Robotime: Wood Model - Steampunk Submarine & Rabbit

I must say these are 2 kits that I am asking for more when I have had done with them. I bought them from taobao and from my previous experience with other China wood model manufacturer, I wasnt having very high hope n that's why I was quite skeptical after seeing their relatively high price. (I am comparing to china made price, not European price; though if compared so, they r still dirt cheap)

Oh, I was so glad I was wrong!

These kits are very nicely made; besides that they come with white glue and a windup music box core.

Some wip pictures:

Packaging is pretty well done, very organized.

Good quality laser work and the instructions are pretty well made: clear n systematic

Comes with vacuum form transparent part which I would say is as perfect as it could be. Besides that, necessary tools like screw driver & white glue too.

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

The Rabbit

Overall I like the design, with movable parts when u play the music box, and some extra metal parts. Best, building is such easy n enjoyable n smooth.

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

Submarine


For someone who like multimedia parts in a kit, the metal chain for the anchor is definitely a plus point!!!!

Oh, I forgot to mention, the kits even come with a set of acrylic display case. I would definitely say these r value for money!

Hatsune Miku GB: Aoshima 1/32 Diva Project Extend Hino Truck

This is a project joining a Hatsune Miku GB organized by KY & Shermen Lim; basically can build anything with a Miku theme. For me, it is another fun n carefree project that I build something I have had never build for a long long time: a decotora (A decoration Truck in Japan)

Ok Pictures first, talk later:







My initial plan was to just build majority of it as from the box, with added  option parts a little here n there solely for easy to paint.
Basically I have added real metal chain for the canvas , the side indicator lights, and some metal balls as rivets. All those are for cosmetic purposes only.

The main problem I have encountered in this kit is the decal. While it looks really beautiful, as other silk screen decal I had experienced, the decal is a little too rigid n thick. With loads of softer, setter, the decals either refuse to settle in at those places with height difference. They either bounce back or simply crack. So in the end, I have gotta give up the orginal design which the it is fully wrapped by decal but made certain sacrifices.

Besides that, I have had learned a big lesson from working outside of my workshop in the common area.: be extremely careful with small parts because there r many people walking around in the common area in icw. One of my side mirror which consist of 3 small, thin, pieces of plastic, dropped in the floor without anybody noticing n in the end got stepped on n broke into piece beyond repair T.T

Other than that, I must say I am pretty happy with the whole process. Not very good finishing, but I am happy I enjoy every bit of the project. This is exactly what I have been working on since 2 years ago.

Sankei x Studio Ghibli: Spirited Away & Totoro Paper Model

This is a series of laser cut paper model by Sankei licensed by Studio Ghibli. The two kits I did here are from My neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away, both are pretty famous animation from Studio Ghibli.


I must say the packaging is really something admirable: Chipboard box, wrapped with uncoated paper with some beautiful printing. The design of the box, actually the cover will serve as the perfect base for the model when u flip it upside down.

However, I am loving the box so much, I use the entire box as a raised up display stand. Coincidentally, the overall height fits just nice in those plastic display box I bought from daisho.

Working on Sankei's paper model is always enjoyable. For the relatively high price, u are guaranteed getting an accurately cut, well engineered, good quality paper model. Building is just easy and smooth. This series require a little bit of painting/coloring, mainly due to the small but with multiple colors characters in it. Just a little bit of water color will do the job fine. (I used water color because i feel it fits the relatively pale color tone of Miyazaki)

So here are the models I did: with proper display, i think they look really nice.





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

Display in ICW: