mechaninac

Isn't there supposed to be more white on the top of the fighter?? Looks a little monotone for my taste.. not very exciting.

I'm afraid they actualy got it right. Just look at these pictures (shamelessly lifted from The Ultimate Genesis Climber Mospeada Home Page):

This may be one Legioss best displayed in Armo-soldier mode.

For those skilled with airbrushes, I believe that Testor's Model Masters Cobalt Blue is a very close match to the blue used on the 1/48 Max 1A and Intermediate Blue (available in a spray can) is a dead ringer for the Low Vis' accents. Can anyone post other close or exact color matches?

If you have a chance to view the box in person than just open the widow flap and look at the following: 1. the reissue has the redisigned pilot seat head rest (rounded instead of flat); 2. I'd say that 99 out of a 100, at least, don't have velcro tabs at the corners of the flap (same as with VF-1J Hikaru). Those are the only two obvious ways I know of to quickly differentiate between the different versions.

The master has spoken...case closed.

Even though I promissed myself I wasn't going to do it I broke down and preordered the first MPC Alpha/Legioss from Twin Moon Anime...the free shipping offer did it. I figured that this MPC will be much more popular and hold its value better than their VF-1 line (no Yamato, Bandai or Banpresto to offer competition, and, although expensive, cheaper than the old Gakken alternative), and I have a feeling tha if I wait too long it just might sell out and leave me in the lurch. The other releases I'll probably wait for the probable MPC price drop.

Wow! Thanks for that link. I've got to try this think out. And the best part is that you can scale this thing to your heart's content.

(what's-his-name's powedered suit)

I think his name was Fef (sp?)

I've used both types of Grey fine point Gundam markers on my 1/48s and find that they give a nice effect to the toy (the felt tip is specially good); they are not as harsh in appearance as the black pen. I tryed the black on my first 1/60 (VF-1A Hikaru) and hated it...the contrast was just too jarring; but the grey, once toned down by rubbing with your finger or the eraser trick (gotta try that next time) will be just dark enough to make the lines stand out.

Other people will swear by using paint washes to do the panneling, and although I'm sure the results are superior to the pens, the extra hassle of having to spray a protective "varnish" over the toy does not justify this method...it's a toy after all and meant to be handled (clear coats have a nasty tendency to collect skin oils and dirt over time). IMHO, unless you intend to treat your toy like a static display model that is only touched on rare occasions, than I suggest the Gundam marker rout...no clear coat necessary.

Are the recasts made of hard resin or something similar to PVC? If it's the latter, than put me down for one set at the moment.

Thanks, and regardless of the material used, this is a great service to all the 1/48 fans.

and the 1/48 addiction took over like a slow disease...

I know what you mean. Insideous addiction, isn't it? My 1/48 collection quickly grew from a single Low Vis to three Valks.

I too started my VF-1 collection with the 1/60 series and, though they pale in comprisson with the 1/48s, I can't bring myself to part with them; besides, I figure I can always display them alongside the upcoming 1/55 Alphas/Legiosses (1/55-1/60...close enough for government work). I also have the 1/60 GP-01Fb and GP02 toys, as well as a few Orguss Mecha in 1/60 scale, so my small VF-1s will never seem redundant.

I remember the feeling of getting my first 1/48, and I do mean first. Once you get one you're hooked and need to buy more.

Congratulations, and welcome to the 1/48 owners fraternity.

I just looked at the pictures on HLJ and noticed a YF-19 in there. While it is impossible to tell form that small, grainy, image, could that be our "first glance" at the much anticipated YF-19 FP? Just wondering...

(dream mode ON)

Here's an idea for anyone who has the tools, time, and talent:

1. Take the Bandai 1/100 VF-2SS kit (a realy awesome rendition of the Valkyrie II) and scan the parts with a laser scanner into a neutral 3D format file (IGES, STEP).

2. Clean up and slightly alter the files (patent defeating detour) with a solid modeling program (Solid Works, Pro/E, Inventor, whatever).

3. Create parts to allow the wings to fold and for the mecha to be made into the unarmoured version.

4. Export the files to a prototyping machine and make the parts into whatever scale you desire (1/72, 1/60, or... ...1/48).

5. Post-process the prototype parts and have them cast in resin.

6. Adversise them on the For Sale section of MW. I'm sure they'd sell out in a heart beat at just about any price.

Just a thought.

(dream mode OFF)

The bigger the better, that's all I have to say. M+ Valks in 1/48 = ...

my half textured vf2ss

Man that is looking sweet...I love the design of the VF-2SS. One question: Is this model intended for a flight sim mod? It looks to be fairly low poly, but captures the look of the mecha quite well.

Looking forward to seeing this finished.

First...some pictures of the speed breaks. I took these things down...built up an interior and made a hing assembly (pinned togeter for pictures because I didn't want to hinge it till I painted it) for the speed breaks. I have both of these done. I also did some detail work on the interior of the break and have an actuator arm (not listed) for the break. The arm will be a removable piece, as I don't have a good way to build a tiny flexible arm...ideas? )

How about telescoping aluminum tubes similar to automotive shock absorbers?

Great looking stuff so far...and ambitious. Keep it up.

The 1/60 has a lot of diecast and it's like $80, the 1/48 has almost no metal and it's like $140. It doesn't seem to me that the diecast has anything to do with price.

Well, first, you might want to start shopping elsewhere for your Valks. Second, you seem to be forgetting the fact that the 1/48 is considerably larger than the 1/60 and they have to pay for those molds somehow.

I'm talking about original prices... i know they can be found cheaper. If the 1/48 is larger but with no diecast shouldn't those things "cancel each other out" a little?? I think yamato is making us pay for the detail ... not for materials used.

