05.12.08
Yamato 1/72 VF-11B Thunderbolt (FastPack Edition)
Review(UPDATED): Now without Osteoporosis!
Packaging & Extras (4/5)
Yamato switched to a fighter mode delivery with their move to the fastpack versions. The box is still pretty large but it is improved by being longer yet thinner; it is still composed of very thin cardboard and a giant plastic window. As with the original release, the toy comes with two vacuum-formed heat-shields to cover the cockpit in battloid mode and I am still unhappy with how this is supposed to work (see my review of the original). The fantastic gun is back featuring the same expanding stock and a bayonet that swings forward. An extra hand is provided for holding the gun and a new pilot figure has also been included. Of course, it wouldn’t be a fast pack version if you didn’t actually get fastpacks. All-in-all, there’s definitley no feeling that Yamato skimped on this release.
Charm & Collectability (3/5)
I mentioned in my review of the original that the FastPack version includes some enhancements that make it more of a collectible so let me list here all the differences. First, the hips have been redesigned making them far less prone to snapping off. Second, additional detail has been added. The most obvious examples of the additional detail are the Macross emblem on the wing (pictured below), the painted lines on the front landing gear doors, and the silver paint applied to the bayonet portion of the gun (pictured above). Third, there have been some color changes. Areas that were black on the first release are now dark gray. This can be seen clearly on the two tabs to the left and right of the head in battloid mode (the tabs that flip around for the arms during transformation) as well as the arms themsevles. The pictures below show a first edition VF-11B for scale purposes (pic 2 is all Yamato 1/72 figures, pic 3 is a 1/72 VF-11B next to Yamato’s 1/60 v1 VF-1A). Collectability will still be reduced by Yamato’s current move to 1/60 scale and the likelihood that the VF-11 will see a release in that line (it’s inevitable but still unnannounced). Demand for this toy has already caused Yamato to reissue it once but another reissue seems unlikely with all the 1/60 work happening these days.
Sculpt, Detail, & Paint (7/10)
A few issues still remain and the fast packs have created some of their own. First though, as mentioned in the section above, more detail has been added over the original release which was a very welcome addition. Fighter mode still has a large, unsightly hinge at the base of the wing. If you’re going to pop the fastpacks off you’ll find that the tail fins are still too short in fighter mode. With the fastpacks on the fighter doesn’t look quite so pancaked but the fast packs themselves could have looked better (read: closer to the lineart).
Design (7/10)
The design implemented here, with the possible exception of the hips, is the same as the first. I’m excluding the hips because I don’t know exactly what Yamato did to improve the strength there. It’s a perfectly variable VF-11, which is a feat in and of itself… and it’s easy to handle and not too difficult to transform.
Durability & Build (8/10)
The major ailment of the first release, the exceedingly fragile hips, has been corrected. There still are a couple issues collectors should be aware of. Although far less prevalent on this release than in the YF-19 releases, the paint can still chip easily off of the diecast. There are also several plastic tabs and thin parts used to facilitate the transformation so care is advised whenever transformations are taking place.
Articulation (7/10)
This toy is equal in articulation to the first toy which is pretty cool considering the additional fastpacks. I still wish the feet were more adjustable, the legs swiveled at the knees, and a swivel point existed in the waist. Still, with what the toy does have, it’s plenty easy to come up with some cool poses.
Total Score (36/50)
I said if the original were more durable it’d be a sweet toy and here’s your proof. This toy is great and I used to recommend it. Sure, I did kinda like the more black look of the original (just a preference thing, has nothing to do with which look is more accurate) but that difference will only be noticed by truly diehard collectors. At this point if you don’t own a VF-11 toy there’s really no need to get this one unless you’re an absolute stickler for diecast. Chances are the new 1/60 VF-11B will be announced before Xmas and will cost a pretty penny so you should start saving now. If you are a stickler for diecast it should be noted that this toy scores higher than the 1/55 Takatoku VF-1, the 1/55 Toynami MPC VF-1, and the 1/60 Yamato (version 1) VF-1.
NOTE: This review has been updated with more and better pics as well as for content.
Original Post Date: July 9, 2006
Mark Moore said,
May 13, 2008 at 9:34 am
Excellent review as always.
AcroRay said,
May 14, 2008 at 1:40 am
Thanks for the review! I bought the first version when it originally was released (preordered, even!) and really like it in spite of the hip surgery I had to do with it later. Too bad the price doesn’t quite make it worth picking up the new one, especially since my original’s resale value is so low…
Tip for the heat-shield: When you cut it out, leave two square tabs on it about halfway along each long side (sort of like the tabs you have in paper press-out-and-make-it book kits) just forward of the white crest. Fold them under so they slip underneath & inside the canopy. That’ll hold it on very securely and flush to the canopy without tape. Looks great!
Wish I’d have know that when I cut out the first of the pair of heat shields.
micronian said,
May 16, 2008 at 4:43 am
Thanks for the tip AcroRay! I still find it hard to believe in this modern toy era a company gave us an item we’d actually have to cut out from thin plastic and tape to a toy!
novaflo said,
March 27, 2009 at 3:30 pm
price has slipped..i just picked one up for 63$-via evilbay.!!
wish the legs had more articulation tho…’-’