Dan Salas, Fullerton, California
Dan writes: “This is Hasegawa’s 1/72 scale VF-1D Valkyrie from Macross (a Japanese mecha anime series). The Valkyrie is a variable fighter, which means it transforms into a robot (although this kit is dedicated to the fighter mode). The VF-1D is a two-seat trainer variant. I added parts from a Super VF-1A to make a Super VF-1D (the booster units on the back of the fighter as well as the gray pieces on the rear of the aircraft, like FAST packs on an F-15E). Surgery was definitely required for this. I installed ordnance from the Valkyrie Weapons Set (just like with real aircraft, Hasegawa sells weapons separately). I also added photoetched metal supplied by the kit well as Hasegawa’s aftermarket set. The outboard tanks are from a 1/100 scale F-4E. The markings are a mix of decals from the kit, Hasegawa’s Macross Option Decal Part 3, and decals I created and had printed. The paint scheme is also my own.”