raptormesh

Great review, definitely going to get all four 22/21s if possible. I still prefer my Gamlin though, for the colors. I'll put up some pics once my new camera arrives.

The HLJ free shipping promo has ended - "Due to incredible demand, our allotted stock has sold out much quicker than expected, and the campaigned ended at 6pm JST June 9"

Looks like my guess was roughly on the money?

So what does HLJ mean when they say "until allotted stock runs out?" Does the Free Express Shipping promo only apply to certain items?

I've checked that out and it seems that this offer is valid for any purchase, according to their promo page. If anybody finds out otherwise please correct me though. Scored me a box of 1/144 Chara-Works vol 2 and some kits on sale.

Edit: I just got invoiced, sans any delivery charges. Perhaps HLJ are treating the free shipment itself as "allocated stock", doesn't make much sense but I could not find any special list of items that qualifies for the promo, unlike the last run which was pretty upfront.

Yeah, the dark gray/cyan color scheme really does justice to the VF-22S. My favorite part of the craft is the "frame-style" canopy, which reminds me of a Soviet era Mil Mi-24, another of my favorite aircraft.

I'd buy another in an instant the moment Yamato releases one in low-vis with a bubble canopy ala Raptor.

Would be great if it has removable panels to show the internal frame and workings just like in the video. Otherwise not worth the money unless you really want a piece of Macross history.

That's amazing! Really wish Yamato would release an upgraded 1/60 in that scheme I'd be on that like white on rice.

I'm probably one of the more selective collectors here with only 3 1/60 valks - VF-0A, SV-51 and VF-22S but i've had no grief even though my 0A's shoulder's cracked AND one of the two stubs holding the swing bar broke off mid-transformation(ouch). I mean, what other possessions do you own that could beckon a smile and a sigh of contentment when you gaze on them(cars, yachts, bikes and women notwithstanding)?

My only remorse, and not a big one at that is the VF100 VF-25S. The only use for it now is as a broken up fodder for a possibly future Hi-Metal VF-171

Nothing to see here, move along.

Sorry, mods.

Bravo! Amazing work.

I meant from an engineering perspective...Takara has proven with the Binaltech, Materpiece, and live-action movie-based lines that they can create pretty solid toys with innovative engineering, and still retain poseability, while transforming into real world vehicles.

Granted, they've made some crappy designs, as well. But looking at a TF as complex as MP Prime, or ROTF leader class Prime, the transformations are much more complex than the Monster, which really is not that complex at all, on the whole, and both Primes have great poseability for all their complexity.

Sorry to hear you had some lemons. I've had no problems with any of my MP or BT toys.

Apples and oranges really. My TF toys (MP OP, ROTF Leader OP, HA, Binaltech) were all confined to a bin while my yammies are permanently on display. Don't get me wrong, the TFs were fun to play with but in terms of engineering i believe the word "kibble" is synonymous with TF. The main design difference between macross and TF toys is that while TFs only need to get from one form to another, Valks need to do it while still preserving the utility and pseudo-realism of its parts, ie cockpits doesn't collapse or split apart. This need to rationalize the transformation means additional parameters in the design, which in turn may require more creative solutions than developing plastic origami. However this design requirement is only a reflection of their respective mythologies, which brings me back to the first sentence in this paragraph.

Edit: Oops for getting OT.

This looks sweet, PM'd for 1.

Really enjoyed Planetes as well, in fact it's my all time fave after Macross. I just loved the hard science, and the sombre tone of the drama.

That 1/100 VF-0 looks very good to me...

Yeah I wouldn't mind getting that now. I still transform my VF100 from time to time and this has an order of magnitude of less parts. But then again, the Phoenix is one of my fave valks.

That's true but then again the Hi-Metal costs twice as much again as Revies or the Toynamis.

Concur with treatment, also the HM seems to be doing a slight crotch thrust so the angle of the nosecone is somewhat different. Gonna wait for reviews before purchasing this one.

Man, and the first 1/48 was $75 and I was all WTF???

It's up for 3980 Yen on Amiami, which is about USD42.

Very cute indeed. Will they offer web exclusive tornado add on packs for it?

Anyone else having a problem with amiami english site. I keep getting the japanese site even after clicking the link for the english site from google or using my favorites link.

Chris

Yea, same here. The .jp link works at the moment though - http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english

Here's hoping the YF-21 will come with landing gear and attachable guns, though the chances are slim. Really annoyed by this "DLC" type add-on model.

EDIT: The sound booster will be released late July and costs 2,940 Yen (inclusive of tax).

The landing pad plus accessories will be released late August and costs 2,100 Yen (inclusive of tax). " Includes shoulder block, closed fist, joint part for Gunpod, landing gear and display stand."

(According to the Tamashii website via Ngeekhiong)

As for me, I've never liked the Macross7 series or movie...to corny for me...

But, a YAMATO 1/60 VF-19!!! I say bring it on baby!!! Will be selling my remaining TFs for this one....lol!

That's what I thought when I first watched a few episodes 5 years ago, but now that I've started watching it in earnest, it's actually quite fun if you're a fan of Gamlin.

I'll still wait for a blazer or a repaint though, since I dislike gaudy coloured valks (also a reason why I collect CFs).

Where's this guy's radar system supposed to be? That split dick certainly doesn't have it.

You see, the pilot wears the radar as part of the helmet. The nose cone is there purely for aerodynamic purposes. In battroid mode it becomes a heat sink when it gets hot.

Edit: Btw great job on the custom Areaseven, still not a valk i'd bring home to my mom but i don't mind giving that a spin around my room.

Agree the newer flightpose stands are a disappointment. Quality of workmanship and materials is way down compared to the earlier version.

Is it still worth getting then? Are there any other similar alternatives though, cause I would like to get stands that don't require a connector.

Are you watching the TV or DVD version?

If you've got the DVD version then yes you will OD on pantsu & loli flesh. If you've got the TV version then there's not as much pantsu & almost no loli flesh.

That explains it, I'm watching the DVD version. Growing on me though, I especially like the part with Shirley and the sound barrier. Maybe i should find the TV eps, as I am less inclined to watch this series now whenever my fiance's home.

Hans Landa from Inglorious Basterds. Never knew someone can be so fearful whilst eating a strudel. Or drinking milk for that matter.

Just started watching Strike Witches.

Hate: Waaaay too many pantsu shots. Why do they not wear pants is beyond me...

Love: All the references to WWII aces and the accompanying fighters from multiple countries. Also, Yeager(Chuck) and P-51.