02.23.09

Yamato 1/48 VF-1S and 1/60 YF-19 (25th Anniversary Specials)

Posted in 1/48, 1/60, Macross Plus, Macross/Robotech TMS, VF-1, VT, VE Valkyrie, VF/YF-19 Valkyrie, Yamato at 7:06 am by micronian

Observations & Critique: No, these toys do not feature gold plated spinning hubcaps

To commemorate Macross 25th Anniversary Yamato released the YF-19 and the VF-1 in special trim. Both toys are simple repaints of existing toys (both include the second edition fixes available for either toy) and both include the standard accessories. Unfortunately, that means the extras for both toys are a bit lackluster. Extras are more of a sore spot for the YF-19 since Yamato never included as much as it should have at its suggested retail price. The VF-1 does decently well although it’s a shame that the TV version fixed posed hands packaged with teh Stealth weren’t included here.

The production number on these toys was very low, like 3000 or less, but the demand for them was even lower. These guys languished on store shelves. They’re non-canon, they’re not specifically labeled as “Limited”, and the paint scheme isn’t appealing (not to mention hard to photograph). To further compound the issue, Yamato had released the VF-1J Stealth variant not long before selling the VF-1S 25th toy so there was already a more attractive mostly black valk on the market.

Black paint schemes are really bad for showing intricate detail but it’s still there if not hard to see. The gold trim is gaudy and I think it’s clear that Yamato threw together an easy compromise after their initial proposed paint scheme was panned by the public (see red & white paint scheme below). Interestingly enough, the gold trim isn’t exactly the same on both valks, it can look a bit more bronze on the YF-19. Compound all that with some painted on Engrish and you’ll probably get a feel for just what a hot item these are (sarcasm). It’s really too bad that with all the good custom paint schemes out there Yamato wasn’t able to come up with something more exciting. Yamato has subsequently released a Weathering Special Focker VF-1S and a Weathering Special Destroid Tomahawk both of which offer some slight weathering (and the 1S has pre-applied decals). I would have much rather seen the YF-19 and VF-1S Focker get THAT treatment for the 25th anniversary rather than these odd schemes (preferably with at least 1500 of each being able to the public instead of the ridiculously low numbers Yamato has been making their Weathering Specials).

Both these toys have all the same attributes as their standard release counterparts so they have plenty of frills. Of course you can also attach existing accessories to these toys as well. Want to give you YF-19 25th a fold booster and super parts? Go ahead. Want to put your VF-1 25th in Urban Camo GBP? Do that too. Obviously the Stealth Strike/Super Parts look good on the 25th also (but they look better on the Stealth).

The only thing collectors probably will have to worry about here is whether or not the black paint will chip off the metal swing bars or the gold trim will rub off from frequent handling (although I suspect people wouldn’t handle these as much as the hero valks). In all other respects these toys should be pretty sturdy and fun to own. Since they are second edition version of the toys you don’t have to worry about the YF-19’s gun being crooked in fighter mode.

Are these toys fun to pose? Yes they are… but since they’re all black they aren’t exactly the best addition to shelf-top displays. These might be toys better displayed in their boxes with the flap up.

I’m a little torn on these toys. The paint scheme isn’t very exciting but it’s also not too gaudy either. It strives to be a bit sexy and classy but in the end looks a little retro and dull. Really these toys just represent a wasted opportunity by Yamato to really capitalize on the 25th anniversary. Why not Minmay Guard valks? I think I would have even preferred crash dummy themes to these “classier” renditions. Of course, if we’re going with a wish list mentality I think we could all agree a special 25th anniversary VF-4 toy would have been the coolest thing ever (but of course that wouldn’t make economic sense). In the end, if this paint scheme appeals to you then there’s absolutely nothing here that will keep you from LOVING this toy. If this scheme doesn’t appeal to you but you’re a diehard collector you should probably grab these now while they’re still selling below MSRP because it wouldn’t make sense for Yamato to ever reissue them. If you’re a casual collector and not really into this paint scheme then you’d be making the prudent decision in today’s economy to simply let these pass quietly into the night.

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