting about MOSPEADA.

Actually, I completely disagree. Aside from Lord of the Rings, which was filmed at the same time, how many film series that have been filmed and released back to back were satisfying? For example: Back to the Future II & III: even the director stated that the editing on II suffered because of the concurrent filming of III. The Matrix II & III: the writing in III suffered because the majority of good ideas were used up in II. Pirates of the Caribbean II & III: same as the Matrix. On the other hand, there are film series that have been released within a reasonable period of time, yet still had enough of a break between the films for the production team to rest and come up with good ideas: Star Wars I~III, and IV~VI: if the making of documentaries are anything to go on, despite the 2 to 3 year gap between films, the key production team was pretty much working exclusively on the films for the entire period. Harry Potter Spiderman I & II (III suffered from something...) Borne Identity, etc. Indiana Jones and of course, JAMES BOND. So, the key point is both a break to do something else, but the break being short enough to be able to reassemble the cast and crew and recapture the energy.

Finished: Game and Advanced Valkyrie #4 [VF-14 Vampire, Neo-Guraaji, Variable Guraaji]] Alas, despite getting some interesting tid bits of info on the Variable Guraaji, the majority of it is about the Dancing Skull (Max, Miria, Moaramia). Mind you, it ends up painting the Unified Government in a decidedly unfriendly colour: creating a subjegation/repression unit to repress people who revolt against it's authority.

Continuing the "VF-14 content" translations: Mechanic M7 Baroota 01 Fz-109 Elgaazorn: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2674.msg41233#msg41233 (interesting parts on the A sheet, and VF-14 stuff only on the second) Glossary 20: VF-3000 Crusader - VF-4G Lightning III: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2349.msg41230#msg41230 (in addition to the VF-14, also did the VF-3000, VF-11MAXL Kai, VF-XX, VF-9).

Finished part of: Extra Sheet: Game and Advanced Valkyrie #4 [VF-14 Vampire, Neo-Guraaji, Variable Guraaji]]: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2481.msg37207#msg37207 Specifically the part on the VF-14.

No problem! Appreciation of one's efforts are much appreciated. Not to mention motivating. Finished: Mechanic: M7 Baroota 06a Baroota Fleet http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2113.msg31314#msg31314 The Fleet Flagship has some jaw-dropping capabilities. But... "small" fleet? My eye!

Some of the scariest "asian horror" I watched was while in Korea - just enough to get the gist of the scenes, but not enough to truly understand. Let me tell you, leaving the dialogue up to the imagination is the ultimate in scary! Anyhow, recommend: Korean version of the "Ring" ("The Ring Versus") "The Doll Master" "Tell Me Something"

Fully agreed with this. I'll add that Gene Simmons (of Kiss fame) was even quoted on "Eigo shaberenai" saying something along the lines of a boy/girlfriend is the best way to learn a language. It's a shame about the English speakers here (in Japan) who can't be bothered to make the effort to eat local food, let alone learn the basics of the language...

Why is it hard to understand that things are released a month in advance? In the North American comics publishing world, publications are "locked" 3 months in advance. So, releasing things 1 to 2 months after being "locked" is a win for us consumers, no?

It must be stressed that my initial post was a skim reading, and even though it might be accurate, the article could very well be saying something else entirely! That said, my belief is that the author means that the YF-29 is equal to the VF-25 with Tornado pack not in the sense of total armament and missile payload, but in base capability. By this, I mean how a VF-4 has equal performance to a FAST pack equipped VF-1, or a VF-19 like a Super Pack equipped VF-11, and so on. Overall manoeuvrability is a tricky thing. I'd say that the YF-29 would be more manoeuvrable than the VF-25 with Tornado pack for one simple reason: it weighs less. (In addition to the engines, the VF-25 Tornado pack has a large wing weight, not to mention large fuel and missile loads). So couple an improved instantaneous acceleration (less weight) with less stress on the base unit's wing.wing gloves (removal of extra structure and weight), and you can push the plan harder, faster.

Those books have been out for a year...

Finished: Mechanic: M7 Baroota 06b Baroota Fleet (entirely) (linky in preceding post) What I find most interesting are the little hints about the state of the Baroota Fleet before its encounter with the Macross 7 Fleet - specifically not having any carriers. Also, in glancing at the relevant section in Kazutaka Miyatake Design Works, it can be inferred more or less that some to most of the Baroota ships are more or less copies of Unified Forces ships. Eg: Miyatake pretty much states that the Vanguard Frigate is based on the Northampton Frigate.

Yes, and no. I've only briefly looked at the sections, and though on the surface the VF-1X appears to be the same (an improved-upon/updated/what have you) version of the VF-1, there's a lot more information. The VF-1P appears to be something more, entirely. (Again, only having briefly glanced at it, it's either an improved upon VF-1X, or an entirely newly produced model, based on the VF-1X.)

I feel like I want to say "Merry Christmas" to you all, what with all these translations these past few days (the kids are at the grandparents' house if you're wondering). Finished: Mechanic: M7 Baroota 06b Baroota Fleet: Baroota Vanguard Frigate: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2113.msg41179#msg41179 Semi-translated: the other ships on the page, the Standard Battle Line Battleship's armaments, and added a few spot-translations for the ships on the preceding page: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2113.msg31314#msg31314

Someone did a kit bash and converted the YF-19 kit into a battroid; I think it was a double conversion; YF-19 to VF-19A, too. So, anything's possible with these modellers.

Completed: - Mechanic: reverse of M7 UN 06b VF-11C Thunderbolt (AKA Full Armour Thunderbolt: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2670.msg41176#msg41176 I'm a bit surprised that the writers completely neglected the forearm missile launchers. Nice to learn that the gun pod also has a removable magazine.

And people wonder why no one has created a translation of this yet...

More scanlations: Armoured Valkyrie Section: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2668.msg41169#msg41169 Operation Bull's Eye Section: http://www.macrossroleplay.org/forums/index.php?topic=2668.msg41171#msg41171 Yay! More missiles in the shoulder pod. Yay!! Arm hardpoints. FINALLY we have an explanation where the Full Armoured VF-11 Thunderbolt kept it's reaction missiles in VF-X2!!!