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Jesterhead wrote:Well I got my Toynami Maia Sterling Alpha fighter...

I was pretty terrified to open the box, and was expect the worst QC I've ever seen.

With some fidgeting, I managed to get the fighter looking straight, with all the panels and parts lined up. The plastic feels cheap though, as does the paint. Haven't transformed it yet though...

Overall, I'm happy with the purchase.

Keep us updated.

Love Macross, Mospeada, Haruhiko Mikimoto, and in general anime.

GOT LOTS OF ITEMS FOR SALE. Check sale thread and sig link too. Thanks!

Another thread I'm dusting off.

With upcoming products like Arcadia's YF-19 and re-releases of Yamato Valks, as well as Bandai's fairly regularly released DX Chogokin Macross toys, this is as good a time as any to get some discussion going again on Macross products.

The latest news I've come across is that Bandai is releasing a Super Parts pack for the DX VF-25A and I think that pricing and pre-order begin date will be announced at Tamashii Nations 2013.

Convotron wrote:Another thread I'm dusting off.

With upcoming products like Arcadia's YF-19 and re-releases of Yamato Valks, as well as Bandai's fairly regularly released DX Chogokin Macross toys, this is as good a time as any to get some discussion going again on Macross products.

The latest news I've come across is that Bandai is releasing a Super Parts pack for the DX VF-25A and I think that pricing and pre-order begin date will be announced at Tamashii Nations 2013.

I was told Yamato went out of business.

The last Macross series I heard of was Frontiers and that the toys were crap at first before Bandai did second runs. I also heard that the main Valk from that series was one of the last releases in the SOC line before it went on hiatus.

I have not bought a Macross item since the 1/100 Super/Strike VF-1S which is the best version of the VF-1S in that scale.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:I was told Yamato went out of business.

The last Macross series I heard of was Frontiers and that the toys were crap at first before Bandai did second runs. I also heard that the main Valk from that series was one of the last releases in the SOC line before it went on hiatus.

I have not bought a Macross item since the 1/100 Super/Strike VF-1S which is the best version of the VF-1S in that scale.

Yes, Yamato is no more. As I understand it, Arcadia is made up of a significant portion of ex-Yamato employees. Arcadia has bought up some of the molds and designs that were Yamato's and they are now moving forward with producing high end toys of Macross designs.

The 1/60 version 2 VF-1J in 30th anniversary deco was released several weeks ago by Arcadia. I believe next up in November is the VF-1S in Roy Fokker deco, Do You Remember Love, aka movie version. The VF-1S in Hikaru's deco is due in December.

Then in April 2014, Arcadia is releasing what is essentially a version 2 of the YF-19 from Macross Plus. Included are the Fast Pack parts. It is quite hefty in price at over 30000 yen/$300.

As far as Bandai's Macross Frontier DX Chogokin toys, yes, the first versions of the VF-25 Valkyries were very poor in design. Thankfully, the version 2, aka Renewal versions are far superior and are worthy of any Macross fan's collection. The VF-25A Mass Production version, aka Cannon Fodder version, toy is the latest DX Chogokin VF to be released.

In December, the DX Chogokin YF-29 Durandal VF is being released again but this time in a Isamu Dyson deco. It would be expensive but I can imagine an impressive Macross Plus themed display with both the DX YF-29 Isamu ver. and Arcadia's upcoming YF-19 side by side.

Convotron wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:I was told Yamato went out of business.

The last Macross series I heard of was Frontiers and that the toys were crap at first before Bandai did second runs. I also heard that the main Valk from that series was one of the last releases in the SOC line before it went on hiatus.

I have not bought a Macross item since the 1/100 Super/Strike VF-1S which is the best version of the VF-1S in that scale.

Yes, Yamato is no more. As I understand it, Arcadia is made up of a significant portion of ex-Yamato employees. Arcadia has bought up some of the molds and designs that were Yamato's and they are now moving forward with producing high end toys of Macross designs.

