New photos of Yamato's upcoming Patlabor Ingram
 

It seems like everyone's making an Ingram these days. First the Bandai MG Model kits, then CM's high end (and highly excellent) Brave Gokin versions, TWO different generation releases in the Kaiyodo revoltech line, Wave's W.H.A.M. version, and now this, the biggest of them all, the 1/24 Yamato Ingram.

I've been watching as this thing has been developed and I must confess I've really been waffling with my opinion on it; at first the proportions really bothered me, but in these most recent shots, perhaps it's just the angles but it doesn't look so bad anymore. I still love the CM's version, but this one is definitely growing on me.

Of course, considering the price, I'm not touching it with a 20 foot pole unless it goes on sale, but it's definitely got the other offerings beaten in terms of size, gimmicks, and detail, and with a die-cast skeleton holding it all together, hopefully it wont be going floppy or breaking like some of Yamato's other large figs :p

Anyone out there in internet land thinking of picking this bad boy up?

Photos from ameblo.jp. Click the link for a LOT more than are linked here, and even some videos of the lights.

It is looking better and better, but is there any real reason to get this if you already have the CM's version? I'm not sure yet. I guess 1/24 is crazy big, and it would be in scale with my Alts. :D

What scale is the CM's version?

Oh, and here's the laundry list of features, c/o yamatousa.com:

• 1/24 scale, approximately 13”
• Die-cast frame system with cloth joint covers for sleek look and feel
• Head/neck moves up/down, right/left in all directions along with movable cylinders
• Face guard made with clear parts which lifts to reveal main internal camera system
• Chest opens/closes to reveal cockpit with pilot boarding system (figure included)
• Chest/cockpit features bulletproof glass windshield, movable cockpit seat, and flashing lights
• Fully articulated shoulders/arms allow both arms to be brought forward simultaneously for maximum posing capability including holding revolver with both hands
• Articulated wrists/fingers with magnetized palms for secure grip of revolver
• Attachable arm shield (requires two bolts as in original animation)
• Flashing ‘Pat-Lamps’ on both shoulders
• Built in “winch” mechanism with retractable tension cables and attached hook to grab anything within the AV-98-I Ingram’s reach
• Detachable back cover can be removed to reveal inner mechanics of the AV-98-I Ingram
• Opening/Closing H.O.S. Source Protector
• Fully articulated hip, knees, and ankles for dynamic posing action
• Knee guards on right/left legs can be opened/closed
• Anti-slip guards on soles of feet to ensure stable standing
• .37mm revolver with functioning hammer, trigger, and rotating cylinder which swings out to load ammunition
• Revolver can be holstered in leg and extra ammunition stored in hidden leg chamber
• Extendable stun stick which can be stored with arm shield internally

What would have been nice would be if they had included a poseable 1/24 Noa Izumi. The rubbery looking unpainted blue figure doesn't inspire much confidence, but ah well.

The CM's version is "non scale", but it's about the same height as my old 1/60 Bandai model kits.

The main reasons I could see one getting this over the CM's version are thus:
- You have too much money and have to get rid of some of it
- You like huge toys
- You really, really, REALLY want an Ingram that can tether other toys to its groin with its winch.
- You must own every Ingram ever made.

... I think the second option and fourth option probably hold more sway than most others, but considering the price, it's one hell of an expenditure considering that there are some fantastic alternatives out there already. Like I said, I wouldn't get it unless I found it discounted, but if I did... I think I'd pick it up. I LOVE the Ingram design. Love love love it.

How much is it again?

Being that the dollar/yen ratio is weak at the moment, expect to pay $300+ shipping. YamatoUSA has it available for pre-order at $320+shipping.

....Wow. Yeah, a little too rich for my blood right now, even by Yamato standards. :)

I could see paying that price for it if it had some diecast paneling and some nice paintwork, like the CM's does, but Yamato is allergic to zamac, I think ;).

That plus, at that size, diecast arms and armor would probably turn it into a floppy, loose jointed horror. I don't want to think of the damage a tumbling 13" zinc laden figure would do to itself and anything around it if it shelf dived, eheh.

Well, think of your first GunBuster...

I'd trust an SOC vs. Gravity far more than anything Yamato would put together.

/Bandaiwhore

/Yamatophobe

:p

In my experience, Yamato doesn't do diecast as well as other companies, such as CM's and Bandai. Their most successful diecast effort was the Giant Robo. Maybe this new Ingram will be different.

Supposedly their Danguard Ace and Groizier X have both been very well designed diecast pieces. In this case though, the Ingram wont be a diecast design, and will likely be more like their 1/12 Scopedog. Hopefully it'll be more stable and it definitely looks like it'll have more detail than the 'dog, at least.