Home
Privacy Contact

Monday, May 14, 2012

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Transformation Manual of the 1/60 VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max ver was translated to English and can be found here.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


This arrived a couple of weeks ago from HobbyLink Japan, the 1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max by Yamato Toys. Originally released in 2009, this mecha was from the Macross 7 anime series that came out in the 90's and was piloted by Adm. Maximilian Jenius. There is also a red version that was released by Yamato Toys. Thats the one that was piloted by his wife, Milia Jenius.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The VF-22S Sturmvogel II was based off the failed YF-21 from the Super Nova project. It differs from the YF-21 by having the Brain Direct Image system removed from the mecha's avionics. The Brain Direct Image system allowed the pilot to control the craft by thought alone. Problems however developed as prolonged use of the system could cause adverse problems with the mental health of the pilot.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The toy itself is based off the 1/60 Perfect Transformation YF-21 of Yamato Toys but there are slight differences. The head sculpt is different along with having a bubble top see-through canopy. The side armor of the legs also have a different design from that of the YF-21.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Lets proceed with the problem areas that I've found with the toy that I got. First problem I had was that the head turret/antenna kept falling off.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Next one was that one of the landing lights on the wing kept falling off. But worse was when one of the tail rudders popped off when I was transforming it to Gerwalk mode from Fighter mode. Never had that happen to me when I was transforming the 1/60 YF-21 of Yamato Toys.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


Luckily all those problems could be easily fixed by adding some glue after popping them back in to prevent them from falling off so easily. The good thing with my house is that I don't have any carpeting, because of which I could easily tell when the parts fell off by the sound they made upon hitting the ground.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Another problem that plagues the VF-22S is actually an aircraft design problem that all the YF-21/VF-22 designs have. And that is that it has a hard time standing up in Battroid mode. The cause behind that is the top and back heavy design of the mecha and the thin legs and small feet that have to support it. I can't fault Yamato Toys on that since that was born out of the designs approved by producers of the Macross Plus/Macross 7 anime.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Aside from those minor inconvenience this is actually a great toy that faithfully reproduces the VF-22S Sturmvogel II. But like all of the toys made by Yamato Toys for their 1/60 Perfect Transformation series, these are display toys and not toys that are to be played with. These are toys that should be left in a display case or shelf and should be enjoyed by ones eyes and not to be roughly played with by ones hands.

More of the review found at the succeeding pages


Unboxing



After owning a few 1/60 Perfect Transformation Toys in my collection I've realized that Yamato Toys doesn't have a standard box size for the toys that they release. I think it's something that they should definitely look into in order to reduce cost of shipping on their part as the number of a particular toy type that can be fit into a shipping box is different each time. Alas I digress, I've pointed that out because the box size of the VF-22S is different from that of the YF-21.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the front of the box next to a 12 inch ruler for comparison.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Top of the box
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Back of the box
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Side of the box
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Pulling out the box you will see an inner box where the toy is housed in a vacuum formed thin plastic case that will protect the toys from being crushed
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

At the back of the inner box is a plastic bag where the manual and stickers are housed
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The VF-22S is kept in place in its vacuum container by means of these two plastic protrusions. Pressing one of them in allows the VF-22S to be released from its housing.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Here's a shot of the VF-22S out of its container and next to a 6 inch ruler for comparison.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The VF-22S toy has some plastic wrapped around its wing area in order to protect it from damage
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Aside from the wing area, the two tail rudders are also wrapped in a plastic cover.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The main rear landing gears are also wrapped in protective plastic
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

And like with the 1/60 YF-21 that I have, only one of the legs are wrapped in protective plastic.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


Accessories



Aside from the VF-22S Sturmvogel II itself, the toy also comes with 2 gunpods, Maximilian Jenius pilot figure, a sticker sheet, transformation manual, stand attachments and fold generator stand attachments.


The toy comes with a 28 page manual in Japanese that details how to transform the toy from Fighter to Gerwalk to Battroid mode. It also shows how the options are to be used. What is lacking from this version of the manual as against the YF-21's manual is the information on how to do limiter release mode. That's because this was never done by Maximilian Jenius in Macross 7. Limiter release mode is basically the removal of the legs and arms of the mecha during fighter mode, which was done by Guld Goa Bowman in Macross Plus in the YF-21 in order to beat the Ghost X-9 fighter. In the anime, Limiter Release mode is actually more than just ejecting the arms and legs in fighter mode, its the release of the limiters from the control system that prevents the craft from going beyond certain performance limits pre-programmed that could either destroy the plane or kill the pilot.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the manual next to a 6 inch ruler for comparison.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the sticker sheet that comes with the toy
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the sticker sheet next to a 6 inch ruler for comparison
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Manual and Sticker set inside the plastic bag that houses it when it was taped to the underneath of the inner box
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 scale Maximilian Jenius pilot figure
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the back of the Maximilian Jenius pilot figure
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

From different angle this time, the back of the Maximilian Jenius pilot figure
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

In case you still haven't gotten enough of the Maximilian Jenius pilot figure, here's another shot of it *snicker*
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


