1:100 Stonewell/Bellcom VF-1J "Valkyrie"; "27 Blue" of SVA-162; Iceland, 2010

[Dizzyfugu]

Again, new pics from an old model, built many moons ago, and actually the 2nd series of additional shots.

Inspired by the tables from VF- source books, this is a VF-1J in a design variant that sticks close to early Sukhoj Su-27 fighters (hence the red star as a squadron marking). I would not call it authentic for the Macross universe - but since other real paint schemes appear in official VF-1 publications, it's plausible. And it looks quite pretty, too. ^^



Not having authentic Russian air force colors at hand, the camouflage scheme was improvised with Humbrol enamels: Upper surfaces in 65 (Aircraft Blue/RLM65/FS 35526), 89 (Middle Blue) and 140 (Dark Gull Grey, FS 36231), and  122 (Israeli Light Blue, FS:35622) underneath, with some mild weathering. Works quite well, esp. on the small model.
The "kite" roundels were printed at home and semi-disappeared under thinned paint as low-viz markings, more promimentbecame the Red Stars on the fins and the large Soviet-style tactical code.

Added details include antennae, a new cockpit with a pilot, new missiles (actually 1:72 Red Top AAMs from an Airfix BAC Lightning kit and some Russian AA-1, probably from an Academy MiG-23) and scratched ECM/chaff dispenser pods.

[Pellson]

I've often looked at the Valkyrie wondering how they control pitch. Apart from that, however, they're dead sexy. 

[PR19_Kit]

The exhausts look as if they swivel in pitch, maybe that's how they do it?

[Wardukw]

I believe that the exhaust is the Valkyries feet and they can move quite alot so that would work as pitch control.

[Dizzyfugu]

Yup, feet allow vectoted thrust, and there's the (mild) butterfly tail, too. Remember that the VF-1 was created with late Seventies high-end technology sh!t in mind!

But I agree: these mecha things are (still) dead s€xy, Shiji Kawamori did an outstanding job on them - not only because of the sleek F-14ish looks, but also because of the technological "realism" under the hood.

Thanks a lot for having a look! Another one is currently on the bench. 

[Gondor]

Is that a pair of Redtop's that I spy under the wings?

Gondor

[Dizzyfugu]

Yup, as described in the text above.

[Gondor]

Yup, as described in the text above.

I didn't read the text/instructions 

Gondor