The 1/60 version 2 VF-1J in 30th anniversary deco was released several weeks ago by Arcadia. I believe next up in November is the VF-1S in Roy Fokker deco, Do You Remember Love, aka movie version. The VF-1S in Hikaru's deco is due in December.

Then in April 2014, Arcadia is releasing what is essentially a version 2 of the YF-19 from Macross Plus. Included are the Fast Pack parts. It is quite hefty in price at over 30000 yen/$300.

As far as Bandai's Macross Frontier DX Chogokin toys, yes, the first versions of the VF-25 Valkyries were very poor in design. Thankfully, the version 2, aka Renewal versions are far superior and are worthy of any Macross fan's collection. The VF-25A Mass Production version, aka Cannon Fodder version, toy is the latest DX Chogokin VF to be released.

In December, the DX Chogokin YF-29 Durandal VF is being released again but this time in a Isamu Dyson deco. It would be expensive but I can imagine an impressive Macross Plus themed display with both the DX YF-29 Isamu ver. and Arcadia's upcoming YF-19 side by side.

I have quite a few 1/48 scale Valkries as well as the larger sized YF-19 and YF-29. I never touched the YF-29 because I heard it was fragile. The only 1/60 scale figures I have are a Max VF-1J that has the removable legs and the 25th VF-1S Strike that was just a scaled down 1/48. I know Yamato was constantly tweaking their molds to make them better but What I have is solid enough for me since I don't display them.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:I have quite a few 1/48 scale Valkries as well as the larger sized YF-19 and YF-29. I never touched the YF-29 because I heard it was fragile. The only 1/60 scale figures I have are a Max VF-1J that has the removable legs and the 25th VF-1S Strike that was just a scaled down 1/48. I know Yamato was constantly tweaking their molds to make them better but What I have is solid enough for me since I don't display them.

The only 1/60 scale Macross toy I have is the DX Chogokin VF-25A, though I have Arcadia's re-issue of the VF-1S in Roy Fokker deco on pre-order. When Yamato was at its peak a few years ago, I was deep into Transformers and Gundam so I didn't have any room in my budget for high priced items like the Yamato Valks. I feel like I missed out on some great Macross collectibles.

The biggest issue I had with Yamato when I became aware of their Macross toys was the relatively high rate of production and structural design issues on their early production run units. I really like the fact that they would go back to the drawing board to revise designs for subsequent production runs but it seemed like every discussion of Yamato Macross toys involved stories of people finding parts broken in the box, parts with fractures in the box, or parts breaking upon first transformation by people who are careful and experienced with transforming figures.

Towards the end of Yamato's time on the scene, they seemed to really get their QC and structural design well taken care of at product launch but by that point, the company was not fiscally healthy enough to last. From what I've read, part of the issue was over saturation of the market with numerous redecos that were released.

I would be more into Bandai's DX Chogokin Renewal era toys if I could only get a hold of more of them. The only reason I was able to get a VF-25A is probably partly due to it being a MP/CF variant. All the "Hero" deco Valks seem to disappear before I can pre-order them and I will not buy them at inflated after market pricing.

You did miss out on some great figures; in my opinion their VF-1s are the best since the original toys. After the first year of making Macross product Yamato got their act together, right in time for the 20th Anniversary I think. The reissues were more about fixing little things that only the die hards were anal about. I was able to get in on them because I had the cash and the big collector boom hadn't really reached Macross/Robotech yet. Right now I'd only be interested in 1/100 scale perfect transformation figures.

That reminds me the one thing I can't stand about Macross toys, all the Valks are in scale to themselves. I wish the sizing of the toys was done more traditionally. For example all the 1/60 scale figures are the same size.

I'm hunting down a version 2 Yamato VF-1 right now. With the pricing that Arcadia is employing, buying a MISB Yamato Valkyrie on the secondary market is comparable in price.

I have the Bandai VF Hi Metal VF-1J in Hikaru's deco. It's a great little toy and it's the best VF-1 I have until I get a Yamato or Arcadia VF-1.

