The "5 minutes" Gunpla Expo

"5 MINUTES"

OK maybe I exaggerated a bit but that was how I felt after my trip from Singapore Gunpla Expo at Bugis Plus. So I took 5 minutes to do a complete tour of the whole expo? Why? Firstly,I find most of the contents a tad too repetitive. Except for some of the new upcoming and event exclusive products, there is really nothing much to shout about. 

I remember during Gunpla Expo in 2012, there were many interesting stuff like a huge display done by Hobby Art Gallery, a showcase of custom Gunplas done by celebrities etc. This time round, it is a little wee bit underwhelming. Well, at least they still have the Gundam Image Girls... (Sorry no photos of the girls)

The venue for Gunpla Expo this year is at Bugis Plus (next to Bugis Junction). Pretty central area and easily accessible. The expo occupied a much smaller area compared to the one at Nex, Serangoon Central. It is very evident from the narrow and cramp layout of the current expo. I am beginning to miss Nex already... 

The only things that stopped me in my tracks. The Nightingale and Hi Nu Gundam. 

And of course, the upcoming Gundam Reconguista. I'm still trying to figure what this series is about. That explains why the Creator mentioned that it's not for "pre-existing Gunpla fans" and I should show it to my children and grandchildren. Well, it's worth a shot but my son looks pretty disinterested. 

Having said that, I am actually intrigued by the unique designs of the mechas. Looks very interesting. 

Now, on to the highlight of the Expo, GBWC 2014. 

This year, I see lesser entries. It is pretty obvious from some of the empty shelves on display. I thought more could be done to have the entries evenly distributed. Empty shelves are unsightly and leaves an impression that there are insufficient entries (or maybe it is). And some of the biggest entries could do better with more standalone space.  

And it's the exact opposite when it comes to space allocated at the display area. It's cramp. I could only remembered been bumped into every time I try to take a shot of the entries.  And it's not even peak period. 

At least the lighting for the display case is good enough for me to take decent pictures of the entries.

Well, let's have a look at some of the entries. I think there is a slight drop in standards this year even though there are many good entries. Perhaps my expectations are too high but I do notice that many big hitters are missing in action, Waylander, Leon Ku and even our 2 time GBWC World Champion. And also missing are the top 2 winners from last year GBWC as well. Chocofalcon and Mechaman. Remember them? Let's me refresh your memories a bit. 

Can we have a royal rumble next year guys??? 

Ok, enough of my daydreaming, let's move on to the entries for real  this time... 

See? Empty shelves.

OMNISLASH RED KNIGHT

OPERATION MURASAKI RAI

NOBEL GUNDAM 

 ZAKU V 3.0

MOON DEFENCE 

ALL OUT ASSAULT

MANIFESTATION

Needless to say, this is one of my favourites. Made by our X-pert old bird, Jaef Liang. And what do you know? Old bird make bird wings! LOL... Impressive! 

JO9N OF ARK 

Finally, a lady modeler. Her first kit and first time joining. So be nice to her. Still raw in terms of skills but that can be corrected with the right mentors right? ;) 

NU V MAINTENANCE

NO EASY DAY

SANDROCK [GREEN BANDIT]

RIVALS

STRIKE FREEDOM

WING GUNDAM FENICE VER.EW

UNSHEATHED

DUEL

PS? 

This is obviously placing the wrong tag on the wrong model. Again. I remember someone mentioning to me this is called Psycho Zeong? Sigh... 

Well at least the organisers are pretty "consistently inconsistent" when it comes to placing tags. Now, who is Psycho Zeong? Let me go find....

And not to forget, Mr Derrick Poh.  Another X-pert old bird. Can the open cat winner for mid year competition repeat the feat again? Keeping my fingers crossed.  

ASTREAYA VALKYRIE MK-13

Did anyone notice? "KENNY LIM" !!!!!!!!

DIVINE DESTINY GUNDAM 

FLEETING LOVE 

SHINING COPPER 

MY 1ST GUNDAM 

SEI ZERSTORUNG

OBLIVION PROTOTYPE

SERPENT

WRATH OF DELTA + 

AMBUSH

Oh man! I love this diorama! Tells a story and not overly done. Good job! 

PSYCHO ZEONG!!!

There you are! Being looking high and low for you! 

AMAZING ZAKU CUSTOM

FINAL BATTLE 

GEARA DOGA [THE ASSAULT]

BEYOND THE TIME

~!BURNING~!ERUPTING BUILD KNUCKLE~!

VEGATA

THE LAST DEFENDERS OF FIRE 

 THE "YELLOWCOAT" REBELLION

THE CRIMSON COMET 

Yes. BIG is in. This one stands out from the rest because of its size. 3 big entries, 3 winners? We shall see.... 

GREAT DISCOVERY 

FREE-DOM

GUN CONTROL? 

NEVER HEARD OF IT

BANSHEE D'REBELLION

CUSTOM OZ-OOMS TALLGEESE

DOUBLE EDGED 

DELTA PLUS  

CUSTOMISED STRIKE I.W.S.P

TIEREN PHALANX

RG EXIA R2 

HAZEL FLIGHT MODE 

QANITIUM TYPE B 

BLITZ - GUNDAM BLOCK LOTUS 

I always like how this fellow does his stuff. Elegant, stylist and strong basics. Now it's time for him to take it one step further. 

THE LITTLE DEVIL 

STRIKE ROUGE FREEDOM 

CLIMAX TO RESORT 

INFINITY AND BEYOND

RAY'S LAST STAND 

TURN X SPLIT 

ENDURANCE 

LAUNCH STRIKE 

BANSHEE 

KYOJIN ASTRAY

This one caught my eyes as well. And I didn't know it's from the junior cat! 

So that's about it. Can't believe I took the whole night to do this. 

Well, to conclude. Gunpla Expo 2014 is a shade paler this year. I was hoping to see the new upcoming RGs, Gundam Blue Frame D, HGUC Z II or even the MB Avalanche Exia. There are still the limited exclusives but I am not really interested in them anyway.

So go down and have a look if you are in the vicinity. Support the local lads and their entries.