Preliminary notes :
Super Dimension Fortress Macross was one of 3 Japanese anime series which constituted the English language and re-edited US broadcast series Robotech. One of the key defining features of the anime series was the transforming fighter jets seen in every episode.
In
the anime, this "VF-1S Valkyrie" fighter jet transforms into an
alternate human-like robot mode. However this Calibre Wings model does
not transform. If one wants a toy of this fighter that does transform,
they may want to look at the products offered by Japanese toy makers
Bandai, Yamato, or Arcadia.
Most prior
toys of this jet included the gimmick of being able to transform to its
alternative robot mode. This transformation gimmick often meant
compromises to how it looked in jet mode. The advantage with Calibre's
"jet mode only" model is that it allows for the aircraft to look more
aircraft model like and realistic (as realistic as what may be possible
for a imaginary jet that is). The only other choice for getting a 1/72
scale model of this anime jet that focuses on how it looks as an
aircraft, is Hasegawa's 1/72 plastic model kit.
The sculpt :
It
looks to me that Calibre took a number of styling cues from the 1/72
Hasegawa kit. But it is definitely not a straight copy. There are
differences and I feel that some areas of the Calibre model are better
than the Hasegawa kit. For example, in comparison to the Hasegawa, the
tailfin is slightly bigger in size. I've always felt that prior toys and
kits of this jet had tailfins that were a tad too small and I am rather
pleased that Calibre had improved this detail.
The finish (paint app, markings, etc.) :
The model has a gloss/semi-gloss-like finish. I prefer a flat finish but it's OK. The paint app quality is clean and crisp.
Based on photos seen on Calibre's Facebook page, I thought the panel-line wash was going to be way overdone with dark inking but once in hand, I see that it's quite different. The panel-lines have a light gray-ish inking to it and it's decently subtle. The panel-lines molding is a bit thicker than Calibre's own F-14 Tomcat model, but within the norms of diecast aircraft models.
There's a fair amount of markings on the model. All the markings have been tampo printed so no worries about having to apply stickers or water-slide decals.
Moving parts :
Not many moving parts. Only the wings swing and the canopy opens. That's it. The wheels do not roll. The tow bar does not move. The speedbrake does not open. No moving flaps or ailerons.
Macross and Robotech fans who are used to toys with vast arrays of moving parts might find this disappointing. However, diecast aircraft collectors in general do not like such moving parts and I feel Calibre made the right call here.
Optional parts :
The model can be displayed with landing gears deployed or in
in-flight mode. The model comes in the box with the landing gears
attached. The landing gears can be removed and replaced with covers for
in-flight mode display.
There is no stand included in the box. A stand for in-flight display will have to be purchased separately.
4 pylons with missiles are provided. This leads me to the one troublesome issue I found with this model. The
attachment of the pylons is via a simple small round peg that goes into
a hole in the wing. This wouldn't be a problem if the said peg went in
without fuss. Unfortunately, the peg on the pylons are too tall and
thick for the holes in the wing. Be prepared for some sanding and
trimming of those pegs if you want them to go in and stay in. Maybe use
a bit of glue too. To be fair, this is nothing unusual for diecast
aircraft models. I can't tell how many times I've had to sand, trim, and
use glue on various diecast aircraft models from Hobby Master, Corgi,
etc.The aforementioned gunpod fits in fine. Despite being a simple plug-in and the gunpod being a a heavy piece of metal, it stays firmly in. However, due to the weight you might find the barrel-end of the gunpod drop downwards a bit. A bit of Elmer’s white glue when you put in the gunpod will help keep it straight. Just apply the glue, flip the aircraft on it back, and let it dry overnight.
Don’t worry about using Elmer’s glue. In fact, for any bits and pieces of diecast models that won’t stay in (like missiles or pylons), it is recommended to use Elmer’s glue as it is super easy to use (just wipe away any excess with a wet Q-tip or tissue) and it won’t attack the paint. It’s also non-permanent, so if you need to remove the pieces, a light tug is all that's needed.
Final thoughts :
I understand that some folks don't care for imaginary
jets, and I respect that viewpoint. But I'm a 80's kid and I grew up
with this kind of stuff and still follow it to this day. I never
expected a diecast model company to ever do a Macross jet. Certainly not
from one that is not based in Japan. Along comes Calibre and they make
one in the scale I want and without the transformation gimmick I didn't
want. This is exactly what I've wanted ever since I started collecting
diecast aircraft models. This is pretty much a dream come true for me.
There
are some minor issues that I've commented about above, but there is
nothing I could find terribly wrong. Heck, I might even say that this model is in some ways, better than the Hasegawa. Calibre has hit a homerun with this
model. Highly recommended for Macross fans and those who like ficticious
sci-fi/anime jets.
And now for some photos :
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