Maximilian Jenius Pilot figure inside the cockpit during Fighter mode.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the two Gunpods in its stowed form next to a six inch ruler for comparison
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The Two Gunpods now in its extended firing form next to a 6 inch ruler for comparison.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Underside of the Gunpod
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Close up of the Barrel of the Gunpod. It's not hollow
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Pistol grip of the Gunpod
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Side view of the pistol grip of the gunpod
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Rear stock of the gunpod
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The toy comes with two stand attachments that allow it to be connected to a Yamato Toys type stand that isn't included with the kit.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the stand attachments next to a 6 inch ruler for comparison.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The toy comes with two fold booster attachments that attach to the back of the VF-22S. The fold booster doesn't come with the kit but come be bought separately as the optional 1/60 Fold Booster & Fast Pack for the YF-19 & YF-21 kit

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the fold booster attachments next to a 6 inch ruler for comparison.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

The Sturmvogell II has two intake covers mounted on the air intakes of the engine

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Reverse side of the intake covers. It has markings "L" or "R" to easily determine whether it goes on the left or right intake. As you can also see, its painted on so take care in not scratching the paint when mounting the intake covers
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the intake cover removed. There is a hole on the top left of this intake, that is where the peg of the intake covers locks into during attachment.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys
Shot of the air intake cover in place
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Fighter mode


The VF-22S Sturmvogel II is configured in Fighter mode inside its box. In my opinion, the Fighter mode design of the VF-22S is the most appealing when compared to the other 2 modes that this mecha can be configured in.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

View from the top of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Right rear view of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Left rear view of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Bottom view of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Nose of the plane
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Bubbletop canopy of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Close up of the underside of the main fuselage of the VF-22S, notice the lack of holes where the gunpods could be mounted, like with the YF-21 version.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


Vectored thrusters of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Vectored Thrusters of the VF-22S in the fully opened position
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Close up of the right wing root of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Close up of the left front fuselage of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Rear facing vents at the top of the air intakes
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


Right wing of the VF-22S
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Left wing tip of the VF-22S whose angular position can be changed
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Left wing tip of the VF-22S with angular position changed
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Top view of the rear thrusters
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Bubble top canopy of the VF-22S with a yellowish tint
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


Gerwalk Mode



Gerwalk is an intermediate position for the mecha, inbetween Fighter mode and Battroid mode. It takes advantage of the capabilities of both modes in this mode. It is more agile than Fighter mode and quicker than Battroid mode. Because it is an intermediate position, it is capable of hover flight, as opposed to Fighter mode.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Top view of Gerwalk mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Rear thrusters of the VF-22S in Gerwalk mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Top view of the thrusters in Gerwalk mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Left rear view of Gerwalk mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Bottom view of the leg storage area in Gerwalk mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


Rear view of the legs
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the arm in Gerwalk mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

In Gerwalk mode, the foot is only pulled out till this much from its storage area in the leg
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Battroid Mode



Definitely one of the most beautiful designs in the Macrossverse when it comes to Battroid mode. I had a long standing paradigm that this was an ugly mecha, but after seeing the YF-21 up close and personal I finally got to appreciate the design homage. Succinctly, it resembles the battle armor of a Japanese samurai warrior. There is also the homage given by the designers to the Zentradi battle armor, the Queadluun-Rau, by incorporating the similar curves of its arms and legs to that with the VF-22S.

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Maximilian Jenius Pilot figure at the chest area of the VF-22S in Battroid mode. The seat can be pushed back in for it to be in a sit up position during battroid mode. The Battroid mode lacks a blast shield that comes down to cover and protect the cockpit canopy.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Leg part cover during Fighter mode forms the side skirt of the leg
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Forehand view of the hand
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Backhand, peg can be found at the palm of the hand. This is where the hole of the rifle grip gets inserted to help keep it in place.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Rifle being gripped by the hand.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Both rifles carried by the VF-22S in Battroid mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Gun barrel protruding from the forearm, similar to the design of the Queadluun-Rau
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

In Battroid mode, the foot is pulled out fully and locked into place via a hook found the rear of the lower leg
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Rear view shot of the leg showing the hook pulled out fully to lock the foot and prevent it from going back in into its storage area in the leg.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys



Miscellaneous shots



Close up of the pilot seat in fighter mode. Wire coming out the back of the head rest were used to recreate the BDI interface in the YF-21

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Another view of the cockpit. Cockpit display detail can be added by means of adding the cockpit monitor sticker from the included sticker sheet.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Maximilian Jenius inside the cockpit during Fighter mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Yellow tinted canopy
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Main landing gear with plastic cover and wheel is rotated to the position for storage
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Main landing gear with plastic cover removed and rotated to the front direction. Compared to the YF-21, the tire on this doesn't have any excess rubber parts attached, indicating a bad rubber cast.
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Front landing gear inside its wheel well
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Front landing gear in the wheels down position
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Another view of the front nose landing gear
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Top view of the fuselage, with the wingtips bent down to change the angle of attack
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Shot of the air intake
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


Nose of the fuselage viewed from the left rear
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Another view of the bottom of the plane, no slots available to house the VF-22S's gunpods, unlike with the YF-21
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Left rear view in Gerwalk mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Gerwalk Mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Leg storage area in Gerwalk mode
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

Top view of the thruster
1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys


1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys

1/60 Perfect Transformation VF-22S Sturmvogel II Max version by Yamato Toys