"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?
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.
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