>>7180800>>7180905The downwards angle and the gap directly behind the cockpit are in fact caused by the backpack being too far back. Compare the backpack hinge between this Hi-Metal R VF-1A and the VF-1S (from the original non-R Hi-Metal line). Note the larger gap at the hinge on the HMR.
This gap is pretty consistent across all HMR VF-1 toys, so the gap may have purposely been made larger to make it easier to flip up the backpack (some people were breaking this hinge on the OG HM releases) or it may simply be mold degradation, heh. Either way, you can see how there's no gap behind the 1S's cockpit, and the 1S's backpack sits fairly straight. Note how if you put your valk into gerwalk, you won't see any gap behind the cockpit.
>>7180913I focus on getting one leg pegged in all the way first, if it's fully pegged into the fuselage it should be sitting at the right spot to get pegged into the arm, so all you'd need to do is just press in a bit. Do one leg first, then bring down the backpack and get it pegged in. Finally bring up the other leg and it should fit into place without too much effort.
As for the heel, that joint can be very tight out of the box, but once you get it going it should move smoothly. The joint is diecast, so there shouldn't be too much danger, but you want to apply force to the joint correctly. Extend the foot (pull downwards) and then spread the foot open. Pinch the heel between your fingers so you've got a good solid grip that's as close to the base of the joint as possible. Then try rocking the joint back and forth with firm, even force that's focused at the base of the joint (rather than putting all your leverage into the tip of the heel), gradually pushing the heel a little bit further each time. That should loosen up the joint.
