To commemorate the 40th anniversary of "Macross," BANDAI SPIRITS HOBBY Division in Japan recently officially launched the first release in its new "HG 1/100" model kit series: the renowned "YF-19 Excalibur," which took first place in the "All Macross Grand Poll." A prototype showcasing its excellent articulation and new five-layer color-correcting decals was also displayed!
The variable fighter YF-19, commonly known as Excalibur, is a unit developed by Shinsei Industry for the New U.N. Spacy's "Project Super Nova." It was piloted by protagonist Isamu Dyson in its debut work, "Macross Plus." The YF-19 is equipped with innovative technologies such as the Pinpoint Barrier System and active stealth, and features a Fold Booster for Fold Jumps, with a forward-swept wing design providing extremely high maneuverability.
This "HG 1/100 YF-19 Excalibur" was developed using Bandai's latest technology, employing multiple molded color parts and intricate sculpting details to recreate its cool aircraft design and articulation mechanisms. While its characteristic FIGHTER, GERWALK, and BATTROID three-stage transformation utilizes a simplified transformation structure with interchangeable parts, this approach simultaneously frees the aircraft's design from the constraints of transformation mechanisms, eliminating worries about damaging parts and making it easier to handle. The movements achievable by each joint are more dynamic and powerful.
The official presentation also showcased the full range of articulation for each joint, including shoulder joints with approximately 180 degrees of horizontal and vertical movement, multi-axis articulation in the chest and waist allowing for significant forward and backward bending, pull-out hip joints that further increase the spread of the legs, and extended ankle structures to reduce armor interference and improve ground contact for the feet.
The knee joints, designed to accommodate the three-stage transformation, can change position via multi-axis movable joints, further enhancing the overall leg articulation. This allows the knees to be raised close to the chest even in a normal stance, and enables the model to maintain balance and a cool posture even when performing a somewhat challenging high kneeling pose.
Both gun-wielding poses and recreations of the classic "Shield Punch" move are incredibly impactful.
Furthermore, the two types of color-correcting decals included are different from those commonly found in other Gunpla products. They are made from PET film with aluminum vapor deposition, and depending on the desired color, come in two types: a five-layer structure with a white base and a four-layer structure with a silver base. These decals are characterized by being extremely thin, having high opacity, and vibrant color reproduction, helping unpainted straight-build modelers recreate various colors and markings on the aircraft!
HG 1/100 YF-19
Reference Price: 4,180 JPY (Tax Included)
Release Date: 2023/01/28
Product Specifications: 1/100 Scale Plastic Model Kit
©1994 BIGWEST
via： BANDAI HOBBY SITE