regult

I saw it and thought the same thing, but left it alone knowing David was the right person to have the first word. I think one of the reasons is that probably SEABEE5150 was influenced by the German or French (?) use of "Marine" (related to the Sea, as in "maritime")to mean Naval Force (Navy)

Nakajima o Endo? that is the question

I am no anime expert really, so forgive the question, but are there precedents that make the entire re-animation hope more tangible?

I remember the general impression was that transformation+waterslide decals+delicate plastic model was a recipe for tragedy. It's probably too optimistic to think you can transform it EVERY once in a while.

the "tornado" could not hold it anymore after Ranka and Sheryl handled it

search for the official 1/72 Macross Frontier kit thread, there is more than enough on the issue.

thanks Marzan, I liked the design of the character, and after watching the series I realized how good the dialogues and editing are.

Marzan, who is the girl in your avatar?

True, but at my shitty financial situation, anything is expensive...

Revised Bandai DX VF-25? (I don't know why I even bother typing this)

doesn't anybody else think the micro missiles aligned like that look like red corn kernels? it maybe only me, it's late and I have a craving for some snack...

Nice garage kit! 15K? expensive! Bandai's version? the smell of Vajra vapor is all over the place...with a hint of Qeadluun Rea.

Honestly, I always thought the Tornado thing was invented to cover up the horrible Bandai DX toy, if you look at the DX w/Tornado packs, it's clear how much better it looks with the new attachments on (covering almost the entire toy except the cockpit area). In Battroid it even stands w/o stand thanks to the very long tail boom that acts much like a third leg. The kit does not need them in the first place, because it always looked quite anime-accurate, but naturally there will be collectors who'd like to have the Tornado version, so there it is. As I said in the regular VF-25 kit thread, I just don't see the advantage of adding more weight to the already fragile wing plate hinge that so easily breaks on models and develops stress marks on the Armored DX toy.

I know what you mean and I don't disagree with your point, but from the perspective of a collector outside Japan, it became harder to get, or at least more expensive. Back on the issue of Bandai milking the VF-25 mold or not, after looking at the PV for the second Frontier movie, it's very clear we'll be seeing at least 1 more valk released with the tornado pack (VF-25G) if not the entire SMS squad. The tornado version may or may not be "made to order".

Good point, it was a while since the Tornado pack and nothing happened meanwhile. The VF-27 is such a better toy, yet there are only 2 canon liveries possible, and they chose to make the green one very hard to get. What now (I am not forgetting the Koenig, just skipping it)?

No more repaints on the VF-25 mold please, it's a fiasco. That said, I don't expect a new design from Bandai anytime soon, but would love to be proven wrong. Meanwhile expect mold-milking and web-exclusives.

Actually I remember the victim of the leg crack managed to glue it back together. Since mine was just purchased, I just went back to the shop and the owner didn't even look surprised so I guess even he was aware of the recurrent issues with the SV-51. Don't get me wrong, I love the design and I have both versions, only that I don't transform the Ivanov.

they probably used the wrong materials for the clear plastic, it's not "clouded" but simply not clear enough, much like the recycled plastic we sometimes see on samples' clear parts. The Nora version is evidently more transparent. not a great issue really if you don't look for it, but side by side the Nora version it does show.

Short answer is: at your own risk. I got one, cracked limbs, got a second one, never transformed it except once when new to confirm everything is right, btw, that's how I found one of the legs on the first one was cracked. Same problem reported and illustrated years ago by fellow member. Just search old posts and you'll find the info you want.

To be sure it will most likely be the red one, because the green one is one of those elusive, expensive, extraordinary exclusives theoretically only available to Japanese collectors, we outside pay a hefty premium to get them. It should be sold out by now?

eugimon has read my mind. I would have taken these photos if I had had the time, the camera and the skills...and no virtual reality needed, just sth similar to the lineart would have been nice. Suffice to say that I love the SV-51 cockpit. True, and I am one of those who prefers no gloss, but to be fair, the animation shows something in a metallic-sheen paint, much like the real world F-22 or even shinier, like cars as pointed out. Anyway, the VF-27 does not look metallic or as glossy as a painted car model. Somebody posted pictures of a VF-27 model kit painted in very metallic red paint, that'd have been THE shiny look if Bandai would have wanted to go the extra mile

Shouldn't this thread be moved to the "noobies questions'" thread?

agreed, but as many, I think a complete redesign of the VF-25 is very unlikely...yet so much needed. the VF-27 may be much better by comparison, but sitting next to a Yamato (SV-51 Nora) it still looks more toyish: the Bandai is shiny, less detailed and has almost no cockpit nor landing gear details printed. Lets not forget the paint (although probably less so than VF-25s) gets easily scratched too.

Bandai Macross toys are becoming hard to afford...

I guess the problem is that through the last decade Yamato has transformed the Valk toy into a realistic model/collectible that can be sold at very high prices...so Bandai cannot stick to chunky, sturdy and fun (affordable), in an attempt to market their first Valk in some years, they fail with an overpriced, crappy, and utterly ugly VF-25 (that is neither comparable to their classics nor their competitors). The release of the VF-27 proves they were slacking off, and riding on the Yamato-set price bar. By this I don't mean Yamatos expensive Valks are indestructible or the epitome of Valk toy making, I guess what I am saying is that Bandai owes the VF-25 an apology.