Bandai 1/72 VF-1 Perfect Transformation Model

Bandai’s Hobby Division has launched their main site for their upcoming 1/72 VF-1 Perfect Transformation Model. It will serve as an ongoing development blog. We don’t normally cover Macross plamo here, but the primary thing that stuck out was the perfect transformation(no parts removal needed for transformation) aspect.

Uchida(who worked on the Macross F 1/72 tranformable VF-25 plamo), kicked things off with the 1st post. After development of the 1/72 VF-25 plamo in VF-25, Uchida desired to make a VF-1 Valkyrie model using current technology. Editors note: Bandai is not a stranger to VF-1 plamo as they did make the VF-1 Hi-Complete Model in 1/72 scale during the mid 80’s, in addition to reissuing Imai kits in various scales since.

Bandai Hobby decided to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Macross with the 1/72 VF-1 Perfect Transformation Model. One goal is to design a transformation that does not compromise proportions in any mode. Another goal is to emphasize gimmicks in battroid mode and leg articulation, going beyond using just the joints required for transformation. The model is still a work in progress so Bandai Hobby is considering many ideas to implement on it.

Recently, Uchida met with Macross creator Kawamori Shoji and showed him the 1st CG image of the model. Kawamori is supervising this project, and Bandai Hobby has also received feedback from the editor of Hobby Japan, Dengeki Hobby, Model Graphix and fans(like at the All Japan Hobby Show earlier this month). Lastly, Bandai Hobby is aiming to meet the expectations of everyone with this model.

Bandai Hobby has never made a Master Grade(MG)-like VF-1 model before, so it will be interesting to see how this turns out. It seems like it will be an evolution of the technology used on the 1/72 VF-25 plamo. Or perhaps, it may turn out to be Bandai’s modernized interpretation of their old Hi-Complete Model VF-1? Stay tuned.