It is odd to note that when Japanese model kit firm Arii was licensed to produce model kits for the 1982 series Super Dimension Space Fortress Macross that the worst scaled kits in the line would be the flagship vehicles of the show, The Valkyrie Fighters, Battroid and Gerwalk variations.

ARII VF-1A Valkyrie Fighter 1/100 #50

It is odd to note that when Japanese model kit firm Arii was licensed to produce model kits for the 1982 series Super Dimension Space Fortress Macross that the worst scaled kits in the line would be the flagship vehicles of the show, The Valkyrie Fighters, Battroid and Gerwalk variations.

Looking back all these years it’s good to note that most of the other kits produced by Arii of their 1/100 Macross model line still hold up quite well. Good examples are the Destroids and Regult battle pod lines, one of which I should have finished for a review shortly.

Most model airplanes plastic model kits are usually manufactured in four scales: 1/144, 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32. 1/144 is considered the airliner scale, as most all airline model kits would be much too large to fit on a shelf if they were produced in a larger scale. The second scale 1/72 is considered an international or standard scale as most all manufacturers worldwide still produce kits of this size. It is a great scale as it is just large enough to produce a decent scale kit of a small WWII airplane but just small enough to produce a large bomber kit such as Monogram’s B-36 Peacemaker kit.

I/48 and 1/32 are great scales for large high detailed kits and it is a good scale to mix armor and airplane kits with for same scale diorama scenes. Yes there are other scales but these four are the most popular in aviation plastic modeling.

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One scale that has seemed to have died in military modeling is 1/100 scale. In the 60’s and 70’s there were quite a few companies producing 1/100 scale model kits, but over the last couple of decades 1/100 scale has seemed to disappear from the model shelves for aviation modeling. The huge exception of course is if you build anime robot model kits.

Most Gundam model kits are produced in 1/144 and 1/100 scale and those two scales are the most popular in anime robot modeling, with 1/100 scale being reserved for Gundam High Grade model kits. I personally build model airplanes in 1/72 scale and having these Arii Valkyrie kits produced in such a small scale that is out of scale with all my other airplane model kits, the VF-1A just does not look right sitting on the shelf next to my other airplanes.

Is it really not too much to ask to produce a 1/72 scale or even a 1/48 or 1/32 scale Valkyrie kit? The Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which is slightly larger than a Valkyrie, has been produced in 1/48 and even 1/32 scale by a few manufactures. So I ask, “When is our large scale Valkyrie model kit going to be produced?”

The VF-1A was the standard and most numerous fighters in the Macross TV show. Usually they were the cannon fodder in the series and most of the pilots on Macross seemed to have started with the VF-1A.

If you are going to build it out of the box, one fault is the clear window is molded distorted and thick and is out of scale. If you have the ability it would be best to vacumform a new window with thinner clear material. Also there is sparse detail in the cockpit and landing well areas of the kit.

I painted my VF-1A with Testors Model Master Flat Military Brown and flat white, they appear to be a great match to the colors on the instruction sheet. The model was painted with a Badger 350 airbrush. After spraying a gloss coat I applied the decals, which were a bit thick but went on and set well with Microset and Microsol decal setter. After a flat coat to seal the paint I applied a thin wash of paint thinner and black paint although these days I do not apply washes that way (I use oil paint now). I built the kit around 11 years ago, and although I have lost a few pieces over the years it still looks nice.

Now lets talk about Arii scale issues with the entire kit and entire Valkyrie line. If this model kit were to transform it would look nothing like the Arii 1/100 scale Battroid. The body of the aircraft is too thin and long and the arms would be too long and small. The heads are too completely different sizes as well. The Battroid is shorter looking and stocky and the legs and arms are fat. The Gerwalk and fighter bodies are two different bodies. It seems there was no continuity in designing the Valkyrie series, which is too bad as the Valkyrie was the main icon of the series. But of the three the Valkyrie Fighter looks the best and still looks in proportion even though it is out of proportion.

Since these poor kits were manufactured a few other Valkyrie kits were produced. Soon after this kit was released one of the other Macross model kit licensee Imai would produce an excellent 1/72 scale Variable Valkyrie model kit that 20 years later still hold up beautifully. Also Arii will scale down the Imai molds to 1/100 scale and release their own variable Valkyrie kit that also still holds up well.

