Update: Translated the manual already of the 1/60 GBP-1S to English, you can find it here.
Got this from HobbyLink Japan, the 1/60 GBP-1S Armor Parts for VF-1 Valkyrie Transformable by Yamato Toys. This is just the GBP-1S armor parts and does not include a 1/60 VF-1 Valkyrie ver 2 from Yamato Toys. I used my 1/60 VF-1S Valkyrie (DYRL version) to serve as a model for this armor unit. This armor unit can be installed on any 1/60 VF-1 Valkyrie ver 2 that was made by Yamato Toys.
This armor unit first appeared in Episode 9 of the original SDF Macross Anime that came out in the early 80’s. The original wearer of this armor unit in the anime was Hikaru Ichijo in his VF-1J Valkyrie. This armor unit can only be worn in Battroid mode and cannot allow the wearer to transform his Variable Fighter to either Fighter or Gerwalk mode. It has however a quick release function that allows it to be ditched quickly when the need arises.
The GBP-1S Armor unit offers added protection to the wearer and is armed to the teeth with micro missiles that are stored in the shoulders, arms, waist and various compartments in the lower legs. This version of the GBP-1S by Yamato Toys faithfully recreates the one that is found in the anime.
As with my previous reviews, I will put the negatives in first. So the first quality issue I found in this kit is a slight smudge on the painting of the vernier in one of the lower leg armor pieces. No biggie.
Second problem found is a design issue. The lower leg’s inner armor unhinges easily allowing the armor to break apart. Nothing that strip of paper won’t easily fix. The leg armor breaks up into four parts in order to allow the toy to recreate the scene where Hikaru Ichijo ditches his GBP-1S armor
But like I said before in previous reviews of Yamato Toys products, the Macross toys produced by Yamato Toys try to be as true to the original design in the anime series so certain compromises had to be made in exchange for accuracy. And the compromise of course has been durability. If Yamato Toys decided to design this to be durable its price would probably be astronomical also.
In a nutshell, Macross Toys by Yamato have to be treated as display units that shouldn’t be played with. The attention to detail by Yamato and the superb craftmanship that stays true to the design of the toy to the anime is what makes this a great toy for me.
More of the review continued on the next page.
