GBWC 2022

 

Think of it those years when I joined bandai's competition (bakuc n gbwc), we were really lucky:

We had two judges, one from Japan n one from Malaysia, n out of the 2 judges, at least we are damn sure one is a modeler n knows about modeling n gunpla in n out.

When times the Japanese judge picked something totally weird (he is not really a modeler, just happened to be an employee of bandai who travel Malaysia), our local modeler judge wasn't afraid to fight for the worthy winner based on modeling judging criteria.

After yesterday's event, it reminds me I should appreciate all the hard work this local judge had done for Malaysia gunpla community.

(The man I m thanking here is Eric Yap )

The least is, we knows the direction of the competition clearly ( it is really based on static modeling; ground work, craftsmanship, creativity, presentation etc) n if we were trying to improve our standing in next year event, we know where n how to improve.

Probably the only drawback is, dued to the result majority skill based, the podium hoarder (😝) might ended up to be d same same groups of people. This is not good for encouraging newcomers n new blood.

Now bandai as a business entity, I believe, see this as a problem too. Maybe it s d reason of having a lot more unpredictability in the event.

As a modeler, though I know it is a sales promotion event by core, waving d flag of modeling n doing something like this isn't right. However, I try to look at it in a positive way:

Continue to striving for improvements n new technical challenges, while it could be fun, no doubt there s always some stress in it too. So instead of just doing that n stressing ourselves, since gbwc is so unpredictable seems like everyone has a chance to go to podium regardless of the level of finishing of their entry, why not just chill, build something u feel happy, n take the opportunity to meet friends from all over Malaysia, n wait if u got some prizes, that s a bonus?

The event doesn't carry the question of "deserve" nor "worthy". Every entry s the sweat n blood baby of its builder. N getting a prize is always something happy n should be congratulated for.

Embrace d changes,
continue to enjoy the hobby n make friends!

Btw, the photo credited to Don Suratos 2008 bakuc world champ

Finisher's HaroPla Motorsport Group Build Round 2

 This is a quick project for Finisher's Malaysia Haropla Motorsport Group Build; also my first project since the pandemic in MArch 2020.

As the name, the group build is about building a Haropla in motorsport theme.

My pick for this round is the legendary Honda RA273 F1 car.

Basically I just painted the round red japanese flag's sun, the black strips (No 11) and put some rivet at the back as inlet ports. However, my mistake what I somehow remembered wrongly that this is a V-8 engine instead of in real, a V12 engine. Besides that, I forgot to put on Honda's metal transfer logo.

Anyway, it's a fun n quick project, so all i can say is "I ll do better next time" XD

WIP - Sankei Let's Miniautart My Neighbour Totoro #1

One of the best time in modeling for me: in between projects. This is the time where I will slowly take my time, dig out and browse through my stash. Slowly admiring the boxes of model kits hoping to find one that inspire me to put it on workbench as my next project.

This round, I am in a little dilemma.

I have had set my mind to go for Gunpla project for year end while i was still working on the previous faceless ghost project, but since I know I will be spending months on that, it kinda makes me reluctant to "officially" start it.

So i was trying to dig out something simple and quick, yet i will find it motivated n fun.

Then this caught my attention:

I bought that during my last trip to shizuoka with Andy. I would have got it done a long time ago, just like the other 2 that i bought. The reason this is still in my stash instead of my display cabinet is it is freaking 8,300yen!

Yes, call me cheapskate. But getting a kit done in probably a week or less that cost me near to an MG Sazabi Ver KA, I feel the pain. So I have decided this: Call Andy and get him to do his as well. Hahahahaah

This is how this build off is born.

This is indeed not much of a WIP, more like a slowly open box post; for that 8000+ yen i d paid, i must fully enjoy it. Of course, the packaging looks more like a premium gift that a model kit is one of the reason too.....

The front and back of the packaging:

The contain:
As usual from Sankei, they use top notch Facy card and have extremely good quality laser cut lines. Since I havent build this yet, I would reserve my praise on their building design later.
Seeing the picture already got my hype up!

This is the outter label, front n back.

IDEON 1/830 伝説巨神 - 重機動メカ - ロッグ・マック Heavy Mobility Mech - Log Mac

This is such a lovely mecha design, from the Space Runaway Ideon, a heavy mobility mech-Log Mac. Basically it is a mech piloted by an alien with a ball shape shield on top.

As a result, it looks like a big green ball with a pair of legs. Simple. And funny.

As usual, out of box with a little modification for articulation and some extra option parts. The modification is mainly for a more cartoonish pose. For finishing, I did a little light weathering; basically just simply taruh kinda weathering work; a bit of wash, chipping and some pigment.

Overall, while i like the mecha very much, but I think i kinda failed in making the comical feeling that i initially intend to.

Anyway, whatever done is done. I had a good time huhu.

信风模型 - 投石器 Wood Model - Trebuchet

This is a company specialized in wood model, mainly doing ship model kits. This is one from their Siege Weapons or Machine of Middle Age Series: a trebuchet.

The price of the kit I wouldnt complain much; it is just slightly higher than those kids' wood models, like the dinosaur bone model etc. While it is laser cut on 3 layer plywood, the major complaint of this kit is its accuracy problem.

Instruction manual to me is clear enough, no major mistake spotted, comes with white glue, a poster color-like paint (with heavy picment), and even a cloth to apply the paint.  However the accuracy problem makes the whole building process aint such an enjoyable one. At least from a plastic modeler point of view.

True, i might be spoiled by the accuracy of injection plastic kits. This kit builds more like a wood sail boat; with places need to be further sanding to insert, or even need extra nail to enforce.

The good thing is, the final appearance looks pretty satisfying, with its length near to a feet long. The natural wood texture, though is definitely outta scale, does makes it look really nice; at least to me who always enjoy looking at wood texture.

Og just remember, it does build with movable parts, but the design n accuracy, it is more like for the modeler to final adjust n fine tune the position, fix it, and display.

Space Magical Show Build Off, WIP #1 12/10/19

Today icw very zen because we r practising aroma therapy......

This a build off between Geno n i, which i was so amazed he did know about this anime after i showed him the kit. Since i have kept 2 copies, so we decided to have a little build off.

The kit is Cluster the Robot. Basically i think i m gonna forgo the transforming ability but add some detail one it to make a display static kit.

yeah, butt itchy again, but with a cockpit that size, who wouldnt wanna to do some cockpit light? XD

Just some picture of optical fiber......