Most important and recently, the model industries most innovative and important model aviation manufacturer Hasagawa started producing Macross Valkyrie kits. Of what I have seen they look beautiful and better yet they are manufactured in 1/72! It appears the designer of the new Hasagawa Valkyrie kit approached the kit as if it was a real aircraft, something Arii should have done all those years ago. I am looking forward to building one these Hasagawa kits soon; their Strike Valkyrie Fighter is a beauty!

Leonardo Flores “Mod Cineaste”

Yamato has been known to make some very fine, anime accurate collectibles over the last few years and in that time I have wanted a 1/48th scale Valkyrie from Macross. Can you believe the hype or is it overrated? Read on to find out. VIDEO included.

Yamato has been known to make some very fine, anime accurate collectibles over the last few years and in that time I have wanted a 1/48th scale Valkyrie from Macross. Thanks to a trade with Sanjeev I finally got my hands on one. Can you believe the hype or is it overrated? Read on to find out.

So the 1/48th scale Valkyries have been out for a few years and finally broke down and got my hands on one this summer.

This is the Max Genius (or Max Sterling for you Robotech fans) Macross: Do You Remember Love version of the VF-1A.

At 1/48th scale this guy is big. In Fighter mode from tip to tail it measures just over 12 inches long, in Battroid mode it stands just over 10 inches tall. The figure comes with some nice accessories. There is no denying its impressive scale on the self.

Included in the package are:

• 1 Removable seated pilot (this one is painted like Max of course)
• 1 Gunpod
• 4 Larger Missle pods
• 4 Smaller scale missle pods
• 2 Vent covers
• 1 Sticker sheet

The Valkyrie fully transforms between all three modes, Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid and looks great in all those modes. This toy doesn’t favor one mode over the other as far as proportions go. It looks great no matter which mode you choose to display it in.

The toy is almost all plastic, with the exceptions of the landing gear doors under the nose, shoulder joints, swing bar underneath for the legs. Those are all die cast.

But it is the transformation that ends up being the downside to this toy. You see being as accurate to the show and design as it is makes for a fairly complex transformation and when you’re about midway thru from Gerwalk to Battroid it becomes quite a floppy mess. If you are not careful you could easily break things off if you’re not aware of the whole toy the entire time you are transforming it. This has been the downside to having it, as much as I like it, I rarely feel the urge to pick it up and transform it, not like my old classic Bandai Valkyrie.

I have two other complaints for this toy. First the stickers are pretty shabby. Any sticker that goes over a curved piece on the toy has already started to roll off. Any sticker on a flat surface has stayed put. To be honest Yamato has addressed this issue with some of it’s newer Macross Zero Valkyries by printing most of the major details right on the toy. Second, my Valkyrie has loose knees in Battloid mode, it still poses fine but there is about half an inch of slack there. This doesn’t appear to be a common complaint for most and seems I just got the luck of the draw.

At $125 to $150 I shouldn’t be afraid to transform it and for that price I shouldn’t run the risk of getting a bum one (Loose knee joints). So this is a mixed bag to recommend to our readers.

If you are a HUGE Macross/Robotech fan I do feel you owe it to yourself to get at least one, it looks great on the shelf and really is the nicest “looking” Valkyrie made to date, it just fails the “toy” aspect in my opinion. If you want your stuff to be highly playable and “sturdy” this is a pass for anyone that is not enamored by the transforming jet.

If any of our readers know how to “fix” the loose knees (I can’t find how to un-attach the lower part of the lower leg. I can get the top screw out at the knee that is it.) Please feel free to drop a comment here or send me an email.

And for those that really want to go deep diving on the transformation on the toy be sure to check the videos below. These are only for the highly nerdy… you have been warned.

Why some company hasn't come through and made really nice high quality versions of this mecha is beyond me.

The Destroid Spartan MBR-07-MkII is one of the supplementary mecha that appears in the Macross anime series (later shown as Robotech in the states). Unlike the other supplimentary mecha in the series, this one gets a small spotlight when Hikaru Ichijoe (or Rick Hunter) pilots it.

These were sold in Japan bagged with header cards. I’ve heard these were also sold in the US at Spencers Gifts of all places.

Why some company hasn't come through and made really nice high quality versions of this mecha is beyond me. Can you imagine a 10" tall diecast articulated Spartan? Either way, the toy is pretty cool and is one of the easier Macross vinyl’s to get. Its smooth lines seem more anime accurate than an injection-molded toy ever could.

At only about 4” tall and 3 points of articulation, it doesn’t do much. When I took it out of the bag you couldn’t stand it up due to the vinyl warping. I had to put it under a hairdryer to get it back into shape.

