BlackWidowPilot | 28 Jan 2013 3:23 a.m. PST |
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Dynaman8789 | 28 Jan 2013 4:32 a.m. PST |
I'll have to order these, it look like they are not a set scale but who cares? |
Gaz0045 | 28 Jan 2013 4:39 a.m. PST |
Already got mine on order
..! |
Chef Lackey Rich | 28 Jan 2013 5:26 a.m. PST |
Good kits for parts, regardless of scale. I don't even remember seeing some of those in that range before – must be the series I could never find in the old days. |
taskforce58 | 28 Jan 2013 5:57 a.m. PST |
180Yen Andromeda? I'm IN! |
VonTed | 28 Jan 2013 6:26 a.m. PST |
Hell this is back! I don't even need it, but I want it! link |
Zen Ghost | 28 Jan 2013 8:47 a.m. PST |
Please provide a review of those models when you get them. Rough scale? Real physical size? For $2 USD, I am cautious as to what is actually in the box and the quality of the injection molding. Thanks. I know it's $2 USD, so I shouldn't care, but I have to ask, it's a compulsion. -ZG |
Grandviewroad | 28 Jan 2013 8:59 a.m. PST |
The space panorama kits are also a great deal, and one supposes that at least within the kits the scale is identical. I also have to ask – beg – that someone clarify the scale groupings of the ships. I have three of them from that time, originals – Yamato, Desloc's command Cruiser, and Kodai's destroyer. The Yamato and Desloc are the same scale, I'm guessing that it is 1/2400 as the Yamato is only about 4" long. The Kodai DD is 1/700, about the same size / scale as a modern DD I'm guessing. Someone has to do this scale comparison for me – I just don't have time and would love to get more of these babies! Damn you BlackWidowPilot! :) |
TheBeast | 28 Jan 2013 9:06 a.m. PST |
I will say some of these are damn fiddly to assemble. If you love putting lots of small pieces together, I'm sure someone will tell you which to snag. ;->= Doug |
Grandviewroad | 28 Jan 2013 9:13 a.m. PST |
sure, I'll chime in on that and say that just looking at the model you can see where a knit sweater is not ideal to wear during assembly or game play. What those little pointy fins do in outer space I can't imagine. However, they're no worse than 1/700 naval ships with their little pointy bits. Actually, the same modeling / handling challenge, so a perfect parallel. |
elsyrsyn | 28 Jan 2013 9:18 a.m. PST |
Lots of good stuff in the $5 USD range too. Doug |
Grandviewroad | 28 Jan 2013 9:18 a.m. PST |
Oh, and I don't want to pop any bubbles, but the shipping from Japan is like $25 USD or something. It'll at least double the price of an order even a large one. |
Dynaman8789 | 28 Jan 2013 10:03 a.m. PST |
> but the shipping from Japan is like $25 USD USD or something Just have to order a whole bunch, shipping will still be about $25. USD $25 USD in merch and $25 USD shipping still comes out to $4 USD a model for the low end stuff. |
Garand | 28 Jan 2013 12:31 p.m. PST |
The space panorama kits are also a great deal, and one supposes that at least within the kits the scale is identical.
