Macross VF100's VF-25F Alto Custom
 

picked mine up this afternoon...nicely done, but some bits are not as 'clean' as i would have liked...there are smudges and the cockpit has a black painted dot on it...for the price an alternity convoy is much better value for money...suppose it is decent if you are like me and have the very easily scratched 1/60 VF-25 jets and want something to play with that's not as delicate as the 1/72 plastic models...not bad but overpriced for what it's offering

How durable and sturdy is it? That's the main thing I'm worried about.

pretty sturdy actually...not flimsy, although the back and leg section doesn't clip together so sometimes it feels a little 'weak'...however, it is made for messing around with...i transformed mine to the fighter jet mode by removing parts kinda roughly, but the colours and the parts didn't smudge or break, respectively...now i'm waiting on my order banpresto lucky draw macross f set, the dx's and the later vf100s...but still pricey for what you are getting...toy-wise, 1/72 for modelling/painting...i heard most collectors are buying three sets...1 for gerwalk, 1 for battroid n 1 for fighter, as they spray paint it like me n once you transform it the paint comes off(only got 1 cos its too hard to spray paint and laborious)...the 1/60 shouldn't be played with if you want the decals to last...suppose the heightened price for the 1/100s is for the privilege of a decent-sized, decent-durabilty toy AND display piece...

Sounds like it turned out "just right", but pricey. Sounds like the HCMPro's in that respect, good detail/durability, but small and pricey.

Another Photo Review

Freaking beautiful. Articulation looks great.

Guy forgot to close up the upper leg area in fighter mode. XD

According to the review, articulation is better than the plastic model and DX chogokin. However, the reviewer says the joints feel a bit floppy.
Doesn't seem to affect the reviewer's posing though. And he does say it's great for playing with. More and more this toy sounds like the HCM Pro Gundams (which I like very much).

HLJ says my order is in shipping process. Can't wait to get it!

That's great to hear. I may pick up at least one VF-25 from this line, honestly, I am most excited for the VF-1, VF-2SS and Fire Valkyrie. I know the 1st 2 haven't been officially announced yet, but I think Tamashii will start "gundaming" Macross starting with the VF100's line, and if successful, will start making other non-VF-25 valkyries in the DX line. This year is the 15th anniversary of Macross 7, so I think anything is possible at this point, and the Fire Valkyrie is a sign in the right direction.

Even though the VF-1 hasn't been announced yet, you just know it's coming sooner or later. Probably sooner. :) It's like knowing that a RX-78 is coming in a Gundam line. :)

Anyway, it's just great that Bandai has entered the Macross market with an aim from the beginning to release ALL the different Valkyries. I have a feeling this VF100s line will be a success because of that aim.

The scale size is just right too (IMHO).

Another review with pics here: SR../Blood Zwei

This guy made a few mods. One mod allowed the chin to be pulled inwards. The other mod was one in which he replaced the original joints with 3rd party parts. I'm guessing he changed the ball joints. The guy says the mod was super easy and that it improved articulation even further. I'm hoping he reveals his mod technique in the near future.

Sounds great! I'm surprised someone already customized kit. It is a beautiful toy, I just don't like how far the feet stick out in fighter mode, as the ankles are exposed, hopefully they can be pushed further in than what's shown in the pictures.