At only about 4” tall and 3 points of articulation, it doesn’t do much. When I took it out of the bag you couldn’t stand it up due to the vinyl warping. I had to put it under a hairdryer to get it back into shape.

The Destroid Defender ADR-04-MkX is one of the supplementary mecha that appears in the Macross anime series (later shown as Robotech in the states). While the mech does not get a lot of screen time in the show, it has been made into toy form many times.

One of the funkier offerings is this soft vinyl made by Takatoku toys. These were sold in Japan bagged with header cards. I’ve heard these were also sold in the US at Spencers Gifts of all places.

Either way, the toy is pretty cool and is one of the easier Macross vinyl’s to get. Its smooth lines seem more anime accurate than an injection-molded toy ever could.

At only about 4” tall and 3 points of articulation, it doesn’t do much. When I took it out of the bag you couldn’t stand it up due to the vinyl warping. I had to put it under a hairdryer to get it back into shape.

This VF-1J Hikaru Type comes from the Movie within a movie “Macross: Do You Remember Love”, released in 1984. This Valkyrie belongs to the main character and hero of the Macross saga, pilot Hikaru Ichijyo.

This VF-1A Hikaru Type comes from the Movie within a movie “Macross: Do You Remember Love”, released in 1984. This Valkyrie belongs to the main character and hero of the Macross saga, pilot Hikaru Ichijyo.

This toy was the first “regular” Valkyrie released in Yamato’s 1/60 scale line of transforming Valkyries. There was some outrage at the release of these figures due to the non-perfect transformation mechanism of the toy, but we’ll discuss that later.

At 1/60 scale, the VF-1A was significantly smaller than the Bandai and Takatoku Valkyries we had come to know and love. The Yamato toy featured improved proportions, more flexibility, and loads of accessories. The toy was mostly made of plastic, with the lower legs being made of diecast metal.

The Valkyrie can transform into all three modes: fighter, gerwalk and battroid.

In fighter mode, the toy features working landing gear with rolling wheels, wings that sweep back and forth, detailed cockpit, gun stowage beneath the rear fuselage and an assortment of missile batteries that could be attached to the wings. The fighter mode is incredibly detailed and appears to be anime accurate. I am sure some anime purists may say that a vent is too big here or there, but for the most part, it looks great.

Gerwalk mode is easily achieved by removing the legs, pulling the arms out and around and then re-attaching the legs. The legs are held on by a unique system that enables the hips to lock onto the fuselage. In this mode the rear fins and assembly can be folded up and an antenna can be attached.

Battroid mode is the star of the show here, but also the greatest issue of contention. It is here that the transformation gets tricky, and things must be assembled just right to make it all work.

The main things that fans bitched about were the leg connection assembly. Unlike traditional Valkyries who used a less-accurate swing bar mechanism, the Yamato Valkyrie used a removable leg system. To attach the legs, you needed to push out a small peg in the nose cone and insert the hip pegs into the hole. While this creates a more anime accurate look with a wider degree of motion, you now have a part that might get lost, and you lose the anime accurate transformation. No longer is it “perfect Transformation”. The rest of the transformation is similar if you ever had one of the vintage versions, but with some subtle differences. It is best to check the manual before transforming, just to be on the safe side.

The Battroid mode has a level of detail and articulation in a transforming Valkyrie that was unprecedented. It was very poseable, with over 23 points of articulation. In Battroid mode you can swap out the canopy with a heat shield as is shown in the anime.

The gun pod is nicely done, and can fit securely into the gun-holding hand. When not in use, it can be stored on the forearm by way of a removable panel.

The toy came with a ton of accessories packed inside a beautiful box:

• 4 missile launchers
• 4 missile banks
• Antenna (2)
• Heat shield
• Gun pod
• Nose plugs (2)
• 4 hands (2 closed fist, 2 for holding the gun)
• Sticker sheet
• Instruction manual.

The toy has a few minor flaws. Whether or not you call the leg swapping flaws is up to you, for the purpose of this review, I am not going to hold it against this toy. What I do have a problem with though is the weight of the legs. When you pick this toy up, the legs do not hold their pose and they “clink” together. Also, the landing gear is a pain to pry out of the small bays that they are in.

This isn’t a bad toy. Actually, it’s a really great display model, but I have a hard time calling it a toy. If you like your toys anime-accurate and hyper detailed, then this thing is for you.

