Friday, June 27, 2014

回家

就这么一路走着   地平线远处的初夏
只想着回家    我只要回家
那天拿起了背包   说我只是离开一下
是为了梦想     一定会回家

[#2]
离开了碎石小径    窜梭在钢骨森林
哭着笑着 霓虹灯的婆娑靡丽
忘却了真情原意    影子裂缝中喃呢
哭着笑着 模糊了泪水中的倒影
以为走向的幸福    就在不远处栖息
哭着笑着 一杯咖啡一个天明
最终的恍然大悟    雨后不一定天晴
一步一步 背弃了当初的执意

就这么一路走着    穿上最华丽的装架
却只要回家   我只要回家
今天肩上所背负    当初的 流星梦想家
今天要回家    他只要回家

[重复 #2]

万众瞩目的那一霎    灰头土脸的代价
全世界想的都没差    这一刻啊   我只想回家

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Food Sample - (NagaHiro Ka 永浩屋)Fried Rice Set

On the 6th June, 2014, a fine Saturday, we had a quick, on-the-spot group build in ICW.

The subject is to make food sample, some consumer packaged DIY food sample, just the same as those in window display at Japanese restaurant; which few of us bought in the shopping complex beneath Sky tree during our last visit to tokyo. After 2 years, we decided to spend one afternoon to make them.

There'r a few of us: Jonathan, KY Fong, Ronnie Phoon, CF Toon. Well, that s a really fun filled afternoon.

This is my kit for the Group build, a level 1 (:p) Fried Rice; which I added some extra stuff to make it into a Fried Rice Set. The self-made restaurant, nagahiro ka, is based on my chinese name pronounced in Jpn.


The set consist of fake rice (in two tones of color), chashu, green onion, fish cake, green beans (all fake), a really ugly plate and plastic spoon, and a bottle of white thick liquid that looks like PVA glue to me.



One week before the GB, we had a pre-GB outing, to Sg wang n BTS to search for proper Japanese restaurant utensils. Since I was thinking of making it into a fried rice set, i had bought an extra Jpn cup for showcasing green tea too.



Basically, not much work needed to be done on my set, since it's a level 1 set, merely cutting the chachu, fish cake, and green onion into something that looks real. Just regreted the chashu n fish cake was cut a little too small to my liking... should have been in slightly bigger piece so the the color on these food can be seen easier.


As for the green tea, I was using epoxy resin (Sponsored by Damian, thanks bro!) mixed with enamel paint. Overall, I think i had added a little too much paint n the tea looks a little too "Kaw". However, with the help of the real Jpn tea cup, it is convincing enough and i m not really complaining too much :p



 photo P1011205.jpg photo P1011219.jpg  photo P1011220.jpg

Overall, i am pretty satisfied with the quality and ease to complete of this kit. Really had a lot of fun!!!!


Monday, June 23, 2014

Old Boys Group Build: PG MKII O.L.D. Wip 1

Once upon a time......

Ok, just one fine afternoon, I got this pm from a group chat initiated by Donc, with Omar (aor_or_die) and Matt, suggesting why not the 2008 bunch who met in Hongkong have a build together. As a matter of fact, think of those years where social media wasn't as common and people dont get to "meet" people so easily in the internet, I cherish the friendship, hence i am in.

Oh yes, putting us into this hell pit (just in case it turns into one) is all Don's fault! Hahahahah

So for this Gb, which we dont really set a starting nor ending date, I have decided to work on a PG MKII, a mecha I really love n probably the best overall balanced designed mecha I think in the Gundam universe. (Gundam fan war monger, stay outta this, this is my blog... :p)

At the same time, as Neo_Sigma is also building a PG MKII, I think why not we have a side-to side build to encourage and to challenge each other to reach for the better. Well, since face off or build off sounds much cooler, thus, this is also a face off build between Edwin (Neo_Sigma) and i.

This round i m going the direction inspired by a MKII Edwin built in 2009 ZeroG MKII group Build: Neo Ares MKII (If i remember correctly). Basically a red-color with yellow Titans strips MKII. As Picture below:



**********************************************************************************

Ok basically this is the first time I am building a PG with modification.


First thing I did was.... BREAK the male ball joint on the backpack, the ones that hold the beam saber. Good job, ray.... No big deal, it just add up to additional work.. no big deal.... I say, NO BIG DEAL!


Did a lil sawing, trimming, slicing, cutting, sanding.... Since I will be adding two extra parts from HG Saravee, I just replace the original join to saravee's. In the end, it prove that this is a bad idea....



 photo P1011178.jpg photo P1011176.jpg

This is basically the idea.

Ok credits goes to Shermen, Toon, and Renny too. I realised when come to redesigning of mechas, I am pretty bad compared to there people. Basically, it consist of saravee's thigh, and weapon, plus the original MKII beam saber holder.

