It's a wonderful feeling to see a product for fans that's been designed by fans who love the subject matter as much as anyone. For starters, this Yamato simply looks great (after all, it was approved by Leiji Matsumoto himself!). The crispness of the little details and the overall paint job and proportions are perfect. And then the gimmicks! The number of features that Bandai has packed into this brilliant rendering of the "Argo" -- as it's known by some fans -- shows off their love quite well...let's see if we can list them all:

Seven different digital sounds and three light-up actions, including super gun ("hado-ho") firing (bow lights), main deck guns firing, small deck guns firing, main engines revving up, main engine ignition (stern lights), red alert (bridge lights), and fighter scramble (requires two AAA batteries). Small switches on the right side of the ship trigger the action.

Panels open all over the ship to reveal inner details, including the bow super gun, main engines, upper hangar, lower hangar (two hatches!), main radar and third bridge.

Moving parts are everywhere! The main guns pivot in unison via a hidden dial, and the gun barrels can all be elevated individually. Small deck guns also pivot simultaneously with hidden dial. Wings pop out via hidden switch release. Main smokestack missiles raise and lower. Engine turbine can be spun with hidden lever. Super gun ignition bolt slides into place

Numerous little accessories are included as well, such as a space anchor with real metal chain, five fighters (two Black Tigers, two Cosmo Tiger II, and one Cosmo Zero) that can be mounted on stern catapults or stored in hangars, plus a large-scale model of the "Cosmo Cleaner D" that mounts with the Yamato on the included display stand.

This item is fully painted, but requires minor assembly of small parts (no cement needed). Sharper, thin plastic parts are formed from flexible ABS to prevent damage, too.

A classic piece that will no doubt command collectors' and fans' attention for years to come!

About 33cm long and 12cm high without base.