If you are like me however, you might find that this toy lacks… soul. It just doesn’t feel like something a kid would play with. I know that is not the criteria that all toys are judged by these days, but when you are taking a stab at making a Macross Valkyrie, it is pretty hard to beat out the classic Bandai / Takatoku design. I guess it all comes down to what you appreciate in a toy. For me, I value the feel of an older, less articulated toy than the hyper-realistic designs like this.

It kind of takes the “fun” out of it, if you know what I mean. Don’t get me wrong, I like this toy well enough, but If given the choice, it’s the classic toys all the way.

Wave traditionally is known for model kits but this is indeed a toy, with no assembly required. Read on for all the details with VIDEO.

When I saw the pictures of Wave’s SDF-1 Macross toy I flipped. Not only was it the first toy of the SDF-1 Macross in 25 years, but it was the first time a toy has been done of the film version of the ship. I immediately put a preorder in for one. Was it worth it?

I will say right up front that this toy only measures 8 inches tall, 9 inches on the stand or in fortress mode. This is not a jumbo size toy, if that is what you where expecting you may just want to know that right up front.

Wave’s SDF-1 Macross feels solid and actually has some nice weight to it with the die cast content. Die cast is mixed with plastic parts on the legs, feet, chest/hull and arm hinges. The fit and finish is excellent and the detail is fantastic, really capturing the organic look of the ship in the film. Details are painted on with no stickers to apply.

This really is a very solid toy; the only things you need to be careful of are the little antennas on the bow and stern of the ship, if you are not paying attention you could easily break them off.

The ship fully transforms from fortress to robot mode and the main guns can be posed for battle. The toy looks great in both modes and does not seem to favor one mode over another. The toy can be displayed in either mode with the included stands.

Some feel the price is a bit high for a smaller toy but to be honest I have spent more money on larger more detailed toys only to have them break within half a dozen transformations. If you’re a fan of Macross and you like the film version of the ship I recommend grabbing one of these whole heartedly. But act fast as Wave’s whole production is already sold out and most retailers are out of stock already.

One is nice but a set is best. Here is my review of the last of the Series Two Toynami 1/100th scale Macross figures, the VF-1J Hikaru Ichijo Valkyrie.

The figure stands at 5.5 inches tall with thirty points of articulation and fully transforms between all three modes seen in the movie and series; Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid. That is impressive considering how small this guy really is.

It is made completely out of ABS plastic with no metal; so the toy is very light giving it a fragile feel when you first handle it. Yet despite feeling fragile this is a very durable, very possible little toy. All the limbs actually pop off instead of break if too much pressure is applied.

The packaging is nice but not so nice that I feel I was overcharged to cover the costs; a window box with opening flap to view the figure and all the accessories. The toy and parts are in the traditional Toynami tray so you can slide the tray out, take the toy and accessories out, play with it, display it, and then put it all back in the package and still keep that "new in box" look for storage or display.

It comes with a nice assortment of accessories; landing gear, cockpit canopy, heat shield, gun, missile pods, five hand configurations, and a display stand.

The display stand comes with three different adapters allowing you to display the figure in all three modes; allowing for some extreme action poses not available just standing on the desk or shelf.

I must say that overall I am very happy with this toy and I do plan on picking up the rest of the series. I think it is fantastic that Toynami is trying this smaller scale series and I only hope this leads to more mecha from the series that we do not see a lot; such as Zentradi mecha or Destroids. The low price point is fantastic and finally I have a decent looking Valkerie/Veritech that I can transform and pose without fear of breaking a $150 - $200 collectable.

You can not have Max without his wife, here is my review of Toynami’s 1/100th scale VF-1J Milia Jenius Valkyrie.

There has been some controversy amongst fans over these little guys but I must say I love them. These are not meant to be on par with $150 - $200 collectibles that are available from other companies. They are $20 action figures. Are they worth it? Here is my review of Toynami’s 1/100th scale VF-1J Milia Jenius Valkyrie.

The figure stands at 5.5 inches tall with thirty points of articulation and fully transforms between all three modes seen in the movie and series; Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid. That is impressive considering how small this guy really is.

It is made completely out of ABS plastic with no metal; so the toy is very light giving it a fragile feel when you first handle it. Yet despite feeling fragile this is a very durable, very possible little toy. All the limbs actually pop off instead of break if too much pressure is applied.

The packaging is nice but not so nice that I feel I was overcharged to cover the costs; a window box with opening flap to view the figure and all the accessories. The toy and parts are in the traditional Toynami tray so you can slide the tray out, take the toy and accessories out, play with it, display it, and then put it all back in the package and still keep that "new in box" look for storage or display.

