Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Yamato SDF-1 Project Update #5

Continuing on with the project...

Last time, I mentioned skipping step 68 because the part P10-7 and P10-3 needs to be fully snapped in to be able to attach the bridge. That is incorrect and it doesn't need to be snapped in so I proceeded in completing step 68.
Step 68 completed
Steps 69-70 are just the screw-in assembly part of the base stand. The rest of the base stand assembly is illustrated in the transformation manual.
Step 69-70 completed

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Yamato SDF-1 Project Update #3

From hereon, I'll be completing the assembly in non-linear as opposed to sequential steps as provided in the construction manual. Basically I will build all the modules first then do the module integration next and finally the sealing of the screw ports. I will also do some detailing in between assembly so some modules could be delayed much later than the other modules (i.e. the Macross City).

Fast forward to step 53...

Steps 48-55
Step 53 starts the building of the SDF-1's primary weapon which is also its bow section.

Step 53 completed (module 53)

On step 55, 2 neodymium magnets are to be installed on part P07-4 and P07-2. Note carefully how they are to be installed, it should be mounted on opposite poles so that they will stick together and not repel. It will not be easy to remove them once installed so check the polarity prior to installation.

Neodymium magnets installed.
Warning on neodymium magnets, these are very strong magnets (so called super magnets). You must never let it leave in the open or put  it too close with each other (except if they are already attached to each other). This is because it could fly and stick to the other neodymium magnet and it could shatter or hurt you if you're holding the other magnet.

The four neodymium magnets were attached to each other in one plastic bag. To separate one out, use a metal knife to 'slice' one magnet off. Metal knife is used to lessen the attraction of the magnet to stick back to each other. You'll then have 3 magnets sticking on one side of the knife and one on the other side. Slide out the 3 magnets while holding the other magnet in place. Once the 3 magnets is separated from the knife (keep holding the knife), put it in an empty film canister like the ones I used to keep the screws (better prepare this before doing the 'slicing'). Slide out the remaining magnet on the knife and install it. Repeat the same task for one more magnet.

Note on step 54, part P11-9 has a hook and will seal screws. It will not be easy to remove it once in place. I recommend not to fully snap it on until the finishing stages.

Steps 56-63

Steps 54-56 completed (module 56)
Module 56 bottom view
Note on the photos above, if I move them a little bit closer together, the magnet will pull them together. That's how strong the neodymium magnets are.

Step 57 completed (module 57)
Note on step 57, you need to test if each pair can make a quarter twist against module 56. If there seems to be an obstruction, you'll need to open it again and shave off the excess plastic where the runners used to be attached from module 56. I used a hobby knife to do this.

Last step done for the day is step 58 which connects module 57 to module 53. Each side has 2 panels which are easily removable so you can attach it now and can still disassemble it. This is joint part where you need to disassemble if you want the optionally swap the damaged cannon bonus resin part.
Step 58 completed
Assembly status: 34 out of 70 steps (about 48% complete)



Sunday, August 21, 2011

Yamato SDF-1 Project Update #2

Last time, I stopped at step 15. I skipped step 16 (attaching the magnet to the ARMD connector) until I've completed the ARMD ships. I'll be also skipping steps that will seal the screws so I can make later adjustments or undo the parts to correct mistakes like what happened today. The skipped steps will be done on the final stages.

Moving on...

Reposting step 15-21 for reference
I forgot to mention that on step 13 was the first time it involves making use of die-cast parts (2 pcs). Step 17 also makes use of die-cast parts.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Yamato SDF-1 Project Update #1


Today I've started actually building the Yamato SDF-1 kit.

Here's the rundown of what was done before today:


1. Each of the runners were tagged according to the construction manual, there are 20 runners in all.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Guess what I got in the mail?

This morning I received a notice from the post office to pickup a small EMS package. I said to myself, EMS? I didn't buy anything recently that is shipped by EMS. What could it be?

After receiving the package, I got this:



It's from HLJ! This could only mean one thing, they've sent the missing screws of my SDF-1 kit!
They've cost them Y900 to ship them to me via EMS. Thank you HLJ!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Yamato SDF-1 Project [ON HOLD]

I'll be setting aside this project until HLJ sends me the missing screws. However if HLJ doesn't solve this soon, I'll be forced to look for solutions elsewhere. There are other options to solve this. One is to look for screws in a specialty hardware store. I know a few stores where I can look for. Another option is to simply super glue the parts.

For the meantime, I'll probably do a smaller kit project to practice my rusty skills.



Sunday, August 7, 2011

Links Exchange

I figured out how to make links section on the right column. I will start adding links to blogs related to my hobby and links back to my blog (aka link exchange). First one on the list is HobbySnacks (Thanks for linking!)

Thursday, August 4, 2011

4 days passed and no reply from HLJ

It's been 4 days since I first sent e-mail to HLJ regarding the insufficient screws. I've sent a follow-up 2 days ago and just now I've sent another follow-up, this time to 4 HLJ e-mail support addresses.

If they do not respond, then it's clear that they do not offer after-sales support even if it is a manufacturer fault.


UPDATE:
I just received this from e-mail:

Hi Bobby,

Thank you for writing in.

We are sorry to hear about the missing screws. I will contact Yamato and get them for you.

Thank you for shopping at HobbyLink Japan! We appreciate your business!

Best Regards,

Brian Keaney
HobbyLink Japan
www.hlj.com