grogall Posted July 29 Posted July 29 @jenius Link to the Bloodsucker at Mandarake, sadly the first one sold! Quote
grogall Posted July 30 Posted July 30 (edited) Well it must be Votom month! Since Bandai has just announced 7 new Scopedogs in the HG line! (I'll add the version names when I figure them out!) New Expansion Packs for.... Edited August 6 by grogall Quote
Felix Posted July 31 Posted July 31 15 hours ago, grogall said: Thats just "BAD" 😱 Yikes I paid more than half that to order this same figure. Dang BBTS... what's up with that? Quote
grogall Posted August 9 Posted August 9 (edited) Hobby Japan Web Has several new articles on the Hi-Metal R "FATTY" showing extensive features of the joints, Hatches, Legs, as well as the weapons that are included with the B•ATM-03 "FATTY" So let's look at all the optional parts for HI-METAL R Fatty! This time, we'll be using a prototype close to the final product, showcasing accessories and internal mechanisms that we weren't able to show last time. It's been revealed that the kit includes weapons like a G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher and G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun, as well as the impressive work arm seen in the film. Of course, the "FATTY" itself boasts a wide range of mobility, allowing for a variety of poses, and the large vernier on the back can also be freely moved. It also includes a Balarant soldier that can ride in the cockpit. In the TV anime "Armored Trooper Votoms," the Fatty serves as the Balarant Army's main AT. In addition to the main body, the HI-METAL R kit includes optional parts like the G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher and G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun, and Cutter Claw working the wiring of Battleship X, as well as a Balarant soldier pilot figure. This set allows you to recreate every scene from the series. The Fatty is said to have been developed after studying captured Scopedogs, but its landing system differs from that of the Gilgamesh Army's ATs in that its legs extend forward. In HI-METAL R, the unique accretion pose can be recreated using the built-in mechanism. Let's take a closer look at the transformation process. First, have the figure sit with the joint axis at the base of the legs swung forward. At this time, stretch both legs out in front of you. Even in this position, it can still sit stably. Deploy the landing joint parts from the exterior of the thighs and lower legs. By moving the panel-like thigh parts inside, you can create space for the landing joint parts to move. By raising the landing joint parts into the space created by the panel parts and bending the lower legs, Fatty's distinctive landing pose is achieved. Double die-cast hinge parts can be seen inside the abdomen. By deploying these, dynamic waist movement is possible. It's also very durable. Includes the Cutter Claw used to burn the wiring of the Battleship X's control system in episode 31 of the TV series. Attach it by replacing the hand parts. The wrists of the Cutter Claw can rotate, and the second and third joints of the fingers move. The G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher, features a gimmick that allows you to remove the magazine. By holding the gun and magazine on Fatty, you can recreate loading and unloading scenes. The G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun's beautiful pale green color matches the B•ATM-03 "FATTY" itself. The scope can be moved to the position of Fatty's head camera. The G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun's foregrip can be moved to the side, and the pistol grip can be moved down. To allow for these to be held in both arms, the Fatty's arms are equipped with sliding mechanisms. Viewed from the side, the bold structure of the upper and lower torso is evident, connected only by built-in hinges. To wield the large G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun with both hands, the sliding mechanisms at the base of the arms, as well as the elbow and wrist joints, allow for complex facial expressions. The articulation mechanisms built into the torso. Utilizing the internal mechanism of the torso, we created a tense pose in which the figure is firing while looking through the scope of the G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun with the head camera. Also, please take a look at the clear parts on the muzzle. In previous features, we've introduced the wide range of motion of the "HI-METAL R Fatty," but this time we'll provide a visual look at the joint mechanisms built into the figure. Also, pay attention to the structure of the rear vernier. The sliding mechanism at the base of the arm, the retractable mechanism at the shoulder joint, and the wrist extension gimmick allow the arm to be thrust forward at a great distance. You can see how far the arm can extend by comparing it to the right arm. The large vernier on the back has a built-in ball joint, allowing for flexible movement up, down, left, and right. This articulation mechanism is truly befitting of the space combat setup. In addition to the main hatch, the sub-hatch can also be opened and closed. When opened, you can see the pilot (Balrant soldier) inside the cockpit. This Balarant soldier features articulation at the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles, making it a fun action figure. The back is also meticulously painted. The soles of the feet are molded with spray nozzles that are typical of AT's specialized for space combat. Another distinctive feature of Fatty is that, unlike the Scopedog, it does not have a roller dash. Edited August 31 by grogall Quote
