Hobbymate Micro 2S Pro

For some of you who might be interested to know the array of tools I used for modeling, I think it is about time I do some periodic reviews of tools and options parts for everyone's benefit.

I picked up this tool called Micro 2S Pro from Hobbymate. Upon opening the package, I see this palm size gadget which resembles a motorized toothbrush. The end of the tool is an attachment called the polisher. The sandpaper can be replaced easily. It only requires two AAA batteries to operate. 

It has two variable speed for most needs. I tried using it on a few parts and it work well enough. The attachment is flexible so when you apply pressure, there is no risk of over-sanding your part. IMO, it works best on smaller parts like those Zaku pipes which is a pin on the neck for me. However, it is also possible to use it for polishing and smoothing of surfaces

The various attachments available - interchangable. I have make a video on how this thing works (my apologies for the crappy demo).





All in all, I would say this is a nifty tool to have around. And it is very very affordable too. Will be available in mid March. The first 100 pieces to go at S$29.90 each!  

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FAZZ (Commissioned Work)

After six long months, I finally completed this. It took me quite awhile because I have been trying a few colour schemes and was undecided on the best one. Eventually I went for something refreshing for this classic MS.

When I was commissioned to do this one, the immediate challenge to me was how to make a bulky looking mecha look streamline? I brainstormed for awhile and singled out the key areas to work:-

• Colour scheme - to concentrate more on the grey tones than the whites.
  
• Reducing the armor without sacrificing the "look" of the FAZZ.  
• Breaking the general shape of the armors to create depth and complexity.
  

For detailing, this would be one of my favorite MS as there are so much area for me to work on! The process was pretty fun! 

So after numerous failed colour scheme testings, I think I have achieved what my objectives. I sure hope my customer will not mind a "different" FAZZ.  I have chosen red over blue as the base colour of my whites has a hint of reddish-brown to it. I also used Hull Red for panel lines which is a first for me. And with the three different grey tones I used, all colours actually blend in nicely.

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Hobby Art Gallery

Every now and then, I will have friends asking me where I get my Gundams and supplies. I always direct them to Hobby Art Gallery, short for "HAG". I think it is about time I write something about them.

Firstly, some history. Back in 2002, I am still an amateur in Gundam modeling and was heading nowhere. Back in those days,  Gundam wasn't really popular even though it has been around for quite some time. I do not have any friends who share the same hobby and I would feel "lonely" at times. However, my girlfriend back then (now my wife) shared the same enthusiasm as me.

Well, that changed completely when I stumbled upon HAG. I could still vividly remember that day I was at Sunshine Plaza with my wife for lunch. As I sat there having my meal, something caught my eye. I saw some Gundams on display! Oh boy, you wouldn't know how happy I was! I stood outside for awhile admiring the completed models and finally mustered enough courage to walk in. "Muster enough courage"? Well yes, I was afraid that it would turn out to be another "collector" toy shop. Of course I was wrong.

Rows and rows of Gundam boxes greeted me. I thought I had never seen so much in my life. I was overwhelmed and stood there as dead as a log. Looking at me, this petite lady behind the counter would probably assumed that I came from Mars. She was none other than Joyce, the owner of HAG. I was busily keep mental tabs on all the Gundams for sale that I became so oblivious of my surroundings. I was like a boy counting the number of birthday presents he received. These are really sweet memories.

I could not remember whether I bought anything that day. But I signed up as HAG member number 12 which I am mightily proud of it even until now. Little did I know that this shop and its people will play a important role in this hobby of mine in time to come.

Ok, enough of the history lesson. Now to the topic proper. Located conveniently at Sunshine Plaza, Bencoolen Street, HAG specialize in Gundam merchandise. Operating hours from Tuesdays to Sundays and Public Holidays, 1.00 pm to 7.00pm. And close on Mondays. Contact number: 6334 5340.

You will find most of the Gundams in the store and there is a wide array of modeling tools and option parts for sale. And if there is something that you can't find, you can always ask the bosses, Joyce and Sam.

HAG do provide lessons for those interested in taking up this hobby. And over the years, they have groomed several champions for BAKUC junior category.  

Shop Front

One special feature of HAG is their display. You will find the most number of finished models put on display all in one place. These models are contributed by our local modelers and that would include me :)  

Models on display, those LEDs are a killer!!!

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Updates - FAZZ

I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. A few more days and this will be completed. Very excited as I see this one slowly take shape. A few more parts to paint and I will be home dry. Yipeee!

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PG GP01 by Leon Ku

Here is one classic that everyone likes, a Perfect Grade GP01/Fb. For those who has this will know how massive this kit is. With hanger parts and additional amours, it is a challenge to complete this.

Luckily, Leon did this one a few years back. Being the speed demon he is, I have absolutely no doubt he completed this within a month. Aside from details and panel lines, he even added a hanger "wall" to complete the set up.

Enjoy the view guys!

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Reflections

OMG before I even noticed, 2009 is coming to an end. Well the time has come for me to submit my report book. A look at what I have done for this year and to set up my goals for 2010.

Nothing eventful this year. And that suits me just fine. My office job is stablizing but I think I should give it a push next year. I don't see myself as a very efficient person. If I was, I would be finishing 10-20 gunplas a year. So I will be looking for ways to improve on that aspect. Somtimes I do feel a bit overwhelmed because there seems to be a thousand things to do and so little time. Most often than not, I begin to panic and can just go blank. I guess the key here is to prioritize my work and be systematic. Of course it's easier said than done, but at least I have narrow down and recognise my problems. Now all I need to do is to stop procastinating and get down to work!