I remember building these kits in the '80s. They were nice enough then, but any idea that they are of identical scale is right out the window. FREX, Okita's battleship from the begining of the series is, in kit form, almost the same size as Kodai's destroyer. So not even close to scale. Things get even more ridiculous when comparing anything in the series with the Dark Star Nebula battleships. Even if you do a "file of the serial numbers" deal and use them for generic gaming, certain details just wouldn't mix well IMHO, without being a bit judicious with selection criteria
Damon. |
Lion in the Stars | 28 Jan 2013 1:00 p.m. PST |
Box scale, looks like the typical random-pack assortment. Roughly 2x3x5" boxes, if it's the set I'm thinking of. |
BlackWidowPilot | 28 Jan 2013 2:49 p.m. PST |
Here's some of 'em painted up and based for Full Thrust: link Difficulty of assembly depends on the model. The EDF DD and frigate are IMHO quite easy, as is the Okita ship and the various Gamilus/Gamelon/Gamiras vessels. Size is that the models fit in the box (aka, "box scale" as Lion stated), so actual scale varies quite a bit. What helps is that they're cheap, they're sharp looking once painted up and based, and since this is sci-fi, you can modify 'em to your heart's content or as others have pointed out so succinctly use 'em for parts for other projects, as you cannot beat the price! Oh, and a number of them come with an extra mini ship or fighter model, and the fighter models in particular are just perfect for Silent Death, and a number of the plastic flight bases included with the models can be used as the basis for other projects. Overall this series earns four thumbs up (my kit reviewer is a Thark, in case you're wondering), and you'be be crazy not to order at least a half dozen to build a task group for Full Thrust on the dirt cheap. Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net |
Grandviewroad | 28 Jan 2013 3:39 p.m. PST |
I disagree – I think that the box scale is correct for the small cheap boxes, but that within the type of ship – Kodai's DD, other small ships – they're the same, while the big ships are also the same. So at least two scales. I also think that the ships in the diorama sets are scaled with each other. But on the other hand I've no concrete proof for this at all. I assume someone out there does so it'd be great to here from them. |
BlackWidowPilot | 29 Jan 2013 10:49 p.m. PST |
Ordered 3 boxes of EDF Escort Ships (2 to a box, which I use for heavy cruisers), 3 Andromedas (which I use as SDNs), 5 Pleiades (which I'll be converting to 15mm grav tanks), and four of the Three Step Carriers (to bring my fleet up to six fleet carriers). Gang, if you don't go for these at these price points, you're crazier than petite *moi,* and that's damn hard to do! Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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John Treadaway | 30 Jan 2013 7:06 a.m. PST |
Leland We used some fifteen years ago from, I think, the same range for as these for some heavier Silent Death games. I haven't got the details to hand but – if you look at the illustration on these two items:
Is that one of them? If it is (and you need any further recomendation over Leland's) I can chip in with my thumbs up too – they are nice little kits. John T |
TheBeast | 30 Jan 2013 7:31 a.m. PST |
So not even close to scale. ;->= Worse still, there are a few fighters in 'box' scale in the original range. Seriously, if I didn't have a large box full of unassembled already, I'd be ordering big so I could have a large box full of unassembled. Hmm. There's a flaw in there somewhere
EDIT: The space panorama kits are also a great deal, and one supposes that at least within the kits the scale is identical. Just occurred to me, I think they're the same kits; if you look at the box art, it just looks as if you get forced perspective by 'overlaying' the ships. *shrug* Doug |
Chef Lackey Rich | 30 Jan 2013 7:53 a.m. PST |
Good grief, the other ship in that Salute poster is a Falgship Games S'Tang. Haven't seen one of those in many a year. Probably never will again, either – pretty sure Scale Creep is redoing the line from scratch if/when he gets around to it. |
Artraccoon | 30 Jan 2013 9:06 a.m. PST |
The ship in the Salute poster is a Gamilas/Garaman ship, and that was issued in two scales. One of the scales was the "Box scale" version, the other was much larger. This is the large version: secure.hlj.com/product/BAN11673 I'm really interested in the new style 1/1000th scale Gamilas ships. The new versions of the Gamilas ships in "Yamato 2199" have some really neat details, but then that whole show is just awesome. |
TheBeast | 30 Jan 2013 9:21 a.m. PST |
;->= I think both were 'box' scale, just different-sized boxes. One could get by with taking a larger ship in a larger box and matching several smaller ships in smaller boxes, but 'scale' definitely would have to be in quotes. Will be watching the new stuff with anticipation, indeed. Less excitement about the costs, of course, but, I believe I qualify as 'skint', though more 'skinflint'. Doug |
Andrewdrexler | 30 Jan 2013 9:50 a.m. PST |
Over the years I have purchased quite a few of these kits. The scale is nonexistent, but if you mix in the Mechanical Collections from poppy with some of these kits it's possible to have a nice scale fleet. I DID see this website while looking at Yamato models this morning, and thought I would share it with everyone. gunjap.net/site/?p=12733 The earth fleet lined up for firing is truly impressive. |
BlackWidowPilot | 30 Jan 2013 8:39 p.m. PST |
Is that one of them? If it is (and you need any further recomendation over Leland's) I can chip in with my thumbs up too – they are nice little kits. It is, and that particular Gamilus/Gamilon battleship makes a perfect Fletcher-class DD for Silent Death with a minimal amount of modification. Quite the handy line, really
Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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BlackWidowPilot | 30 Jan 2013 8:42 p.m. PST |