grogall Posted August 10 Posted August 10 Hobby Japan Web has also added images of the Hi-Metal R Scopedog which will be released in February showing some of the changes in the joints! Example... Old: New: I will leave the images there since the unit only has small changes... Quote
grogall Posted August 11 Posted August 11 Nice pictures! Did you make the smoke effects yourself? Do you have any of the other Hi-Metal R votom figures or just the ATM-09 (STTC)? Quote
jenius Posted August 17 Posted August 17 Scored a Bloodsucker with a dinged corner on the box for a pretty decent price. Quote
grogall Posted August 17 Posted August 17 Cool! At least you get one and Mandarake checks if the content is ok anyway! I'm sure you'll like the Mech! Quote
Swoosh Posted August 18 Posted August 18 On 8/12/2025 at 1:46 AM, grogall said: Nice pictures! Did you make the smoke effects yourself? Do you have any of the other Hi-Metal R votom figures or just the ATM-09 (STTC)? No, it is Tamashii "Smoke" effect in white color. Quote
grogall Posted August 21 Posted August 21 (edited) Hobby Japan Web has another interview with the production team working on the Hi-Metal R V.O.T.O.M line! I ran it through google translate and posted it here! Special Diorama No. 2 Fierce Battle!! Red Shoulders vs. Blood Suckers Following on from our last post, we've photographed the HI-METAL R VOTOMS diorama exhibited at "TAMASHII NATION 2024." We're bringing you exclusive shots only available from Hobby Japan. This diorama is based on "Armored Trooper VOTOMS: The Last Red Shoulder," the first and still-popular OVA in the "Armored Trooper VOTOMS" series, and depicts the underground facility that is Joran Pailsen's base. The diorama base measures a massive 50cm wide, 50cm high, and 60cm deep. Inspired by the battle that unfolds there, we've included two Scopedogs, the Turbo Custom and the Blood Sucker. By adding perspective to the background, this massive diorama exudes both depth and tension. The second HI-METAL R special diorama for "Armored Trooper Votoms"! Bringing you the thrilling battle between the Bloodsuckers and the Turbo Custom with special new footage! Plus, developer comments have arrived! Q. How did the decision to commercialize the HI-METAL R Bloodsucker come about? A. The first release, the HI-METAL R Scope Dog Red Shoulder Custom, was well received by customers, which led to the release of the HI-METAL R Bloodsucker. Normally, once the Red Shoulder Custom was released, a rival mecha would follow, but the Red Shoulder Custom didn't have an AT equivalent to the rival mecha. So, when the second release was decided to be the HI-METAL R Scope Dog Turbo Custom, the Bloodsucker was also decided. It took longer from announcement to commercialization than the Turbo Custom, but we've been able to use that time to refine the design and mechanism. Q. The Bloodsucker is set to be a heavyweight, how did you decide on its size? A. We knew the height ratio would be quite large, so we took advantage of the non-scale design and started with the premise of making it larger than the Turbo Custom, aiming to achieve a size that was close to the image in the film. However, the Bloodsucker has tighter design lines around the cockpit than the TV version of the AT, and due to the constraints of fitting an action figure inside, we needed to maintain a certain size. As a result, we were able to achieve the image size in the film while adhering to the size ratio image. Comparing "HI-METAL-R-Bloodsucker" to Turbo Custom ▲Next to "HI-METAL R Scope Dog Turbo Custom" (left). The difference in height and weight between the mid-class and heavyweight models is immediately clear. Q. Were there any challenges in sculpting it? A. I'm not sure whether the shape of the Bloodsucker's head is round or trapezoidal when viewed from the front. This has long been interpreted differently, and in HI-METAL R, there is a slight fold, but since it's an advanced version of the Scope Dog, we made it round. Additionally, a hole was originally drilled in the dent in the right front skirt, but it was sealed after it was discovered that it didn't look good in action poses. Other measures taken included making the thighs inside the skirt as thick as possible and angling the forearm cuffs, paying particular attention to the overall silhouette to recreate the powerful standing pose from the design drawing. Q. Are there any selling points in terms of gimmicks? A. This time, we've added an interesting gimmick: when you push in the pipe at the top of the mission pack, the chest hatch lifts up slightly. This eliminates the need to pull the hatch up to open and close it in Bloodsucker, making it easier to play with. Also, the design drawing for the inside of the head features a trapezoidal monitor on the front side. If we recreated this, the monitor would get in the way when the camera visor was pulled up, blocking the pilot's view, so we've added a movable gimmick to the monitor as well. A new pilot figure, Epsilon, is included. Its body shape matches that of existing Chirico figures, so you can display them side by side.が、真偽のほどは、やはりもう典です。 English: In addition, the arms have the same shoulder extension mechanism and elbow bendability as the Scopedog, and the ankles have a joint mechanism that surpasses the Scopedog's, allowing the soles of the feet to touch the ground even when the legs are spread wide, so I hope you will check it out for yourself. Q. Were there any difficulties in incorporating the gimmick? A. In the movie, he fires an arm punch, but there are no concept art, so I had to look at the movie to see how it moved. However, the screen is dark and the Bloodsucker is black, so it was difficult to tell even when the screen was brightened, so I interpreted it as a gimmick that further expanded on the structure that could be read from the screen. Q. Two heavy machine guns are included. A. There are two concept art for the heavy machine gun, so I included both. The magazines are swappable. Also, in terms of coloring, the Bloodsucker is set to be an advanced version of the Scopedog, so I thought it would be better to use the same color scheme for the machine gun, so I made some adjustments. Although it wasn't done in the movie, the heavy machine gun can be held in both hands. *ooops it's an older interview from 30 January 2025, but still interesting since people are just now receiving there Hi-Metal R Bloodsucker Edited August 21 by grogall Quote