Convotron wrote:I'm hunting down a version 2 Yamato VF-1 right now. With the pricing that Arcadia is employing, buying a MISB Yamato Valkyrie on the secondary market is comparable in price.

I have the Bandai VF Hi Metal VF-1J in Hikaru's deco. It's a great little toy and it's the best VF-1 I have until I get a Yamato or Arcadia VF-1.

The Hi Metals are the best at that scale.

I wish Bandai continued with the VF Hi Metal line. I recall seeing what looked like a prototype of a VF Hi Metal VF-2SS.

Convotron wrote:I wish Bandai continued with the VF Hi Metal line. I recall seeing what looked like a prototype of a VF Hi Metal VF-2SS.

I remember some of the early ones were horrible because they were parts formers with only a slightly transforming torso

My friend has got me watching Robotech recently. Trying to get into it but not quite there yet.

Hey there. I've been a heavy poster in the Third Party forum, but have been reading this thread off and on as I am a huge Macross and Robotech fan. I had the Shadow Beta from the Shadow Chronicles on preorder from BBTS. I thought I'd share the bad news. I am bummed.

BigBadToyStore wrote:Hello,

We have been informed by Toynami that they will not be producing the New Generation Beta Fighter MPC Volume 4. Due to this matter we unfortunately must cancel our preorders since the item will no longer be released. We do apologize for this matter and greatly appreciate your understanding. If this product is re-solicited in the future we will be sure to publish it on our website once again.

Thank you for your support to BigBadToyStore and have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

BBTS Customer Care

http://www.BigBadToyStore.com

The Alpha/Beta combo was maybe my favorite Veritech from Robotech. I have the Blue series, but my Scott Bernard Alpha suffers from some of the QA issues mentioned elsewhere. Plus, I liked this one for including the synchro cannon. Ah, well.

I guess this means that we are not likely to see a Hover Tank any time soon, too.

Thanks!

I'm not surprised really. Their releases are reflective of their QC. Unfortunately since the whole Shadow thing is strictly Robotech I can't recommend another brand/line to find the figure.

So. Let's revive this thread. Why? Well, A: because I'm bored, and B: because I just got into Macross.


So I've always been a huge fan of Robotech, but never cared much for checking out the original source material from across the big lake. A few months ago, my buddy got me the English dub DVD box of Macross. I was hooked. Much better flowing dialogue. This led me to check out DYRL. Then Macross Plus. Macross Plus is what really sold me. I immediately got on eBay to hunt down a YF-19. This led to my discovery of Yamato (now arcadia) Valkyries. After watching a few YouTube reviews, I learned of he vast superiority of yamato to Toynami's masterpiece line. Needless to say, I've sold all my toynami duds (for quite a pretty penny, and am now starting my proper macross collection. Only two valks and a set of strike parts so far. I've got an Arcadia Focker VF-1S and a DYRL Max VF-1A. I had a YF-19, but it was too loose for my tastes so, I sold it and now I'm hunting down an Arcadia version. Hers a couple of pics:

Nice, did not know Yamato transformed into Arcadia. What scale is the VF-1S, 1/48 or 1/55? Personally outside of the 30th anniversary 1/100 scale figures coming I'm basically done with Macross/Robotech, I have the Valks that I want. I have the English dub of the series and while I found it good it reminded me why I don't really enjoy pure Anime. Was DYRL dubbed as well?

DYRL is dubbed, by it isn't that great of a job. The VF-1S is a 1/60 scale. Exact same as the final. Erosion Yamato Valkyries. I have a couple of 1/100 valks, but they are all from toynami so they kinda suck. I'd like to get one of the bandai hi-metal 1/100 Valkyries.

I too have the 30th Anniversary on order. The one Yamato Valk I have looks awesome, is well detailed, but isn't very playable. The old Ban Dai 1/55 valk (Same mold as Jetfire) is still my favorite to fiddle around with. Well that and my SDF-1.

