raptormesh

I love the flaps on this thing. 

I finally transformed my 0D to fighter mode for the first time and I'm in love! Have always preferred two seaters. I like how it's so solid and "swooshable" in this mode. This is now my second fav toy after my OG yammie VF-22S. 

Do think that 1/100 is my fav size now. I still wish for Bandai to come up with a YF-21, but after not liking the fighter mode planform on both the HG kit and Chogokin versions, I'm okay if they don't ever. The inaccuracy and short forward fuselage really irked me lol, because it's my favourite valk design (well, the 22S is, but same same). 

I didn't realise it was 1/48...thought it was 1/60. This is my first ever VF-1!

Picked one up yesterday at the store. The funny thing is that they took a picture of my face at check out. Maybe to avoid scalpers? Not sure how that works. The queue was also an interesting mix of old dudes in expensive suits, enthusiasts and tourists. 

The box is nice, but it's still unopened. 

Edit: No lottery involved, just rocked up and bought it. 

7 hours ago, jenius said:

You mean the HG model kit.

Haha yes, that's right. 

Glad I still kept a single VF-22 Gamlin from my collection of 12+. The fighter mode on the older ones can't be beat. 

Still interested in this one though. Have also PO'd the 1/100 Hi-metal one. Not complaining as a big fan of this planform. 

On 3/3/2023 at 3:26 PM, M'Kyuun said:

Love the design, hate the colors. Hoping this thing is issue-free, and they follow it up with the lovely 'B' series. Been some time since we had a new valk design to add to the display, and this one was high on the list, along with the Variable Glaug, VF-9 , and the VF-14. Oh yeah, and an improved YF-21 w/ good overall battroid proportions.

This so cute lol, I really like the proportions of this bird. 

Had to sell most of my valks due to moving to Japan, only retaining a single 22 Gamlin. 

Two months in and I bought a VF-4S MHR 🤦‍♂️

I am currently living in Tokyo. Hit me up if you have any questions. 

Hope they release one quickly, I sold mine recently due to a move and would like one since it's my fav valk design ever. Still have a gamlin 22 though! 

Edit: Don't mind a Hi-metal too. 

Kinda prefer the colors on the A over the AX. I want grey. I need grey. Give me all the grey. 

On 12/14/2018 at 1:38 AM, Vifam7 said:

Where did you get those 1/100 Air Fighters Collection models? 

CDjapan. They are still releasing them fortnightly. They sell out really quick though. 

Picked up a CW 1/72 F-14B JR along with a couple of 1/100s. Will crack the Turkey open once the DCS module goes live!

Yeah got mine from CDJ due to the price. I still love mine, and is solid to transform too. Such a massive leap over the 171s. 

Wow, I might spring for one of these as I rarely transform my valks. Just picked up a JR F-14 from them to celebrate the DCS module release(25 year dream!). 

23 hours ago, chyll2 said:

water slide decal silvering is really noticeable on dark surface. If it is a white plastic/white painted surface, I dont think you will have a problem. I had reasonable success as well on using decals on satin finish (painted with Tamiya AS spray paint) surface and bare plastic of Bandai.

 

Unfortunately I am attempting it on a very dark background. It's Gamlin's VF-22. 

23 hours ago, mickyg said:

While gloss is ideal, I've had reasonable success without it on Yamato VF-1 valks. Though that was on white, admittedly. What are you wanting to tackle?

Might be worth looking at @no3Ljm's progress on his Arcadia valks for some tips. Since we're usually dealing with lighter plastics, you can get away with a lot less surface prep than you would on a darker model. 

Thanks, will check those out. The water decals I am planning to use are quite small as well. Might make a few test runs before using the targeted decal. 

3 hours ago, NZEOD said:

they need to go on a gloss finish. You could try dipping them in Future before sliding them into position

Thanks! Will try that. 

Hi guys,

Looking for advice here, I am planning to place some waterslide decals on a few matte Yamato birds and am wondering if I need to sand or use primers. Does anyone have any experience with this? I read about using a waterslide prep solution but that's just to allow the decal to slide freely right? Just worried about the decals peeling over time. 

Thanks!

Wowza, finally found the time to transform it to battroid mode and really it has blown me away. Probably my favorite valk in terms of transformation now. Admittedly it's a bit complicated but it is very well constructed with so much detail and tampo print. A shame it didn't do well on the market but this is a massive leap forward compared to the broken mess that was the 171. My only issue is the way the wings are just left there, but that's really symptomatic of the recent Kawamori designs. This is now my #2 after the 21/22. Love it!

1 minute ago, no3Ljm said:

If this Ba ends up more of a low-vis scheme, I might bite so I can pair it with Kairos.

I would love to do this but the scheme is getting too close to the 171 "nightmare" for comfort.

1 hour ago, borgified said:

Just another thought.. Can this be the twin's, and Bogue's Draken (don't know of Hermann's or Kassum's version)?

Edit: @raptormesh: Getting the add-ons or are you going to leave it for now?

Nah usually don't have interest with addons or anything that would spoil the wings  .

10 hours ago, borgified said:

Have you gotten the chance to change it to gerwalk/battriod mode (or you left it as is)? Any visible paint chips/scratches that you have noted since you have gotten it in hand. 

Yeah transformed it to gerwalk thanks to Wotafa's video, took the better part of an hour. Probably the most complex transformation I have done, and a bit overdesigned if I'm honest. Once you get the hang of it I assume it'll go much easier though. That said, the transformation is quite ingenious though I will still give the champion mass shifting trick to the 21/22. 

No scratches to be seen so far. Will swap it to battroid tonight. 

Thanks Mech for clearing that up. They do look alright side by side, though my fav is still the 21/22 as I like big wings and I cannot lie... =)

Well I know the 21 is ~19m in length but no idea about the Draken III. However just by comparing the pilot sizes however usually Bandai's are on the small side, but this instance the difference is a bit more significant. 

She's here! Love the arrowhead design. 

Just got my Draken delivered. Can't wait to transform it, but I got a feeling that scale is pretty off here...

The monster is 35% off at CDJapan atm.