grogall Posted August 24 Posted August 24 (edited) Finally found my favorite rendition of the ATM-09-ST (Space Assault) unit, wich was a cover from a wave kit! Thought I'd share it! (Very Large) Edited August 26 by grogall Quote
no3Ljm Posted August 29 Posted August 29 Takara Tomy TOYRISE 1/48 AT Collection 05 Order Buckler & 06 Erdspinne Quote
Big s Posted August 29 Posted August 29 50 minutes ago, grogall said: 06 doesn't look like a spider!? 🤔 I think it’s the eyes and the color Quote
grogall Posted August 30 Posted August 30 (edited) On 8/9/2025 at 9:37 PM, grogall said: Hobby Japan Web Has several new articles on the Hi-Metal R "FATTY" showing extensive features of the joints, Hatches, Legs, as well as the weapons that are included with the B•ATM-03 "FATTY" So let's look at all the optional parts for HI-METAL R Fatty! This time, we'll be using a prototype close to the final product, showcasing accessories and internal mechanisms that we weren't able to show last time. It's been revealed that the kit includes weapons like a G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher and G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun, as well as the impressive work arm seen in the film. Of course, the "FATTY" itself boasts a wide range of mobility, allowing for a variety of poses, and the large vernier on the back can also be freely moved. It also includes a Balarant soldier that can ride in the cockpit. In the TV anime "Armored Trooper Votoms," the Fatty serves as the Balarant Army's main AT. In addition to the main body, the HI-METAL R kit includes optional parts like the G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher and G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun, and Cutter Claw working the wiring of Battleship X, as well as a Balarant soldier pilot figure. This set allows you to recreate every scene from the series. The Fatty is said to have been developed after studying captured Scopedogs, but its landing system differs from that of the Gilgamesh Army's ATs in that its legs extend forward. In HI-METAL R, the unique accretion pose can be recreated using the built-in mechanism. Let's take a closer look at the transformation process. First, have the figure sit with the joint axis at the base of the legs swung forward. At this time, stretch both legs out in front of you. Even in this position, it can still sit stably. Deploy the landing joint parts from the exterior of the thighs and lower legs. By moving the panel-like thigh parts inside, you can create space for the landing joint parts to move. By raising the landing joint parts into the space created by the panel parts and bending the lower legs, Fatty's distinctive landing pose is achieved. Double die-cast hinge parts can be seen inside the abdomen. By deploying these, dynamic waist movement is possible. It's also very durable. Includes the Cutter Claw used to burn the wiring of the Battleship X's control system in episode 31 of the TV series. Attach it by replacing the hand parts. The wrists of the Cutter Claw can rotate, and the second and third joints of the fingers move. The G-BATM 04 Catapult Launcher, features a gimmick that allows you to remove the magazine. By holding the gun and magazine on Fatty, you can recreate loading and unloading scenes. The G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun's beautiful pale green color matches the B•ATM-03 "FATTY" itself. The scope can be moved to the position of Fatty's head camera. The G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun's foregrip can be moved to the side, and the pistol grip can be moved down. To allow for these to be held in both arms, the Fatty's arms are equipped with sliding mechanisms. Viewed from the side, the bold structure of the upper and lower torso is evident, connected only by built-in hinges. To wield the large G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun with both hands, the sliding mechanisms at the base of the arms, as well as the elbow and wrist joints, allow for complex facial expressions. The articulation mechanisms built into the torso. Utilizing the internal mechanism of the torso, we created a tense pose in which the figure is firing while looking through the scope of the G-BATM-02 Hardblade Gun with the head camera. Also, please take a look at the clear parts on the muzzle. In previous features, we've introduced the wide range of motion of the "HI-METAL R Fatty," but this time we'll provide a visual look at the joint mechanisms built into the figure. Also, pay attention to the structure of the rear vernier. The sliding mechanism at the base of the arm, the retractable mechanism at the shoulder joint, and the wrist extension gimmick allow the arm to be thrust forward at a great distance. You can see how far the arm can extend