Lolicon

Those of you who are unhappy with the blank screen in the cockpit, I scanned in the aftermarket console decal I got for my 1/72 kit and scaled it down to fit into the renewal DX. Strangely enough, the 1/60 DX has a much smaller cockpit display than the 1/72 kit. Just print it as is and glue it into the cockpit. It's already properly sized.

Tried to fix it up the best I can, but the pilot figure still sucks compared to Yamato's.

I have super packs on preorder, and will most likely get the armor and tornado packs if Bandai releases them, so I decided it'd be easier to manage with two Altos.

Bandai really ought to do a reissue, considering how much this thing is going for. I passed on it initially because I was still not confident in Bandai's ability to produce a valkyrie toy that didn't suck. And by the time people posted pics and reviews, there were no more to be had! Either the thing sold way better than the renewal VF-25, or Bandai really limited the production number, as I was able to get a second VF-25 weeks after release.

Actually, I got the last one. I added it to my cart when it was "in stock" then kept it there for a day and a half while I sat on the fence trying to decide whether I should get a second one. The following day it was "discontinued" so I went ahead and completed my order, since I still had it in my cart. I got my shipping notice this morning. This is the first time I've bought two of the same valkyrie. That's how much I love the renewal version.

You're a little late. http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=COS-8485&template=default/product/e_display.html

Combination of pro modeler's wash and mechanical pencil, for certain areas where the wash just wouldn't stay. I think I'll also add a graphic for the HUD. I wish there was an easy way to disassemble it so I could detail the cockpit better.

A little late to the party, but finally had time to sit down and do some detailing on the VF-25. I think I can throw my 1/72 model into the garbage bin now.

So, what are the chances of a renewal VF-27? I know a lot of people like the VF-27, but I think it still looks rather chunky. Sure, it looks much better than the original DX VF-25, but that's not saying much. It wasn't until I had the renewal VF-25 in my hands that I felt that Bandai finally released a quality valkyrie toy. Would also like to see them release the VF-27 fast packs. With ghosts.

According to data provided by ebay, five DX YF-29s have sold in the last three weeks at an average price of $423.77, with a high of $449.

I think the best Sheryls in terms of quality and actually looking like Sheryl are the Megahouse concert Sheryl (red or blue versions) and the Ichibankuji kimono Sheryl. Others either are lower quality but decent looking (SQ figures) or are pretty high quality but I feel don't really look like Sheryl (black and white rabbits). Of course my personal favorite Frontier figure is still the Super Dimension Cinderella Ranka.

I have a much easier time transforming this VF-25 than Yamato's VF-1 v2. Am I the only one? Now I'm contemplating getting a second one for the inevitable armor packs...

lol well despite my handle, I'm not really a Klan fan. And like nanoplasm said, those two are really reissues of previous figures. I picked them up from a hobby shop in Tokyo. Looking forward to the new Ichibankuji figures of Sheryl and Ranka, but I'll wait till after the initial rush and price spikes and pick them up later once prices have settled. Paid too much for the previous figures IMO and now they're selling for considerably less in aftermarket shops.

Even worse! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bandai-DX-CHogokin-Macross-F-YF-29-Durandal-Valkyrie-/160631103829?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25665c2155 Not gonna buy one at those prices, no matter how much I want one.

They're from the Nyan Nyan Heroines second set. http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10150001 They were 840 yen each. The only online retailer I've found that doesn't force you to buy a box of 8 is Toyslogic; they'll sell you the full set of 4 for $43.99, which is almost exactly 840 yen each. Of course I didn't want Klan or another Ranka in her Nyan Nyan uniform. http://www.toyslogic.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=588_604_97&products_id=20132&products_type=1

I managed to find an unopened one in a hobby shop in Tokyo... for the low, low price of 36,790 yen. I really hope Bandai reissues it. I love the fighter mode and I don't feel like dealing with the model kit. Battroid mode is... meh. Looks like a rice rocket version of the VF-25 battroid. (If you don't know what a rice rocket is, Google it.)

That's not what I'm talking about.

My new favorite cheap figures. Who is Bandai kidding though? No one buys these for the crappy pieces of candy in each box.

Just got home today and my VF-25 was waiting for me. My first impression just from taking it out of the box: it is glorious! I haven't been this excited about opening a brand new valkyrie since the 1/60 YF-19. This thing puts the 1/72 model kit to shame. I was a little nervous upon opening, as I was afraid I'd find a bunch of paint chips and damaged plastic parts that some members have unfortunately discovered. Luckily mine is about as good as one can expect a mass-produced toy to be, with a tiny little imperfection here and there. The most notable ones are: -There are what appear to be a paint chip and a small silver droplet of paint in the red "mohawk" portion of the head. Small but quite noticeable on a red background. -The white parts of the head turrets appear to be off-white from the rest of the fuselage, like they've prematurely started yellowing. -The grey part of the right kneecap has some black paint smudged on it. -Noticeable paint chip off the white portion of the die cast shoulder block right out of the box. Aside from the head turrets, the others can be quickly fixed with a touch of paint. This really is the VF-25 we should have gotten from the start. For those have already done additional detailing on this bird, did you disassemble it? Can it even be disassembled, or are there portions that are permanently glued together? A valkyrie this lovely deserves to have more care put into making it look even better.

Picked up these earlier today. Won't open them till I return home though.

Anyone know of any place in Tokyo where these can be found? I've had no luck so far finding a VF-25.

I'm sure it's just an animation error, since the white head crops up from time to time throughout the series.

Are we allowed to openly talk about the movie yet?

Paid for mine. $160 at current exchange rates. Ouch. You EMS high rollers please let us know how great the toy is, especially how well the paint and markings hold up to handling and transformation. EDIT: Never thought I'd say this about a Bandai product... but the toy looks more anime-accurate than the model kit.

I'm pleased that my opinion carries enough weight that people feel the need to justify their own preferences, as if that was even necessary. I'd like to have Alto's unit in both plain and armored form, but even I have to bow to budget constraints and get only one.