The Energon Pub

News Credits: 129 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:31 am

I need info.

What're the good lines to collect? What scale is the most consistent? Are there transformable model kits?

Let's have it!

News Credits: 12 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:35 pm

Being a fan with a huge Gunpla addiction, I think I can help you out.

First off, you might want to start calling it Macross as the Robotech series was the end result of a horrible butchering of the original Macross series.

The best figures I've handled are the original Takatoku and Bandai valkryes. They're 1/55 scale and are the only figures you'll find in the line that won't break if you move something wrong. Toynami and Yamato made some really cool looking figures, but the scales are off and they are super fragile. I read about a Masterpiece VF-1S that had an arm crumble into bits just from removal of the box. Yamato is about $100 overpriced on everything they make and the toys just are'nt what you expect them to be. After reading about your tastes in mecha I don't think you'd like the Masterpiece or Yamato brands. They're only good from an asthetic standpoint.

Also, they do make model kits! I'm working on a couple myself at the moment. The kits come in one solid color and require assembly and paint with lots of glue and sanding. They're are a couple of transforable kits, but the designs were compromised in order to perform the transformation. You can find them on BBTS. If you're going to start building the kits then I recommend the non-transformable type.

If you have any more questions, just post or send me a PM. I'll answer them to the best of my abilities or introduce you to someone who can.

News Credits: 129 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 5:53 pm

I'm considering the 1/100th scale Toynami transformable figures.

How are they?

Also, is this one hobby where you should just cut to the chase and get into the Masterpiece versions?

News Credits: 12 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:04 pm

The Masterpiece versions suck. They feel nice out of the box, but once you transform them they feel as though they broken even though they're not. It's hard to explain, but you'd understand if you held one in your hands. I'd recommend not buying the Masterpiece.

I've got a friend who got one of the 1/100th figures and I'd say it's pretty moderate. They get loose after a couple of transformations and can't stand on their own.

Most of the Macross/Robotech collectors I know stick with model kits and vintage products and may buy the occasional Yamato.

News Credits: 129 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:08 pm

I'm kind of liking the transformable veritech fighters in the 1/100 scale for size and price reasons.

Also, it seems that there are model kits for other vehicles and such in that scale that would complement them well.

News Credits: 12 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:14 pm

1/100 is the average scale used for most Macross kits.

Keep in mind that the models require a good bit of work on your part to look presentable. It's not like a Gundam.

I'm also over at bakuc.com and would like to invite you to join the site if you decide to get into model building. We specialize in models that are related to Bandai and most anime.

News Credits: 1082 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 6:43 pm

Yamato are the bees knees for collecting and displaying in my opinion, but not for playing... :wink:

My favorites:

The YF-19, the Stealth version of the VF-1J with Fast pack, and the 25th versions (their black with gold details... =P~

They are really expensive to just start recommending. Someone must have some money because he's not buying as many TFs lately.

News Credits: 129 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 7:40 pm

robofreak wrote:1/100 is the average scale used for most Macross kits.

Keep in mind that the models require a good bit of work on your part to look presentable. It's not like a Gundam.

I'm also over at bakuc.com and would like to invite you to join the site if you decide to get into model building. We specialize in models that are related to Bandai and most anime.

I'm going to take a look at that site when work gets slow this week.

As for model work, believe me, it's not a problem.

I cut my teeth on model-craft when I was 8 years old and refined my painting in college when I hand painted 1-inch tall samurai figures (full detail).

I think the 1/100 scale stuff is going to be the way to go the more I read and hear. I can appreciate the 1/55 & 1/65 figures, but the smaller stuff is probably better with my already space greedy TF collection.

This is all good info, keep it coming.

News Credits: 12 · Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:40 pm

I'm going to warn you first that bakuc is still a fairly new site and we're having issues with eager noobs and not up to par models. Things have gotten better, but the people you'll want to talk to on the site are me, deathworld_dragon, Zerobxu, Tetsujin, and di_peter. We're the frequent posters on that site and are the ones giving out most of the advice. There are also many other more skilled modelers there, but I just highlighted a few. We're also beginner friendly, but it sounds like you already know what you're doing.

My profile and galleries:

http://www.bakuc.com/modeler/robofreak

This is most of my early stuff as I have'nt had time to work on anything since school, but some of my new stuff I'm working on is going to be really nice. I've got a Gundam Astray and VF-1D in the works and I'll let you know when the VF is done. I'm trying to promote Evangelion and Macross so my next kits are probably going to involve a lot of Valks.

News Credits: 129 · Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:21 pm

Ok, so are any of the model kits at 1/100 particularly worth going after?

I'm looking to do models of the non-RDF forces.

News Credits: 14 · Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:10 pm

I'd like to ask a question too. I have on pre-order a 1/55 Scale Super Valkyrie - Max's VF-1A from Bandai on BBTS.

What can I expect from it? Fragil ? not Fragil? Exclusively for display?

Good Accessories ? I believe it comes with the armor and fast pack. Which is always a good thing.

I'm just not sure what to expect of the figure.

News Credits: 1082 · Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:34 pm

Try Pm-ing Chuckdawg or Air Commander Starscream.