by comparing it to the right arm. The large vernier on the back has a built-in ball joint, allowing for flexible movement up, down, left, and right. This articulation mechanism is truly befitting of the space combat setup. In addition to the main hatch, the sub-hatch can also be opened and closed. When opened, you can see the pilot (Balrant soldier) inside the cockpit. This Balarant soldier features articulation at the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles, making it a fun action figure. The back is also meticulously painted. The soles of the feet are molded with spray nozzles that are typical of ATs specialized for space combat. Another distinctive feature of Fatty is that, unlike the Scopedog, it does not have a roller dash. More images on the Hi-Metal R "FATTY" from Hobby Japan Web, added to the post above! An absoluty amazing Mech! 🤗 Edited August 31 by grogall Quote
jenius Posted August 30 Posted August 30 It really does look glorious. The prototypes had be concerned they were checking this release out... That is clearly not the case. Quote
renegadeleader1 Posted August 30 Posted August 30 Are there any relatively cheap Votoms available right now that lean more towards toy to be played with than $200+ collector item? Quote
lechuck Posted August 30 Posted August 30 9 minutes ago, renegadeleader1 said: Are there any relatively cheap Votoms available right now that lean more towards toy to be played with than $200+ collector item? Takara's Toyrise line of Votoms might be of interest to you, they are priced around 8000 Yen (incl. tax) but go lower on pre-orders. Though be aware that they are only 1/48 scale (~8.5 cm). Current line up consists of Scopedog Red Shoulder Custom, Melchia variant, "Space Dog" and Turbo Custom. https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tsparkofficial/toyrise/ https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/tsparkofficial/toyrise/sd01_redshoulder/ Quote
Big s Posted August 30 Posted August 30 40 minutes ago, renegadeleader1 said: Are there any relatively cheap Votoms available right now that lean more towards toy to be played with than $200+ collector item? The cheapest option is probably the hg kit. It’s practically toy like, but requires some assembly. Although it is a modern Bandai kit, so assembly is fairly simple Quote
grogall Posted August 30 Posted August 30 39 minutes ago, renegadeleader1 said: Are there any relatively cheap Votoms available right now that lean more towards toy to be played with than $200+ collector item? Maybe the Actic Gear Line from Takara in 1/48 or if you wan't to try the Hi-Metal R then maybe wait for the February release of just the ATM-09-ST Scopedog wich should come in under $100 if it's for an adult I would go for the Hi-Metal R Scopedog, the line is unbeatable! Quote
grogall Posted August 30 Posted August 30 1 hour ago, jenius said: It really does look glorious. The prototypes had be concerned they were checking this release out... That is clearly not the case. By the way have you received you're Bloodsucker yet? Quote
jenius Posted August 30 Posted August 30 1 hour ago, grogall said: By the way have you received you're Bloodsucker yet? I did! I only inspected it so far but looks glorious. Quote
jenius Posted August 30 Posted August 30 I'm guessing the ToyRise line for Votoms is going to be a refreshed, hopefully 100% assembled, version of the Actic Gear line. I'd probably wait and see what they're going to be like. No question Hi-Metal R is amazing but it's always going to be an investment compared to the much smaller Actic Gear or ToyRise lines. The benefit of cheap Votoms toys is battle buidling... it'd be fun to have 3 Turbo Customs going up against several Bloodsuckers... but no way I'm doing that in Hi-Metal R. Quote
Big s Posted August 31 Posted August 31 7 hours ago, jenius said: I'm guessing the ToyRise line for Votoms is going to be a refreshed, hopefully 100% assembled, version of the Actic Gear line. I'd probably wait and see what they're going to be like. No question Hi-Metal R is amazing but it's always going to be an investment compared to the much smaller Actic Gear or ToyRise lines. The benefit of cheap Votoms toys is battle buidling... it'd be fun to have 3 Turbo Customs going up against several Bloodsuckers... but no way I'm doing that in Hi-Metal R. The toyrise ones ain’t cheap either. Just less expensive than hmr since they’re much smaller. Toys in general are getting way too overpriced Quote
jenius Posted August 31 Posted August 31 11 minutes ago, Big s said: The toyrise ones ain’t cheap either. Just less expensive than hmr since they’re much smaller. Toys in general are getting way too overpriced I agree... but I think the Toyrise have a higher likelihood of going on sale while the HMR line is rare to find at much of a discount. We'll see! Quote
Big s Posted August 31 Posted August 31 31 minutes ago, jenius said: I agree... but I think the Toyrise have a higher likelihood of going on sale while the HMR line is rare to find at much of a discount. We'll see! I would probably be interested if they were half the cost. I know that’s unrealistic these days though Quote
grogall Posted August 31 Posted August 31 So finished up Armor Hunter Merowlink today, so through all the OVA's and additional series! Didn't find a Blu Ray but got a link to the Japanese Perfect Soldier box and found the English subtitles as well, so now caught up in all what was going on! the latter series, these were a bit easier to watch then the 52 episode initial arc's But still an interesting story line! Quote
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