12.08.09
Bandai 1/55 VT-1 SuperOstrich
Review(updated): You have chosen… wisely
Packaging & Extras (4/5)
Bandai’s packaging does not have the same textured feel of Takatoku’s but this helps reduce the amount of shelfwear the boxes exhibit. The art work is superb and plastic windows offer a glimpse of the toy and armor. Unfortunately, the toy is white and it’s very common to find that the toy has considerable sun-damage where the box’s window is located. You will probably be able to note a small amount of sun damage on the pictures provided here on my sample’s chest piece and one spot on the nose. Otherwise the toy comes with the unique SuperOstrich armor, a gun pod, bullets on a sprue, inserts, decals, and a heatshield. The toy comes packaged in battroid mode.
Charm & Collectability (5/5)
Yes, this toy has reached holy grail status for many Macross collectors and for good reason. First, it’s a high-diecast-content transformable toy of reasonable scale which is often times good enough to make something collectable. Second, it wasn’t exceedingly popular so all indications are there weren’t nearly as many of these made as many of the other Macross toys. Third, the toy is a very pale white that is very easily damaged by sunlight so finding one that is absolutley pristine is exceedingly difficult. Fourth, the vehicle this toy represents plays a very large part in the Do You Remember Love so, while it wasn’t a popular toy at the time of its release, it is certainly easily recognizable as a hero vehicle. As of the time this article was written the value of VT-1s had decreased significantly from years ago but it was still difficult to find a boxed example for below $500. UDPATE 12/8/2009 – While news of Bandai partnering with Toynami helped elevate hopes in 2008 that a reissue of the VT-1 may soon see the light of day it was subsequently leaked that BigWest’s licensing agreement with Bandai forebade any sales outside of Japan. Bandai is a company of substantial clout so you diehards out there holding your breath can still hope that Bandai some day gets BigWest to see things their way. Of course, now that Yamato has made the VT-1 not once but TWICE and has all but perfected the VT-1 with their V2 1/60 toy, it seems highly unlikely that Bandai will ever release the chunky again. Want hope for a new Bandai VT-1 some day? Bandai’s new Hi-Metal VF line will feature the VF-1 after the VF-19 in Spring 2010 (look for the review next year!). So far Bandai has only shown off a prototype of a VF-1J toy (in what appears to be 1/100 scale) but variants are almost certian to follow. Will the big chunky one day have a little brother in Bandai’s catalog? Only time will tell.
Sculpt, Detail, & Paint (6.5/10)
While this toy is different from the Takatoku molds used for most other 1/55s it’s still far from perfect. Just the same, Bandai deserves some credit for bothering to change the wings to reflect the look shown in the movie with their blunted edges. Another new touch is the more blunted nose also seen on the VE/VT-1. The paint job is good but there isn’t much to it and it’s not dead on with what’s in the show. The level of detail seems to be exactly the same as that which was included on the 1/55 Takatoku valks. Obviously if you’re looking for more extreme lineart accuracy and detail you should go with the newer Yamato releases. The Yamato releases feature removeable panels on the super parts exposing more detail beneath (only the V2 allows you to remove the leg armor to show the plumbing beneath) and both Yamato’s have more accurate paint schemes.
Design (7/10)
It’s a little sad that Bandai didn’t step things up a notch and do anything more with their releases of Macross products. They incorporated some interesting features on their HCM line it would have been nice to see on these larger scale toys. I guess there could have been a bit of a “if it ain’t broke, why fix it?” mentality though since the original Takatoku design was so efficient and popular. The design of the heatshield is a nice touch, it clips into place and is quite sturdy when there but also quite easy to remove. The inclusion of the dual cockpit seats is also a nice touch since it’s what really sets this craft and the Elintseeker apart.
Durability & Build (9/10)
This toy is super solid just like the Takatokus that existed before it. The thing that collectors here should be most concerned with are how oxidized the metal of the landing gears, swing bars, and joint pieces have become and how much yellowing has occurred on the plastic. Beyond that these toys would be susceptible to the normal issues that affect Takatoku toys when subjected to heavy play. The paint can be worn (especially on the legs where the armor attaches), the landing gear doors can become worn and dangle open, the arms can be popped off at the shoulders, and I imagine the “fin” on the head and tailfins can be snapped off too. Watch for broken connecting pieces on the armor when shopping for one.
Articulation (6/10)
Equally as poseable as the toys that preceeded it by 5 years or so, the Bandai VT-1 could have been better to be sure. Expect nothing but stiff poses. While it’s true this toy is difficult to break it’s also true there’s not a whole lot you can do with it. I should probably note that the positing of the fins shown in the GERWALK and fighter modes probably can be altered to extend them out further but I left well enough alone since I thought things looked fine how they were.
Total Score (37.5/50)
If you’re not familiar with this valk then you’re probably not familiar with the movie Do You Remember Love. No, a VT-1 is not a VF-1D although there are some similarities in their use as plot devices in the original Macross series and in the DYRL movie. Although the VF-1D can be used for training purposes, as seen in the VF-1D Hikaru (Rick for you RT fans) flies in the TV series (named VT-102 to make matters more complicated), the VF-1D is also shown in the TV series performing guard duty and acting as a fighter. Presumably Max and Miria (AKA Milia, Miriya) fly a blue VF-1D at their wedding ceremony (UPDATE 12/8/2009 – Yamato has released this blue “Virgin Road” VF-1D as part of their 1/60 V2 line). The SuperOstrich does not make an appearance in the Macross TV series and the VF-1D does not make an appearance in the DYRL movie. Unlike the VF-1D, the VT-1 is purely a trainer and is not, and can not be, used for fighting or guarding anything. The VT-1 is completely unarmed and does not feature a gun capable of live-fire which also explains why its fast packs look different… it has no need for them to store missiles like the traditional fastpacks accomodate. As noted within the review, the VT-1 also features different shaped wings and a very different head that looks much more like a sensor array than anything else and does not have lasers of any kind. Finally, the VT-1 features staggered two-person seating so that a trainer can look over the shoulder of the trainee whereas the VF-1D has a second member sitting directly behind the first. This valk looks very unique with its bright orange super armor and funky black head and is a real stand-out in any display. These can be difficult to find so good luck and happy hunting!
NOTE: This review has been updated for content and with improved pictures.
Original Post Date: November 12, 2006
demize! said,
December 13, 2009 at 12:10 am
I have been contemplating selling my Hi-Metal VF-1 and maybe getting some of the newer Yamato’s hmmm?? I’m so attached to it but it would bring a great price.
Ruben said,
February 28, 2010 at 5:36 am
I’m restoring my brother’s Super Ostrich.
I however, need some advice please.
I need to get some 1/55 decals and some armor parts relaced.
Do you know of anyone who can do this?
micronian said,
February 28, 2010 at 6:41 am
I do not, but hopefully someone on this board might know of someone who could help. My only advice would be to watch eBay.