toy

Starscream and the Macross/Robotech variable fighter are probably the most popular transforming jet cartoon character/vehicle ever since both appeared in the mid 80's. Although there have been many versions and iterations of toys of either one, both Starscream and a Macross fighter have very little in common aside from the fact that both are jets and both can transform; until recently that is when in 2006, Takara Tomy/Habro and Yamato released the Masterpiece Starscream (MP-03) and 1/60 VF-0 toys, respectively.

Like the VF-0, Starscream's jet mode is more realistic and slicker than ever before, which probably has something to do with the fact that the MP-03 was visualized by Shoji Kawamori, the legendary mecha designer for the Macross series.

RX-78-3 is the second Gundam in Bandai's Gundam FIX Figuration Metal Composite line. It is basically the same as the RX-78-2 with the only difference being that this 'limited' edition is in the monochromatic color scheme of the G-3.

Compare to the initial GFF line, it is bigger (in 1/100 scale instead of 1/144), has better articulation, has metal parts (in some joints and inner frame), uses better/harder plastic, and is just better overall with no parts falling off.

Voltes V is not widely known in North America, but in the Philippines, saying that it was a huge Japanese animation is an understatement. Initially aired in the late 70's, it was banned then re-aired in the 80's and 90's. Like most kids, I grew up watching the giant robot slash alien robots every afternoon. I've always wanted a Voltes V toy, but was not fortunate to have one. That has now changed and I finally have a Voltes-V in my collection.
Produced by Bandai as part of the Soul of Chogokin line, this Voltes-V (GX-31V) is actually the second version with minor improvements over the previous one although both are really awesome. See for yourself.

For my second brushless conversion, I have chosen HoBao's truggy, the Hyper ST Pro. Truggies are great. They have big tires and offer high ground clearance like a monster truck, but have similar layout to and handle like a buggy; hence the name, truggy.

Hyper ST Pro has a good reputation for being able to turn on a dime. It is also very durable, which is evident from the robust component it has. Because of the beefy shock towers, chassis braces and so on, the truggy is also on the heavy side. No matter though, a decent brushless system will have no problem flinging it around.

Converting nitro RC cars to brushless has become the craze lately, especially in larger scales, such as 1/8 buggies and monster trucks. I, for one, can not miss out on all this fun. For my brushless conversion, I have chosen an Ofna Hyper 7 PBS.

There are many reasons why conversion is attractive to hobbyists: you get the benefits of larger scale RC without the noise and smoke, the intense tuning requirements, expensive nitro fuel, and engine maintenance costs associated with it. I could also talk about the high efficiency and massive power brushless systems provide and other benefits as well, but that will be saved for another post.