~Tico

Larger and greater content of plastic parts, regardless of amount of detail, equals bigger steel molds or more of them (not to mention all the added cooling lines, gating, ejectors, cams, et al), with increased cycle times that monopolize molding machines longer with a lower output of parts, and don't forget the larger boxes that also increase storage and shipping costs. All this adds up to higher per unit production costs and a longer amortization curve to pay for everything, and I'm sure Yamato gave itself an higher profit margin on the 1/48s compared to the 1/60s and 1/72s so that the decision to make the larger valks looks good on their financial statements.

Of course, I could be wrong and the higher price is just a conspiracy to suck every last penny out of our bank accounts.

The cockpit APPEARS to be made of a clear plastic..... look at the reflection on it in guardian.... I'm sure they just painted it for the proto shot... I hope..

Agreed. I think everyone is just getting way too stressed over what is clearly stated (at Twin Moons anyway) to be "prototype pictures"; besides, it makes absolutely no sense to have an opening cockpit with removable pilot with an opaque canopy. Everyone should just chill out a bit and wait for pictures of the production toy. What I've seen so far, canopy excluded, looks really good...almost Yamato like; my only nitpick of the toy has nothing to do with its execution at all, but with the MSRP of $79.99...what the f**k is Toynamy thinking charging that much for something so small (1/55), even if it is limited to a 15k unit production run?

...And all you bastards got to the VF-2SS re-release before I could 

A note from one of those bastards...HLJ has them back in stock, and I would assume that Rainbow Ten does too. Now get off your a$$ and get one!

The most popular, I think, would have to be Roy's VF-1S; after all, it has the most screen time.

The best, design wise, IMHO, would have to be the VF-2SS from Macross II.

Honorable mentions should be given to VF-11, YF-19, and the fanboy favorite...VF-4.

Since everyone else has covered all or most of the SDF Macross and DYRL items that we'd all like to see made in 1/60 scale, I'd like to suggest something that would really be "pie in the sky" stuff: How about Macross II mecha...ALL OF THEM. I'd love to see the VF-2SS and VF-2J (even the SNN Valkyrie would be cool), as well as the Destroids and enemy units.

I know this is a NON-VALK wish-list, but M2 had some great designs that deserve some attention.

breetai's pickle ship.

Breetai's Flagship? ...in 1/60 scale? ...Perchance, do you own an entire city block?

Prowlus, your're right about that Tornado, that is the most god-awful Tornado I've ever seen.

Actually, the photo above makes the Forces of Valor Tornado look half decent. You really have to see the Tornado and F-14 in person to fully appreciate how awful they are.

But I agree their Apache, Blackhawk and some of their tanks look pretty good.

Graham

As I've stated before, I never saw their fighters in person. But here is my question to anyone who has: Painting, panel lining and markings asside, how acceptable, or not, is the sculpt on the F-14? Would it make a decent candidate for repainting/customization given a reasonable price, say around $20.00, after all, it features an opening cockpit, working landing gears, movable wings, and removable ordenance? (forget the Tornado, it's execution looks very poor indeed from the picture).

As for Forces of Valor:  far better to snag an Armour.  Forces of Valor are pretty laughed at by all collectors.  They're nice toys, certainly not models, IMHO.  Paint just sucks, they're super-ultra-overlined.  As in, you know those Gundams (and valks) which have EVERY panel line colored with thick black lines?  (As opposed to subtle, fine lines).  They look like that.  They are my preferred scale, but would never buy one. 

Forces of Valor toys recently started selling here in HK, so I've had a chance to examine them and I think if anything, David is being too charitable about the quality of their products.

IMO, the panel lines on their 1/72 scale F-14 and Tornado suck bigtime.

Basically a half blind retarded drunken chimpanzee with parkinsons disease could do a better job of panel lining.

The panel lines on the Forces of Valor toys are ultra thick and way too dark. Most of them are not even straight, they wobble all over the place and there are lots of overruns, where the panel liner slipped and didn't clean up.

The only Forces of Valor products that look half decent IMO are the 1/48 Apache and Blackhawk.

PS, anybody wanting a good Tornado should buy the Corgi Aviation Archive version.

Graham

(still waiting for a 1/72 Corgi Eurofighter Typhoon)

I never saw the Forces of Valor F-14 or Tornado in person. My only experience with this line of diecast toys is their Blackhawk, and while the panel lines are a bit thick, they're not bad in 1/48 scale since the helicopter is painted in what appears to be the correct color/tone, so everything blends okay, and I couldn't find any faults with the design, fit, features, or accuracy given the price of the toy (Please note that I am not a military aircraft connoisseur, so I wouldn't pick up on minutia...all I know is that it actually looks pretty good). The Apache is another matter since the color chosen is way too light, which causes the paneling to be that much more noticeable. I will readily admit that on a 1/72 scale airplane, judging from the pictures I've seen, their panel lines are way beyond thick...they're downright brutish.

As for the Armor series...I've examined them in person at a local Franklin Mint store and was thoroughly unimpressed with every single one of their fighter craft models; I did find their helicopters quite nice, specially the UH-1 Huey, and the AH-64 with the rotor-mounted sensor dome was good too, and accurately painted (dark olive drab). My biggest turn-off is that their stuff is so damn expensive and featureless (I know they're display pieces and not toys, but still...).

Also, I once almost bought one of those Tomcats sold at Wal-Mart stores, but balked at how cheap they look, even at about $18.00. However, I may yet give them another look just in case the example I saw was just a particularly bad one.

Just my two cents worth of ranting incoherence.