On DYRL, the way I remember it (and this is something I heard nearly 20 years ago), the English dub was actually made as an educational tool to help Japanese or Chinese learn English. I had an old VHS copy of DYRL that had the English dub with either Japanese or Chinese subtitles. That tape is long gone. I think I about wore it out (and no not by pausing the zero G shower. )

Ironhidensh wrote:DYRL is dubbed, by it isn't that great of a job. The VF-1S is a 1/60 scale. Exact same as the final. Erosion Yamato Valkyries. I have a couple of 1/100 valks, but they are all from toynami so they kinda suck. I'd like to get one of the bandai hi-metal 1/100 Valkyries.

I can highly recommend the Bandai Hi Metal figures. Is DYRL on DVD or dare I hope blu-ray?

chuckdawg1999 wrote:

Ironhidensh wrote:DYRL is dubbed, by it isn't that great of a job. The VF-1S is a 1/60 scale. Exact same as the final. Erosion Yamato Valkyries. I have a couple of 1/100 valks, but they are all from toynami so they kinda suck. I'd like to get one of the bandai hi-metal 1/100 Valkyries.

I can highly recommend the Bandai Hi Metal figures. Is DYRL on DVD or dare I hope blu-ray?

I have not seen it on Blu-Ray. I think I got one multi-region format DVD. I thought I had gotten a US release as well. I'll check when I get home what version I have. Most of the ones I see on Amazon are really expensive (like $100) or are unavailable.

Much like being able to get the original dub of Akira in the recent Blu-Ray release (Max Sterling as Kaneda is the only version for me!) I'd love to get the English dub of DYRL on Blu-Ray.

[Edit] Also, it can be found on YouTube in both the English dub and Japanese with English Subtitles.

Okay, a couple of things. The super deformed stuff is not my thing, but if you are interested, BBTS has new 30th anniversary figures available.

Secondly, I checked my DYRL DVDs. One was a pick-up at a convention a long time ago. I suspect someone ripped the VHS cassette onto DVD for that one. The second was a multi-region release I'm pretty sure I bought off of Amazon. Here's a product page from Amazon that matches my cover art.

And this led me to the other copy on VHS I had a while ago, called Clash of the Bionoids. Anybody remember that one?

Slowly and surely, Palladium is ruining this franchise for me.

I'm tired of their constant delays, terrible PR, and BS they spew.

Agamemnon wrote:Okay, a couple of things. The super deformed stuff is not my thing, but if you are interested, BBTS has new 30th anniversary figures available.

Secondly, I checked my DYRL DVDs. One was a pick-up at a convention a long time ago. I suspect someone ripped the VHS cassette onto DVD for that one. The second was a multi-region release I'm pretty sure I bought off of Amazon. Here's a product page from Amazon that matches my cover art.

And this led me to the other copy on VHS I had a while ago, called Clash of the Bionoids. Anybody remember that one?

Got that DVD too. It's was "released" in HK by animeking.com. Clash of the Bionoids is basically a stilted English dub without the shower scene. Back before LED TVs, on a regular picture tube TVs hooked to a DVD player, the resolution was good for its time but on an HDMI DVD player/PS3, the resolution from the dvd starts to suck eggs.

And those Macross Frontier Bandai Chogokins........frickin' expensive and get sold out even before being released online. Especially dig the Alto Messiah designs.

Managed to snag a 1/60 DYRL Hikaru Skull Leader.......one of the best of its time. Simple and yet practical in the transformation. And I fortunately also managed to snag the augmentation armor set and stuck it on the VF-1S.......looks even more awesome over the default VF-1J.

Now, if I can only find the Yamato Destroid Koenig Monster........

fenrir72 wrote:Now, if I can only find the Yamato Destroid Koenig Monster........

Is that the same as the Robotech MAC II Monster? From the images I found online, it looks like it has a Valkrie mode. I don't know. Something about the proportions and poses in the pics I saw doesn't look quite right. On the other hand, if this is significantly bigger than the Matchbox Mac II I've got, I may be interested. But, hard to find, eh?