Side view:


Side view with no finger T.T :

This is even before all the details, and multiple metal thrusters...... Think really gotta think of a way to tigthen the joint.... darn!


Again, this is something I had been answering many times. If one shall not wish to do masking when he encounter a part which seamline needs to be covered, think of the a way so that the two parts can join without affecting the covered seamline.

Top photo, seamline line covered. Turn it over , can see parts had been saw n cleaned so the connecting part which is a different color can be joined together after painting.


Just random picture... dunno what to say. Standard everyday work witha little panel lining, detailing, and ready for metal parts. Oh, did i mention, again, i made a mistake of not calculating the size n shape of the thruster? Yes, in the end the thrusters will be tilted in a very weird angle. But, what the hack, it can hardly be seen, so i just let it be.... Huhuhuhuhuh.....


Ok..... this will be one of the thing I did...again.... that probably lead me to hell ...again. Yes, square hole hell pit. I shall meet the demon soon.....

so far for now. Talking enough nonsense, showing way-not-enough photos... well, at least after neo-Sigma showed his wip photo, this is my least kiasu reply.... Muahahahah.....

Friday, June 20, 2014

PG MKII - 2014 project

I am and will try my best to keep a log of this project, a project where i face off with Neo_Sigma at the same time as participating entry for the Old Boys Group build.....

No photo yet, but this is the basic sketches n ideas of the logo and the "OLD" meaning..... Still haven't  finalize on anything. Suggestions are utmost welcome.


 photo OLD-Logo-choice.jpg

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Afterthought - Malaysia 2014 Mid Year Challenge

The event ended last Sunday, 15th June 2014. Looking at the result and , especially, read about the post Ronnie Phoon (One of the judges of this event) in Pla-Zone Facebook group  https://www.facebook.com/groups/plazone/;  I bet there must be quite some intense fight between the local and the Japanese judges on the results of this event.



As a modeler who emphasize and continuing to pursue and improve on the fundamentals, I would raise all four to support what Phoon said. However, there's something I simply cannot ignore.

In the past, I have seen quite a number of entries in Bandai's event that got standings that i would think other entries would be more deserving; mainly based on the the fundamental works of these entries. Some are pretty sub-standard. My reasoning at that time was, "Ok, if wanna talk about finishing n workmanship, what hasn't the Japanese yet to see?" I would believe they r more overwhelmed by the raw element n creativity presented in the entry from this part of the world (The south East Asia).

After years of repeating incidents, and from experience after i have a workshop and deal more with the newcomers of the hobby, judgmental opinion aside, I think I am starting to understand the reasoning of the tendency of how Bandai would want to choose entries that would be seen by the world, or at least, the community.

Gunpla modeling is one of the most effective way to attract "new blood" into this hobby; whether they will pick up this as a long term hobby or not, at least, Gunpla is the reason that many first bought a plastic model. This is especially effective, at the same steps of animation and manga, to the younger generations. Young people, with their energetic character, plus the instant-noodle-culture nowadays, static models that require loads of time, patience, and persistency actually contradicts with who they are.

This explains Bandai and other static model manufacturers' dilemma, and Bandai's direction in making they Gunpla line of products. Fast, easy, snaplock, pre-colored; bam! everything is ready to be played and satisfied in the shortest time possible.

Now, go back the the event/competition. Fundamental works requires loads of time, tons of experience. When a new comer sees an entry, it s a completely different POV n opinion from a veteran modeler's. What's good for an entry is, first, it must be able to attract the interest of general public and the feeling of  "Hmm, I think i can do that too" feeling of a relatively new modeler.

That, explains the first choice: creativity; and is a plus that if techincally it is not sky high for others to achieve.

Of course, I see a lot of entries that are winning in creativity AND technical skill, and my utmost respect for that modeler and his/her work. Unfortunately, I, too, saw a lot of God-like technical skilled work that doesn't got recognized, that broke my heart. Well, the least I would like to tell him/her that in the eyes of modelers, he/she is the true winner.

Dont get me wrong, I am not saying the entries that got recognized that is also lack of technical skill do not deserved to be crowned or awarded. To me, Gunpla, unlike the traditional static model kits, is not about replicating the real thing but instead, to redesign. Just like advertising award shows, creativity comes first, production value is a plus, but secondary in most cases.

The simple question: U r half way working on your entry, u r ahead of your schedule n have more time than u need as your initial plan, what would you do? add in more crazy ideas that will awe the world or spend 3x more time n effort to brush up the fundamental that would be respected by modelers?

