Questions to be answered

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Every now and then, I have friendly folks coming up to me and ask how I manage my hobby. I thought I could share some of my insights on some of the common questions raised. And here they are as appended:-

Q: You do have a day job and you still need to work on your model at night. How do you do it?

A: One word, "Passion". It is the passion for Gundams that keeps me going. It is this passion that continues to drive me into learning/experimenting new things. And it is this very passion that allows me to survive with just three hours of sleep every day without side effects. Or maybe I spoke too soon.... :)

Q: Project after project and there seems to be no end to it. Don't you get tired and want to be free from all this? 

A: That would be a very odd way of looking at it. When you are doing something you love, you shouldn't feel being tied down by it. Of course unless you think it is a waste of time. Do you? Eventually I will have to move on. But it would be into other aspects of modeling  of course. You can never stray away from your passion.

Q: I got some completed models and would appreciate if you can give me some constructive comments? 

A: Of course I will. In the past, I used to hold back my comments because I do not want to create negativity. But now, I rather be the bad guy and give comments that will help improve the modeler.

Many years ago, I remember seeing a HG Kshatriya with horribly done panel lines. It seemed like freehand drawing to me. And the lines were not sanded down at all. I did asked why and was taken aback by the modeler's half-baked excuse. I should have been more critical with him but I let it pass instead. I sure hope that guy can do proper panel line now.

Q: I see you a lot at Hobby Art Gallery. You are one of the owners? 

A: To put the record straight once and for all,  I don't owe this shop nor am I a shareholder. Hobby Art Gallery (HAG) is like a second home and the people there are family to me. You can say I grew up with them. Special thanks to Joyce, Sam and Leon, who helped me a lot over the years.

Q: Last question, your wife does not object to your hobby!? 

A: For your information, my WIFE is my quality control inspector. She can spot poor panel lines, misaligned decals, uneven paint surfaces faster than I say "Gundam". She also gives me opinions on colour scheme and modifications. Sometimes she even help me  devise strategies for competitions! And you know what's the best part? She is TOTALLY alright with my compulsive hoarding!

Toymaker