As for my hobby, now how many kits did I finish this year? Freedom Gundam, Cherudim Avalanche, 1/60 Exia and a MG Exia. Four gundams in one year! Oh that is miserable... Looks like next year's agenda will be to improve my speed, as usual. I miss out on BAKUC this year because I could not finish the FAZZ in time. The "take my own sweet time" mentality has to go. Or esle I can never get anything done. I realised that I have never submitted a 100% completed kit for all the competitions I took part in except for the Sazabi Flight Type which I finish both the kit and the base. So next year, my aim is pretty simple - to FINISH something for BAKUC 2010. I think that would be a great achievement for me already(LOL).

As for this blog... on my! It has been almost three years since I first started. I could still remember my first post showing my stash :) well that had grown quite a bit from then. I have come a long way. Recently I have been trying to improve my blog. From the contents to the layout, I am constantly looking for new ways to make them interesting and informative. I think there is still a lot to be done and I will keep trying. However, I must say that it is pretty hard to maintain a blog with other committments (and distractions).

On the other hand, I have come to know a lot of people from other countries which is pretty amazing to me. This is one of the many factors that keeps me blogging about my passion. In fact I never knew that there are so many people follwing my blog and I am really grateful to all of them...

I would like to appeal to all of the readers of this blog to suggest ways I can improve. All ideas are welcome and I will have to see whether implemetation is viable. But I can assure you that I will keep improving.

Ever since my mum left me, life has became somewhat a black and white movie to me. Somehow, I do not fully enjoy the happy moments that I have as much and most of the time, I would be thinking of the past when she was around. At times, I felt that I am just going through the motions. At first it was tormenting, but lately I realised that those memories are only what I have of her left. I can bear to forget them so I keep replaying them. At times, I find the heartache really unbearable. I hope that my heart will just stop beating and I wouldn't feel a thing anymore. And it is very very frustrating when there is nothing you can do about it. Nowadays I would look up to the sky when I think of her. Why? I think this may sounds stupid but I am hoping the sky would open up and someone will answer all my questions...

Edit: I also want to thank my wife for being there for me. She fully support my hobby and has never complain about it once. I thank her for being so understanding and most importantly, forgiving. I will always cherish her and ensure that my family comes first no matter what...

I am looking out of the window now and tonight is especially beautiful. All the lights in the distance actually warms my heart even though I see them everyday. Tonight, I am feeling very good after so long a time. Maybe a new year is upom me and it is about time I live my life...

TO ALL OF YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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How it should have ended

My son came across something really funny when he was on U Tube watching Transformers cartoons. My wife and I had a good laugh and I thought you guys should too....

How it should have ended



Meantime (in another corner spraying), yup I am getting there slowly but surely....

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Gundam oo Movie trailer

I like it the moment I sees it. I find the newer models have this "cool" factor something I can't put a word to it. I am oh so going to get the models upon their release. I really like Gundam Zabanya, Gungrave style!

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BB Mania

Finally got my tiger over the weekend. And I had an idea and decided to buy two more for a diorama. I have never done a BB Senshi kit before because I think that all those masking is a bit daunting. But I want to give it a try soon...

SUN QUAN

TAI SHI CI

SUN CE

I got this feeling that this build will be pretty fun for me. Now only the FAZZ stands between me and them.... Must faster finish it!!!

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Downcast

For the past two months, it's all rainy and cold. When I looked out of the window, I always see dark clouds looming in the horizon. Somehow, I find this very comforting but at the same time, I feel a void so vast that I'm afraid I will cave in.

After all this time, I finally realised something, time does not lessen the pain of losing your loved one, it merely buries it deep down in the recesses of one's heart. Sometimes these emotions will burst out and as if the floodgates have opened suddenly. These raw, crippling and negative feelings hit me with the such force , it might as well be a tsunami. I felt that I was stuck this endless cycle of the day I lose my mum, over and over again. I find it utterly pointless to cry now. In fact, I think I ran out of tears.

I think missing someone is really tough. Every single night when I lay on my bed, I keep blaming whoever is up there for taking her away from me. I really wanted her to be with me at every point of my life and my son's. I always wanted to hold her hands but never dared to...

Now I only have memories of her. But I am frightened that as I grow older, they too will fail me... Life is cruel. She has never ask for much, she has never complained. She endured great hardships in her younger days. And in the end, what did she get? If I say it is unfair, then I am being inconsiderate to many people who are much more unfortunate than her and still suffering. But I am not that noble. I just want her back...

Well I have already made up my mind. I'm pretty sure she is waiting for me somewhere. When I am done here, I will gladly go to her. In time,yes but not so soon.... I have to go to work tomorrow... (...sian 1/2...)

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Grrrrr... Tiger!

Finally! Something that I am really interested in for the BB Senshi Series. Based on Sun Quan from the "Romance of Three Kingdoms", this BB can transform into a white tiger! This is damn cool. I will probably get two and have them displayed one in "Gundam" mode and one in "Tiger" mode... And its coming to in this month!!! Yipee!

See product here - BB Senshi Sangokuden Gotaitei Sonken Gundam Korinpaku

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Mighty Muggs Transformers Wave 3

Movie Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, Autobot Jazz and Shockwave! What more could I ask for? And best part, I got all four at 20% discount! Man, today is my lucky day..

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