Andrew, it's really quite amazing how handy these 'lil ship kits really are, even if all one does is provide an original paint job and a flight base: link
Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net |
MacrossMartin | 31 Jan 2013 12:19 a.m. PST |
For those who have not seen it, here's an old page from my blog about sprucing up the Yamato mini kits
and I confess, I still have not done much more with these
:( link |
BlackWidowPilot | 31 Jan 2013 1:35 p.m. PST |
Martin, you need to finish that fleet, Martin. Those EDF ships are gorgeous, Martin, so finish the rest of them! Are you listening to me, Martin?! Don't make me come in there after you, Martin! Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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Grandviewroad | 31 Jan 2013 4:26 p.m. PST |
those pics are awesome Andrew? All I want is some ships that are in scale bigger than the other. I don't care what they might be called, but I'd like some DDs & DEs with some CAs and BCs or BBs & CVs. Can ANYONE vouch for just this much?? and name the kits?? I have no interest in the little box kits where my yamato is the same size as my Kodai DD. |
Fire Broadside | 31 Jan 2013 4:51 p.m. PST |
Indeed, Martin. You really need to finish that fleet! And that goes for me as well, as I'm also named Martin and had the exact same idea! :) I bought a bunch of EDF boxes while living in Japan but never got around to painting them. Your simple yet effective block colours + blacklining have inspired me though and I'll try to get them finished. Here's how far I got before icing the project: link |
BlackWidowPilot | 31 Jan 2013 7:42 p.m. PST |
Martin and Martin, you two slackers need to get off yer respective touchis and get to painting, I say! Here's how it's done: link See how easy? Now get on with it, kids! Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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BlackWidowPilot | 31 Jan 2013 7:53 p.m. PST |
Grand, the EDF Destroyer and EDF Escort Ship will work as heavy cruisers to the EDF Battleship and Andromeda models. For smaller escorts you're going to have to try and score some Gashopon for Space Battleship Yamato 2199 to get down to that scale, or kitbash your own substitutes. The Gamelon/Gamiras/Gamilus Tri-deck and Six-deck carrier models can also pass as Terrestrial warships as well as they stylistically fit well enough with the EDF ships I've named. The Kodai missile destroyer Akizuki will work in scale with the larger sized 480yen models of the EDF battleship, EDF carrier, and EDF heavy cruiser. The EDF patrol cruiser in this size will work as an alternate heavy cruiser/battle cruiser. All lend themselves readily to modifications and outright kitbashing projects. The large Gamilus/Gamelon/Gamiras warships in the 480-yen price range will work as the op-for if you're going to play games with models of this size, while the smaller Gamiras ship (aka Gamelon/Gamilus Destroyer) will work for escorts. You really should take a look at the blogs I and the two Martins linked to for ideas and further guidance. Hope this helps! Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net |
Fire Broadside | 01 Feb 2013 2:09 p.m. PST |
Leland
I think it's time. I've recently got back into spaceship gaming a bit more (ordered a bunch of fleet scale Starfuries yesterda) and my motivation to get at least a trial set of EDF ships finished is growing! :) Might be able to get started tomorrow
EDIT: By the way, how many Akizuki destroyers do you get in one 180 yen pack? |
BlackWidowPilot | 01 Feb 2013 3:15 p.m. PST |
The Akizuki is one to a pack. It have several in the works for Silent Death games as a small fast attack corvette for the fighters to try and shoot up (and I stress, they can *try*
Mwahahahaaa!!!). The Akizuki is a handy little ship model IMHO (you can see several in different color schemes in this shot): link Here's a closeup of the Akizuki's bridge from the new Yamato 2199 series:
Much improved over the original series from the '70s, neh? If you're willing to spend a bit more, there's the new Earth Defense Fleet set:
Yes, life is good. Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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MacrossMartin | 01 Feb 2013 6:20 p.m. PST |
There's two more boxes available or due soon for the 1/1000 range for Yamato 2199 – a set with two Gamilas ships,
and another EDF box, with two cruisers and two destroyers from the first set. tempting
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BlackWidowPilot | 01 Feb 2013 6:48 p.m. PST |
Martin, every time I see those new Gamilas ships, I chafe at the price, as I want at least a score of 'em! At the least, I'll buy a set or two for use as escort class ships for Silent Death games where I want my "Warhounds" to have a real physical presence on the table
Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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Andrewdrexler | 03 Feb 2013 8:23 a.m. PST |
Grandviewroad: I will look through my collection and get some pictures for you. If my paint soaked brain can dredge up ordering numbers I will include those for you as well. |
Fire Broadside | 04 Feb 2013 4:35 p.m. PST |
Those 1/1000 ships look beautiful, but at that scale they'd be too large for regular play. Not to mention being a bad fit with the rest of my EDF fleet which is all based on the space diorama and gashapon models. :( I might very well get them anyway, because hey
awesome looking! But I'd be even more happy if they turned up at about double that scale. @Leland – Regarding the ¥180 Akizuki only being one to a box. That means it is out of scale with the rest of the ¥180 boxes, right? |
Ghostrunner | 04 Feb 2013 5:00 p.m. PST |
In the 2199 series,the Akizuki looked a lot bigger compared to the battleships. I would rather they had kept it smaller. |
BlackWidowPilot | 04 Feb 2013 6:34 p.m. PST |
@Leland – Regarding the ¥180 Akizuki only being one to a box. That means it is out of scale with the rest of the ¥180 boxes, right? Yup. But not too badly out of scale with the more expensive (at about $5.00 USD a pop) larger EDF ship models (which make very impressive models on the tabletop I might add).