It comes with a nice assortment of accessories; landing gear, cockpit canopy, heat shield, gun, missile pods, five hand configurations, and a display stand.

The display stand comes with three different adapters allowing you to display the figure in all three modes; allowing for some extreme action poses not available just standing on the desk or shelf.

I must say that overall I am very happy with this toy and I do plan on picking up the rest of the series. I think it is fantastic that Toynami is trying this smaller scale series and I only hope this leads to more mecha from the series that we do not see a lot; such as Zentradi mecha or Destroids. The low price point is fantastic and finally I have a decent looking Valkerie/Veritech that I can transform and pose without fear of breaking a $150 - $200 collectable.

The series two figures I have picked up are improved from the series one with much tighter joints and corrected, stronger ball sockets for the display stands. For the price point it is well worth giving one a try.

Toynami does plan on doing Fast Packs/Strike Armor which would be available separately. Hopefully we will learn more about those at this upcoming Toyfair.

The Destroid Monster comes from the series Super Dimension Fortress Macross. It was the largest assault mecha created by the Earth forces. Meant as a mobile siege cannon, the Destroid monster is 22.5 meters or 75 feet tall. Compare that to the valkyrie’s 12.7 meters or 42 feet, and you can see that the Destroid Monster is one HUGE mecha – almost twice as tall as a Valkyrie!

This is the original Destroid Monster toy, made by Takatoku Toys in 1983. This toy was later released in the US by Matchbox in association with Bandai. This later release was under the ROBOTECH banner, and was painted a solid green color.

The Destroid Monster comes from the series Super Dimension Fortress Macross. It was the largest assault mecha created by the Earth forces. Meant as a mobile siege cannon, the Destroid monster is 22.5 meters or 75 feet tall. Compare that to the valkyrie’s 12.7 meters or 42 feet, and you can see that the Destroid Monster is one HUGE mecha – almost twice as tall as a Valkyrie!

The toy is a good hunk of metal, featuring diecast feet and body. The arms and cannons are plastic. Each arm can swivel and move up and down. The top barrels do not move but the whole section is removable. According to Robotech.com, the barrels were only good for about 30 shells and then were removed and replaced with a new set. Perhaps this is why they are removable?

There is also a plastic block on the underside of the rear that slides backwards; I don’t know what the reason is for this.

The toy comes packed in a Styrofoam tray inside of the typically cool Takatoku box. Inside are instructions and a sticker sheet.

The Destroid Monster is notorious for having fragile hip joints. Most loose specimens tend to have the legs broken off.

This is a very cool mech, and no Macross / Robotech collection is complete without it.

Here is my review of Toynami’s 1/100th scale VF-1J Max Jenius Valkyrie.

There has been some controversy amongst fans over these little guys but I must say I love them. These are not meant to be on par with $150 - $200 collectibles that are available from other companies. They are $20 action figures. Are they worth it? Here is my review of Toynami’s 1/100th scale VF-1J Max Jenius Valkyrie.

The figure stands at 5.5 inches tall with thirty points of articulation and fully transforms between all three modes seen in the movie and series; Fighter, Gerwalk and Battroid. That is impressive considering how small this guy really is.

It is made completely out of ABS plastic with no metal; so the toy is very light giving it a fragile feel when you first handle it. Yet despite feeling fragile this is a very durable, very possible little toy. All the limbs actually pop off instead of break if too much pressure is applied.

The display stand comes with three different adapters allowing you to display the figure in all three modes; allowing for some extreme action poses not available just standing on the desk or shelf.

I must say that overall I am very happy with this toy and I do plan on picking up the rest of the series. I think it is fantastic that Toynami is trying this smaller scale series and I only hope this leads to more mecha from the series that we do not see a lot; such as Zentradi mecha or Destroids. The low price point is fantastic and finally I have a decent looking Valkerie/Veritech that I can transform and pose without fear of breaking a $150 - $200 collectable.

The packaging is nice but not so nice that I feel I was overcharged to cover the costs; a window box with opening flap to view the figure and all the accessories. The toy and parts are in the traditional Toynami tray so you can slide the tray out, take the toy and accessories out, play with it, display it, and then put it all back in the package and still keep that "new in box" look for storage or display.

It comes with a nice assortment of accessories; landing gear, cockpit canopy, heat shield, gun, missile pods, five hand configurations, and a display stand.

The series two figures I have picked up are improved from the series one with much tighter joints and corrected, stronger ball sockets for the display stands. For the price point it is well worth giving one a try.