There is this tendency I observe in facebook, the #1 social media  in South East Asia. Newcomers welcomes modelers whose work that is more "achievable". They adore and learn from him. More newcomers saw, and they pick up the hobby due to that. Amongst them, many continue to learn, improve, and grow. In the end, the community grows. I think this is an absolutely good thing; I think this is what Bandai wants too. Some might say what's good with more people that do not emphasize on the basic element of plastic modeling calling themselves as a part of the community.

I say, the more the merrier. As for the fundamental part, well, to me, is just a choice of path; and the path chosen by many old timers, well, in this new era, new millennium, might not even be considered most suitable path anymore.

Suddenly, I think of Bruce Lee and his contradicting philosophy in martial art to the traditional Chinese martial believes and value system. Yes, the world is changing.

I will end this with a good example; i modeler i know and adore.I will not reveal his name but i think many would know him.

The first time i saw his work, I was thinking, yeah nice color, but the detailing, and finishing.... OMG, that's pretty sub standard; the detailing on the left and the right is not even symmetrical! In the end, his work got recognized. This is not the end of it, something good happened after that.After the win, he kept hardworking and passionate, in building, in sharing, n in promoting the hobby. Hundred, if not thousands, adored him and inspired by him. Many, due to him, got more serious into the hobby. Some follow his path, some choose another path. In either way, more are inspired and more get into the hobby. Whenever I meet a new friend in modeling, seeing his work, almost half of the time, I would have bet my money on he knows n connected to this friend of mine.

Some question my opinion in this matter and this friend of mine, "Is that really good to make an influence for this kind of modeling work?" Being a technically skilled modeler is one thing, to me, what this friend of mine achieve is even making me adore him more; he is almost leaving a legacy in this hobby. Yes, I believe that's priceless.

Time is changing. Holding on to the old value system is no harm, but perhaps if we open to the new ones we might benefit even more?


Photography credits go to Becky Law. You can visit her blog for more photos:

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

玫瑰和他的星球

是谁为了一个问题  寻索了整个宇宙?
每当仰望无际星空  总有个在期待中

是谁展示那四根刺  表现它想的勇敢?
每当他想家的时候  有个安心的理由

遥遥无期的沙漠
明白他的寂寞盼望
看着他安排的保护罩
弯弯的地平线在玻璃折射下
反而变成了
地平线应该有的平

两个人的距离  十万光年后的公里
总有无处栖身的一望无际
但也终有心灵互慰的维系

一个人的日历  撕不去孤独的哭泣
总有被人放弃的歇斯底里
但也终有逃避现实的余力

他说每当看着星星  有一颗会让心安宁
泪水堆积折射的宁静
是迈步远行永远看不到的情景

遥遥无期的沙漠
明白他的寂寞盼望
看着他安排的保护罩
弯弯的地平线在玻璃折射下
反而变成了
地平线应该有的平

两个人的距离  十万光年后的公里
总有无处栖身的一望无际
但也终有心灵互慰的维系

一个人的日历  撕不去孤独的哭泣
总有被人放弃的歇斯底里
但也终有逃避现实的余力

Zoids Penguinassious - Core fighter GB 2010

This is a project for the year 2010 Core Fighter Group Build.

The main purpose of this group build is just to build something light n easy n fast; well, the best subject would be a 1/100 core fighter, that's found in almost every MG Gundam.

It started as such a small n free-n-easy project, but eventually it'd gone way overboard... well, that's another story of sweat n blood, and which got use the first n only Malaysia champion in group category.
For my part, Since i really do not fancy any plane-like object, I d decided to make my core fighter into a mecha-like machine. Just realised it does looks a little like a bird, so in the end, i decided to make it into a mecha in the zoids universe: A Penguin inspired war machine; that is atransformable amphibious machine.....

Well, of course it didn't get any recognition in Bandai's Competition.... Hahahahah!






Monday, June 9, 2014

我只爱

说谎的人     要吞一千支针
说真话的人    难道    注定要赔上余下的人生?

就将要窒息的时候    嘴里吐出的
是胡言乱语   连自己也无法接受的    甜言蜜语
就将要憎恨的时候    曾经爱过的
是挥刀乱砍   连自己也无从辨别的     血肉模糊

就是哪一个眼神
就是哪一种暧昧
就是哪一句咒诅
就是那一脸冷漠
是一场灵魂拼搏至死的革命

哪怕下一秒睁开眼睛     世界依然因你焚烧
我无心另生灵涂炭
只为自己的一口气息      以你的血作为最后的救赎

哪怕把世界变成血海     灵魂依然不惜呐喊
闭上嘴   关上耳朵    红了眼
如果说真的我恨你   我不   我只爱我自己    我只爱


留下来

有哪一种爱
潜伏在未来
那个看是错的路牌
我有预感终有一天     我会回来

我等待的爱
始终还没来
天空看似快亮起来
我放开阴霾   姿势豪迈  起步追踪未来

在我脑海  有爱的那一边
墙壁都是被刷白 充满精彩
沿途上蹲下来 
看叶子和露珠的缅怀
看白云和风筝的相爱
小黄花盛开的姿态   我的问题   被解开

爱所以总被别人爱    因为它总出现的突发其来
无处不在 
要寻找爱   只要把心给满装载
窗外面风景总愉快    因为心里面满满的期待
天堂以外
奉献了爱   总有更多的留下来 