The Akizuki is however perfect for space fighter games as a large gunboat or small escort class warship. I've several I'm finishing up for use in Silent Death as fast attack corvettes. They'll be mounted on those handy Litko Aerosystems double hex base flight stands, while the Cosmo Zero 52 that comes with the Akizuki will stand in for some fancy House Tokugawa aerospace superiority fighters
Waste not, want not. Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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Fire Broadside | 05 Feb 2013 5:01 p.m. PST |
Alright, spurred on by BlackWidowPilot and inspired by MacrossMartin I put together this:
I pretty much did a straight copy of your colour scheme, Martin! It simply looked too good not to steal. ;) It's not quite as crisp as yours, but it was an exceedingly quick job and only took about half an hour. And I like how the blocked out colours give it a kind of cartoon feel, which is very fitting. Quite different to how I'm used to painting spaceships! link link link Now I just need to finish the rest! And perhaps get some Gamilon ships. And perhaps some of the new (large!) models from the 2199 series. And perhaps think about a system to use them in. And perhaps convince some friends to play it with me
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MacrossMartin | 05 Feb 2013 7:44 p.m. PST |
F.B. – NICE!!!!!!! Okay, I can feel the tide of Yamato-ness slowly engulfing me
Rrrgh, too many projects!! |
BlackWidowPilot | 05 Feb 2013 10:15 p.m. PST |
Okay, I can feel the tide of Yamato-ness slowly engulfing me
Rrrgh, too many projects!! Resistance is futile! Submit and be assimilated!
Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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Fire Broadside | 06 Feb 2013 3:34 a.m. PST |
Thanks Martin! :) Indeed
resistance is futile! I've got some spare time today and I think this lone destroyer needs some company. |
TheBeast | 06 Feb 2013 6:40 a.m. PST |
Just for completeness, there was (is?) a set of rules for Space Cruiser Yamato (sorry, that was the title I usually saw) called Star Blazers Fleet Battle System put out by Musashi Enterprises. There were (are?) also metal miniatures; hard to find but small enough to suggest scale if you use smaller ships with larger ships of small plastic kits. Online presence still is there: starblazersonline.com Please don't consider this a recommendation(1), though that conversation should be a separate thread. Doug (1)
of either. If you accept some of the kits as fiddly, imagine indifferent metal casts, with photo-etched details, on some ships. |
BlackWidowPilot | 03 Mar 2013 12:15 p.m. PST |
Update: They are still available both singly and in sets!!! Go get 'em, people: link
Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net |
Andrewdrexler | 04 Mar 2013 8:30 a.m. PST |
Yes they are still at HLJ, I just received an order I placed last week. |
BlackWidowPilot | 04 Mar 2013 12:51 p.m. PST |
I received the first three waves of my order, and have already begun assembly. I was struck by the fact that the plastic used for the Andromeda, the EDF frigate, and the tri-deck carrier is of a much better quality than I remember. It certainly wasn't as brittle as the originals. I am fiercely trying to resist ordering anything else, but damnation and bloody Hell, at 180Y a whack?!! Agggh!!! Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net
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BlackWidowPilot | 26 Mar 2013 9:23 p.m. PST |
Update: They're still available, and restocks appear to be continuing for the present time! I just added a couple more EDF cruisers and some Gamilas DDs to my HLJ private warehouse, and this outrageous NEW set is now available:
hlj.com/product/ban981340 Two heavy cruisers and two DDMs?!!! Yow!!! Leland R. Erickson Metal Express metal-express.net |
Chef Lackey Rich | 27 Mar 2013 4:35 a.m. PST |
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