Learn about:
SF3D 1982-1986
MaK 1998-Present
Mercenary Forces
Strahl Forces (SDR)
Unknown/Unaffiliated
Blech Mann
Robot Battle V
I. H. Y. S. Club

All designs listed alphabetically:
Achilles B
AFS Archelon
AFS MkI
AFS MkII
AFS MkII Type E
AFS Trident
Augenstern
B-4500
Bananaboat
Bull Hound
Calliope
Camel
Camelboat
Cerberus
Centaur
Chaika
Dollhouse
Dollhouse AA
Dora
Eggeater
Elefanten
F-Boot
Falcon & Rat
Falke
Falke II
Ferkel
Fireball
Fireball SG
Firefly
Fledermaus
Fliege
Friedrich
Fuchs
Gans
Gans (Land Gans)
Gladiator
Gladiator MkII
Goblin
Grasshopper
Green Buffalo
Greif
Großerhund
Gucker
Gustav
Gustav G-4
Heinrich
Hornisse
Hornisse PK43
Hummel
Hyper AFS
Intersepter
Jerry
Käfer
Kanguruh
Kauz
Ketzer
KH-503
Königs-Kröte
Konrad
KrachenVogel
Kröte
Kröte Ausf PaK
Küster
Launcelot
Lunadiver Stingray
MaK Girl (Raptor)
Makel
Melusine
MK 41
MK 41 Space Type
MK 42
MK 44
MK 44 Space Type
MK 52 G
Moby Dick
Morgenstern
Neptune
Neuspinne
Neuspotter Anton
Neuspotter Bruno
Neuwasser
New Fireball
Nutrocker
Nutrocker II
One of Pluto
Oskar
Polar Bear
PK240
PKA Ausf HO
PKA Ausf G-6/U4
PKA Space Prototype
Proto-Powered Suit
Prowler
PzKfz 182
Raccoon
Raptor
Ravin
Reynard
SAFS MkI
SAFS MkI A-5/N
SAFS MkI A-5/R2
SAFS MkI A-9
SAFS MkI A-9/N
SAFS MkII
SAFS MkII Trident
SAFS MkIII
SAFS MkIII A-8/R-7
SAFS MkIII A-8/R-8
SAFS Prototype
Salamander
Salvage Freighter
Sand Stalker Sdh222 F
Sand Stalker Sdh232 M
Schallgewehrtraktor
Schenkel
Scout Flier
Sea Pig
Seduce
Skinhead
Snake Eye
Sph69 Hovertruck
Sph69-P Troop Carrier
Sphinx
Sternail
Sturm Käfer
Super Jerry
Super Prowler
Tornado
Undine
Unidentified
Walrus
Wespe
Y-15
Zerstover (Lunar Rover)

©2005 Kow Yokoyama

This is one of those Nitto/Model Kasten kits. It is a variant of a Fireball, which is the space-going SAFS suit. This is the "SG', or Stop-Gap design, on the way to the "Snake Eye" SAFS suit. I painted this suit as if it has seen action on Mars.

The Mercenary Forces decided to phase out the Fireball suit with the introduction of the Snake Eye space suit. Unfortunately, supply could not meet demand with the Snake Eye production, so the development of a Stop Gap was necessary. It is a hybrid of old Fireball components and new Snake Eye technology, which increased it's viability. It does not have the added sensor suite of the bulging hatch the Snake Eye posesses, but does utilize the new Laser arm and covered/integrated rear deck which protects fuel tanks and engine bells.

There is a translation on the packaging that reads: "Developer Peter S. Matsumoto managed to reduce the production costs by a considerable degree, for these merits he won the Frugal Award twice." Are we to assume that the Mercenary Forces are hard pressed for materials?

It still did not compare favorably with the Snake Eye - the poweplant was too small. The Fireball SG did sport improved armor, which "contributed a lot to higher survival rates of the pilots."