I believe they are both bu Macross/Robotechies, or used to be,

News Credits: 12 · Tue Sep 30, 2008 4:40 pm

Overcracker: It's just like G1 Jetfire. Same molds and everything apart from the head.

CP: The kits depend on your tastes in mecha. I like the Hasegewa battroids, but they sit at about 1/72 scale. I went back through my list of kits and the old Arii kits are typically 1/100-72 range. Bandai and Hasegewa stay at 1/72. Scales are different though for models that are not of the valkries. Mostly the older stuff is 1/100 as well.

News Credits: 14 · Wed Oct 01, 2008 12:05 pm

Thanks Robofreak, but the I've never had nor have a G1 Jetfire can;t really have a comparison there. I do however have a Happywell knockoff which is not too bad. But I decided I wanted the real thing.

Hopefully it should hold itself together well.

News Credits: 129 · Wed Oct 01, 2008 12:44 pm

Revoltech Regult is the (approximate) same scale as the Toynami 1/100ths...

I like this.

News Credits: 12 · Wed Oct 01, 2008 4:41 pm

Counterpunch wrote:Revoltech Regult is the (approximate) same scale as the Toynami 1/100ths...

I like this.

You'll enjoy them quite a bit. I saw the Revoltech at a comic shop not to long ago. They're very nice. I only wish they could transform.

I also want to see what models you plan on building.

Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:22 pm

What everyone one else said was good.

Take a look below for more examples:

All the figs but the Valkyreies are from ROBOTECH.

The Valkyries are from Banpresto's 1/100 line. They are made from PVC and plastic and have interchangeable heads(A/J/S) and a few extra hands. As you can see RT's are slightly larger, but 1/100 is going to be closest scale to them.

A lot of ppl do not like Banpresto's Valk's, but they work fine for me. I just got in Max's (blue) the other day and plan on letting him and Myria have some personal time, real soon...

Unfortunately, my digi camera crapped out after that pic, so I can’t show you my Yamoto 1/60 line.

However, Yamoto make a great toy...eventually. The only problem with the 1/60 DYRL line is that the toys do not have "perfect transformation" In other words, you have to remove the legs to transform it from plane to robot.

Yamoto's 1/48 and newer 1/60 scale has rectified this, but has also driven the cost up about 200%.

All in all ROBOTECH/Macross is full of fun toys. Just watch out for the fans. Macross fans have to have it referred to as ROBOTECH and worst of all never call a Macross jet a Veritech fighter. It's a sore spot.

:DEVIL:

News Credits: 129 · Fri Oct 03, 2008 9:47 am

Toynami Roy and accessory pack arrived today.

Very cool mech stuff. I like that the scale is comprable to deluxe sized Classic Transformers. Tracking down a few of these will be fun.

News Credits: 12 · Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:53 pm

Counterpunch wrote:Toynami Roy and accessory pack arrived today.

Very cool mech stuff. I like that the scale is comprable to deluxe sized Classic Transformers. Tracking down a few of these will be fun.

Careful CP. Robotech has been known to be worse that a TF plastic crack addiction. You might find yourself buying a bigger house if you expand your collection too much.

News Credits: 129 · Sat Oct 04, 2008 2:11 pm

robofreak wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:Toynami Roy and accessory pack arrived today.

Very cool mech stuff. I like that the scale is comprable to deluxe sized Classic Transformers. Tracking down a few of these will be fun.

Careful CP. Robotech has been known to be worse that a TF plastic crack addiction. You might find yourself buying a bigger house if you expand your collection too much.

I've never been careful my entire life. No way in hell I'm starting now.

News Credits: 12 · Sat Oct 04, 2008 5:45 pm

I'm tempted to put that in my sig area.

News Credits: 332 · Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:51 pm

OK, first there is a Macross/Robotech thread here on Siebertron it has been locked but there is still a ton of info out there. Everything I say is just my opinion based on personal experience and the horror stories of others. Three main pointers:

1) Stay away from the larger Toynami figures.

Anything from the MP line has poor QC over all. I've heard stores of Beta fighters that are a dream come true but those are few and far between. The main complaints I get about them are; the Veritechs don't hold a pose well, the legs aren't secure in jet mode, and the hands are loose. The 1/100 figures are fine and I like them quite a bit, it's just a pain that Toynami takes forever to release new product if at all.

2) Even at their worst Yamato is damn good.

If you are serious about collecting Macross you owe it to yourself to get at least one 1/48 scale Valk. These are the Martin guitars of toys. I am proud to say I own 4 of these and they are the center of my collection. Plus the tend to apreciate in value over time. You're lucky that you're starting now; Yamato has perfected their 1/60 scale VF's and now feature perfect transformation. Yes they're pricey but worth it.

3) The Bandai, Takatoku, Poppy, etc. are the toys of the line.

The 1/55 scale figures are considered the toys of the line. I have a 1/55 scale VF-1S and it is a pleasure to transform and display since it didn't cost a lot and is meant to be handled rough. This is where I would suggest you start.

That should be enough to get ya going. Don't worry, I'll be around if you have any questions.