Shut Up and Take My Money

This clip from Futurama's Attack of the Killer App episode touches a nerve, because the reality is that no matter how caustic or putrid a product review is, more often than not we will be willing to overlook it if the product satiates immensely our addiction. Because it dulls not the sweetness for one who is already captivated.

Transformers 3: Dark of The Moon 2nd Trailer

Just saw this today at Youtube, 2nd trailer released for the much anticipated Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon that is scheduled to be released by July 1 of this year.

1/60 Yamato VF-X & VF-1A Angel Birds Up for pre-order

Announced at HobbyLink Japan was that the Macross Chronicle mail order exclusives made by Yamato Toys, the 1/60 VF-X (10,800 yen) and 1/60 VF-1A AngelBirds (9,800 yen) would be available for pre-order at their site. Offer is in limited quantities only so they might run out eventually once the orders come in.

Japan Golden Week

Ran by Hobby Search site today and noticed their Golden Week announcement was up:

Bandai 1/72 Destroid Defender English Manual & Color Guide

Destroid Defender from the original Macross anime series. This was originally made as 1/72 model kit by Imai then Bandai bought the original molds and republished the model kit last year. The Destroid Defender functions as an anti-aircraft mecha for the UN Spacy forces operating oboard the Macross. In place of arms it has dual machine guns that are fed from magazines located at the shoulder of the mecha.

Gundam Episodes Online

Was surfing through the English page of Gundam.info (official Gundam site) and saw the announcement for free viewing of Gundam Wing episodes online, the catch is that its for a limited time only.

1/60 DX Chogokin VF-25F Messiah Valkyrie Alto Custom

Update: Manual for the 1/60 DX VF-25F Messiah Valkyrie Alto Custom was translated to English, here.
Got this from HobbyLink Japan, a 1/60 DX Chogokin VF-25F Messiah Valkyrie Alto Custom from the Macross Frontier anime. This 1/60 DX Chogokin version of the VF-25F Messiah was first released by Bandai in December of 2008 but still seems to be a popular toy with Macross fans.

Tamiya Masking Tape

Just got this from HLJ, Tamiya Masking Tape Refill (6mm) and Tamiya Masking Tape Refill (10mm). The reason I've been wanting to get this for the longest time is because most model maker reviews I've read recommend to use this type of masking tape for painting.

Macross Frontier Voice Actors Cosplay

Dropped by the Blog of Aya Endo, voice actress of Sheryl Nome from Macross Frontier and was amused to see this picture in this post. Its the cast of Macross Frontier cosplaying as their respective characters.

Bandai HG 1/144 Jegan [Ecoas Type] English Manual & Color Guide

RGM-89De Jegan [Ecoas Type] from the 3rd Gundam Unicorn OVA episode. If you haven't watched it yet I'd suggest you do as its really a spectacle to watch. The Jegan Ecoas Type was part of the assault force that was tasked to retrieve the Gundam Unicorn piloted by Banagher Links from the hands of the Zeon Forces. Shoot!, hope I didn't spoil it for you.

Bandai 1/72 Destroid Spartan English Manual & Color Guide

1/72 Destroid Spartan originally made by Imai in the 80's, then the molds were bought by Bandai and the kits were republished last year. Spartans formed part of the non flying mecha contingent of the SDF Macross from the anime series of the same name.

Bandai 1/200 Destroid Monster English Manual & Color Guide

When Bandai announced last year that they had purchased the original molds of Imai and were planning to reprint their line of Macross kits, a legion of fans like me rejoiced. If you wanted kits like these you had to employ a ton of patience in waiting while searching the inner bowels of the hobby section of ebay.

Bandai 1/72 Tactical Pod Regult English Manual & Color Guide

This came out last year, the 1/72 Tactical Pod Regult from the original Macross SDF-1 anime. The original version was made by Imai and came out in the 80's. This time around Bandai bought the molds from Imai and reprinted it along with the other Macross kits.

Shoji Kawamori with Danny Choo

Almost finished my morning coffee in one gulp after seeing this post at Danny Choo's site. He's having a photo taken with Shoji Kawamori after a client call at his Satelight production company.

Carrier

Been watching Carrier at the PBS youtube channel for quite a while now and I have to say that this has got to be the most realistic and down to earth depiction of life onboard a US aircraft carrier.

Alien vs Predator Figures by McFarlane Toys

Got these figures in 2004 but never really got to opening them. These were from the Alien vs Predator movie that was made into collectible figures by Todd MacFarlane Productions. I had to take them out from storage as the place they were stored in was being pummeled by the summer heat. Their age is really showing from the yellowish tinge of the plastic container.

X-Y Base Part VI

I finished building the Z axis of the frame and attached the mini router but after this step I realized that there is a showstopper problem that has to be resolved. The major problem is that the there is some major play between the arm and the drawer slide whenever a perpendicular force is directed against the Z axis. In short that mini router is going to be pushed back because the arm isn't strong enough to hold back against the force of the work piece pushing against it.

X-Y Base Part V

Everything seemed to have gone better than expected with this stage of the build. Was thinking of a good way to secure the small grinder I had bought to the Z stage component of the frame.

X-Y Base Part IV

Part III of this build could be found here. Had time to work today and was able to finish up the X-Y base by attaching an improvised vise where the workpiece can be held during milling. All that's left to do with this is attach it to the frame. But before that I have to finish up the Z axis platform of the grinder.

X-Y Base Part III

Previous post on this topic can be found here. Finished putting the x-y base together using some nuts and bolts during my free time today.

X-Y Base Part II

Time for mock-ups for the X-Y Base I initially posted about. I guess by now its not proper to call it anymore an X-Y Base because it had already morphed to a prototype milling machine that can cut and move in X, Y and Z axes. What I have posted here is the mock-up for the mini milling machine I'm making to use to tool parts for a possible scratch built model kit. The duct tape is just a temporary fixture for the purpose of the mock-up, the actual thing will be held together with an assorted buffet of rivets or nuts & bolts.

April Fools' Today

Just a little heads up. It's April Fools' today, so beware of being punked *snicker*

Hobby Search: regarding the threat of radiation

Saw this posted at Hobby Search, an explanation on the threat of radiation being passed on to the goods they ship. I guess they have probably been receiving a lot of questions with regards to that in the past couple of days.