SAFS Mk.III Raptor (modelkasten)

Ma.K SAFS Mk.III Raptor (modelkasten)

Back with another review!!
Finally got my hands on this very rare version of the Raptor. Its a modelkasten issue, and based on the box, it was release on 2000.Its release number is 00.28.
Its contents are SAFS sprues a - d, and resin conversion parts from modelkasten. Upon checking the resin parts, I realised the kit does not contain the pilot with visor that is in the newer Raptor injection kit. I'd assume that in 2000, the pilot head was not made yet. Nevertheless, this kit is really cool and most of us would model it with the hatch closed anyway.
The SAFS hull is a single piece of resin with a stub in the front which can be filed/sanded away.
The decals and camo card are different as well. I'll post the decals of the injection version of the Raptor shortly as I just found mine after losing it for a couple of months.
The running price of this kit is in the 7000 - 10000+ yen range (in 2009).
I love this kit and just might keep it for myself... BTW I am less busy these few days as I am home taking care of my kid. House husband:)

[b]Details[/b]
Scale: 1/20
Type of material : khaki injection molds and resin
Number of parts: SAFS sprues + resin parts
Decals: yes
Instructions: yes
Overall quality: Very good
Overall accuracy: Accurate
Date of release: 2000
Release price: 6500 yen
Current Running price in YAJ: 7000 - 10000+ yen (early 2009)

Pictures

box

contents

Resin parts, containing the legs, additional leg armor (this is molded as 1 part in the injection version),rear armor piece, 2 sets of parts (i think) to hold the rear armor to the hull, arms, manipulator, and of course the hull.

camo card (front)

camo card (back)

decals


Added:
specific leg instructions, 6A and 6B where you get to choose between (6A) using the SAFS leg part with the resin armor cover or (6B) using the resin lower leg itself.

specific rear armor instructions, where you get to choose whether or not to use the engine armor, 2 sets of the resin holders are provided.

SAFS Mk.III Raptor (WAVE)

SAFS Mk.III Raptor (WAVE)

This is a WAVE issue of the MkIII Raptor, basically using the old SAFS Nitto molds plus injection version of the Modelkasten Raptor/Snake eye/Fireball SG parts together with new decals and camo card. There are two versions of the Raptor released by WAVE, one containing resin parts from Modelkasten (series 00.28), and the other cheaper version containing injection molded parts. This one reviewed here is the injection version (series 00.02). I've yet gotten my hands on the resin version, which is rare even on YAJ and reaches ridiculous (oops, no offence) prices.

I really wanted this kit when I started this Ma.K hobby and I was not disappointed by the contents even though it was quite expensive. With the recent rumor/news of new Hasegawa releases of the Snake eye and possibly the Raptor, this item has all but disappeared from YAJ.
Well, we shall see...

Sorry, no decal photos as I've misplaced mine for the moment. I will put it in once I find it! :)

Details

Scale: 1/20
Type of material : khaki injection molds
Number of parts: SAFS sprues + 2 new sprues
Decals: yes
Instructions: yes
Overall quality: Very good
Overall accuracy: Accurate
Date of release: Sept2003
Release price: 2600 yen
Current Running price in YAJ: 4500 - 6650 yen

Pictures

box

contents

Raptor's two additional sprues, the one of the left is the same sprue as the Snake eye and Firecall SG released by WAVE as well at the same period of time, the one on the right holds the cool pilot head with visor, new leg parts, Raptor hatch and rear armor.

instructions and camo card (front)

instructions and camo card (back)

Added:
decals (at last!)