Thursday, June 5, 2014

GBWC: About Half Empty or Half Full

Recently, I had a rather long and interesting chat with a young man. To be more specific, a young plastic modeling enthusiast.

I was trying to figure out how the young's, or the newcomers', point of view on how the recent years of Bandai's Gunpla competition being pretty much dominated by the veterans or, in other words, the old timers.

Not to my biggest surprise, which I kinda expected, these veterans  have been viewed as obstacles, demotivating factor, etc; instead of inspiration.

After being talked to a number of similar persons, not matter how much I would love to disagree, how I want them to know we are here more to help than to compete, there's one thing I guess I could not deny. This s probably, not all maybe, but majority of how people think. Dont get me wrong, the responses I got were not of any negativity . What I mean is the general mind set of this new generation.

During my years, people I looked up to, serve more like an inspiration to me. Even during competition time, they could be vaguely be considered as an "obstacle", but most of the time, they were more like a "challenge". See, "obstacle" is something that block our way to destination. "Challenge" is more of a thing we proactively seek for in order to reach our goal or destination. Although both pretty much do the same thing, triggers the same action or reaction, the view point being more negative to positive is the thing that gots me ponder deeply.

Some may say "Kids nowadays...." bla bla bla, to me, this is exactly the thing got me thinking. If the attitude towards these people is more negative to positive; my point is: does this kinda attitude brings more positive or negative results to the modeling scene. Well, at least over here in Malaysia?

Every era and generation has its own way of dealing with issues, and i believe, none of them is the same. Probably the only thing that is constant, to force a new generation to use back the old generation way of solving problems: it will fail.

One might say to his younger generation, "Do you know, last time my father used to......."; with a sense of pride and arrogance. However, one step backward, beyond what u think u have achieve and become, how much difference u are than what your old man expected you to be?

Now, look at the new generation.

When I told some of  my friends of my generation that someone actually said that to me face, "....good lor.... give us newbie some chance la....." I could see the disgusted expression all over their faces. No matter how much I tried to explain that the person who said that was trying to give a compliment to me. No doubt, there shows the mentality, but what I value
more is the intention of trying to give a compliment. He wasn't trying to see me as a hindrance; he's not, it is already deeply tattooed into him. This is his generation of rational.

Most of all, he didnt mean bad. He sounded as sincere as he could, just that his mentality is not the easiest thing to be accepted by many old timers. Well, generation gap.

Maybe some might think my decision makes me looks like I am one cocky old fart, but I would rather open up and try something that I think might help the community. Well I dont agree to it, but I believe there s a certain possibility it might work.

The glass is half empty or half full? The person next to you might have a totally different POV from you; but it doesn't make him wrong.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Overkill Group Build: Fly Kite!!? Wip #2





 Pre-shade. This round instead on the normal spray-on-the-edge, i decided to do some color texture....

Initially tried to do it with carious colors instead of just various shapes. Honestly the effect is pretty good. the only thing is, for the amount of work, the beauty is way too subtle. So....... decided a no-go.

Pre-shade the base.



This round, decide to use acrylic for paint chipping effect. Vallejo is chosen due to its high color pigment, Thank you Lim Soo Jin for the tips, demo, n the loan of paints.

using some cheap sponge, and Vallejo paint. The last picture is to get rid of extra paint from the sponge.

First test on unwanted part with different colors.

Just some example, before & after.


Since I m doing still water, the material i choose to use is epoxy resin, a hi-liquidity slow curing solution. The fully cure duration is about 16 hours.
From photo, can see initially there s quite a bit of bubbles, use fire to burst them.
Besides that, attempt of doing a subtle stream, moving water effect on the resin, but seems like failed.

Initial idea, instead of doing a sewer hole, was thinking of doing a small steam/waterfall. hence this testing subject. From photo, this has already 2 layers. First layer, at the bottom, the resin is mixed with a little enamel paint, the color is to show the depth of the water. second layer, top, pure clear.

since it's done, at the end of the experiment, decided to do running water too, with woodland scenic's water effect. From photo, it looks still ok, but in real, suck big time. abandon it.

some indication on the problems i encounter..... which i've forgotten WTH are them.... Hohoho

trees test run.