Pkf.85 Falke - Antigravity Armored Raider w/ Excimer Laser Gun
Allegiance: Mercenary Army

Kit currently in production from Hasegawa Hobby Kits, available from HobbyLink Japan.

I am pleased to offer a review of the Maschinen Krieger "laser" Falke, as currently produced by Hasegawa Hobby Kits, and obtainable from HobbyLink Japan (click the link above). The kit is the first entry in the Falke design evolution, and is a variant. First let's start with the box. The Falke itself is a beautiful new illustration by Yokoyama-san, reproduced in fine detail, so the "laser" Falke fan can really get a sense of how the surface "should" be painted. Hasegawa have released this with a blank box bottom, so there are no detailed pics on the inner side walls or back, which I was a little disappointed by. But hey - let's dig in!

Holy Kow, the plastic is orangish/tan! An interesting decision, and slightly off-putting at first glance, but actually will be an interesting substrate for the hand painters to work from, so I see why it was done. Very clever. You get the basic Falke model, the figure sprue, instructions, new decals, a camo card, the new sprue that contains the unique parts to this model's design, and a DVD of Ma.K. content!!

Here is the new sprue - it contains the Excimer Laser, a larger radar pontoon, and a new fairing for one of the P-38 booms, for a more streamlined appearance.

Interestingly, when I was in Japan last Fall, I was able to examine a Laser Falke test shot. Those Ma.K. fans that remember this new design's debut at Toy Fair will remember the modified Dive Brakes, up-armored front end, and cyclopian hatch. That sprue, for whatever reason, was not included, though it runs in the same mold as the Laser Falke pieces. This tells me there will be another Falke variant from Hasegawa, which is brilliant - bring it on! I like the triple-dip idea, because it offers more variations and flexibility for the modeler. We will most likely get new camo patterns and new decals, which I love.

The camo card and decals do not disappoint, and it looks like Yokoyama-san has included another fun deco entry. Last time we got the "Ghost" Falke with skull and bony fingers, and this time we get a bat!

The DVD was a treat. Region-free, this played right out of the box (here in America), and contains a one minute CGI reel by Hatsuenki-san. There are two versions (music remixes), a silent version, a physical model gallery that showcases Yokoyama-san's Laser Falke, and a gallery of the CGI elements. Very cool of Hasegawa to include this, and if these kinds of films expand, it can only strengthen the fanbase!

All in all, a worthy release, and though I won't buy stacks of this model, it's definitely a must-have for the Ma.K. modeler!

Next up - assembly!

Maschinen Krieger © Kow Yokoyama