06.25.09

Yamato 1/48 Valkyrie (Second Releases)

Posted in 1/48, Macross/Robotech TMS, VF-1, VT, VE Valkyrie, Yamato at 1:44 am by micronian

 

REVIEW (Updated): Many people feel this is still the best Valk toy ever made

Packaging & Extras: (4.5/5) + .5 for TV
The second releases are packaged just as the first releases were with the exception that there is no longer velcro holding the box flap down.  The “TV style” releases get half an additional point for including the fixed posed hands which are a big visual improvement over the scrawny claws that the toy comes with otherwise.  TV releases include the Hikaru VF-1J, CannonFodder (CF), and the Stealth release.  At some point Yamato moved from plastic pilots to rubbery pilots, I believe it was after the release of the first Focker reissue.  A note on the Stealth, it’s a bit of a unique beast.  While prototype pictures of it featured Hikaru at the helm, the toy was eventually released with a LowVis style pilot.  The Stealth was also released in a deluxe gift-set that included super/strike parts.  The Stealth gift-set and Low Vis releases have been given their own posts.

 

Charm & Collectability: (3.5/5)
Yamato revisited the VF-1 in late 2008 releasing their third stab at the toy which has come to be known as the V2 1/60 VF-1.  While smaller in scale than the massive 1/48 the newest 1/60 incarnation features many design attributes from that venerable toy as well as some new gimmicks.  Fan response to the new 1/60 toys has been largely positive despite some durability issues (the new 1/60s have shoulders that are easily broken… sometimes they’re broken in the box).  As the new 1/60 is very popular at the moment, and as it seems that 1/60 will be easily the most complete Macross universe, demand for the 1/48 has waned resulting in a reduction of half a point in this score.  Countering the decreasing demand has been a dearth of 1/48 releases, the toys now being relegated to Macross Chronicles limited editions (see my Macross Chronicles 1/48 post).  It used to be a surefire bet that Yamato would reissue the toys as demand increased but it seems that practice has ceased (although it’s impossible to tell if that just isn’t from the drop off in demand).  The second edition 1/48 featured improvements and alterations demonstrated in the picture collage below.  The first edition 1/48 appears on the left in those pictures, notice the mole has been removed from the VF-1S face, the top teeth are gone from the front landing gear doors, the head rest is different in the seat, and efforts have been made to keep the nosecone from being knocked off too easily.  

 

Sculpt, Detail, & Paint: (9/10)
One funny issue that has dogged the 1/48 releases is the painting of the jolly roger on the tail fins of the valks.  Unfortunately, Yamato has been unable to develop a process that keeps these jolly rogers straight.  Beyond that the paint tends to be great as does the detail but there is some modest room for improvement.  As mentioned in the critique of the Angelbird, Yamato still has a tendency to use paint that does not stand the test of frequent transformations.  No additional detail is present in the second issues that was not present in the first. 

Design: (9/10)
Yamato improved on their original 1/48 effort with the inclusion of wingflaps redesigned to be tougher to remove and a nosecone that is secured by two grooves in the radome.  In the original issue these problems made handling the valk a little more cumbersome. Now the only problems relate to some awkward portions of the transformation but all issues are very minor.  This is a superbly designed toy.  What makes this toy even more impressive is how it was designed to be compatible with very high-class accessories from its inception.  Please check out my 1/48 GBP and Super/Strike Part reviews to see just how well this was done.

Durability & Build: (8.5/10)
There are a few areas that can still be broken if incorrectly handled on this toy and it’s still possible to knock the nosecone or wing flaps off during transformation.  It’s also still very possible to knock the heatshield off or unhinge the the hook or fin located behind the neck of the valk in Battloid mode.  Areas that receive lots of stress are painted metal so you can also expect them to chip (but hey, thank Yamato they’re metal instead of plastic so they simply chip instead of snapping in two).  This is definitely a sturdy toy and collectors who avoid twisting/forcing the backpack in odd directions should have no problem avoiding breaking this toy even with pretty moderate handling.  Also be sure when trying to bring the backpack up that the second antenna “fin” is depressed into the center of the plane as it will prevent the backpack from lying flat which might lead the owner to try to force it down.  Recently on the Macrossworld forums (www.macrossworld.com) a member or two has indicated that the rubber pilots may become attached to the paint in the cockpit.  As a precaution it’s probably wise to not store the pilots in the toy themselves when not displaying them (of apply a piece of clear tape to the rear of the pilot).

Articulation: (9/10)
Oh so good.  Not any better than the original but not worse either.  The new wing flaps don’t have quite the range of motion but it was practically not noticeable from my standpoint.  Lots of glorious poses can be easily accomplished.

 

Total Score: (43.5/50) + .5 for TV releases
This is a wonderful toy masterfully handled by Yamato. The improvements made over the first edition aren’t huge, first editions are still very enjoyable, but the improvements are all nice additions.  I would recommend that everyone look for the second editions and leave the first editions to diehard collectors… unless you come across one on the cheap.  Should you skip the 1/48 all together and head straight to the new 1/60 toys?  If you’re planning on doing that I would exercise some patience until it’s clear that Yamato has resolved the fragile shoulders issue.  In the meantime the 1/48 is a safer buy and many would still argue it’s the best VF-1 out there.

NOTE: This review has been updated, pictures were condensed for quicker loading and content was updated.

First Update: November 2nd, 2006 (added pictures, updated content)

Original Post Date: Summer 2006.

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