1/60 Exia Gundam WIP @ 25 Feb 09

Latest updates. Just finished modifying the arms. Details can be found at the WIP box on the left.

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Banpresto Desktop Head Set

[Ok, just close a poll @ Plamo forum and the Strike Noir head was the popular choice. So time for some conversion!]

During my Hong Kong trip, I went to several stores in search of these Banpresto Desktop Head Display sets. Released in 2008, the series consisted of four sets, each set containing four display units.

Set 1 contains : RX-78, Wing Zero, Impulse Gundam and Gundam X

Set 2 contains : Zeta Gundam, God Gundam, NT-1 Alex and V Gundam

Set 3 contains : Nu Gundam, GP03, ZZ Gundam and Turn A

Set 4 contains : RX79G, Devil Gundam, F91 and Strike Gundam.

And I must say that these items are really in demand. Most of the stores have already sold out or raised the price of remaining stock by more than two times its original price. Nevertheless, I decided to grab a few as the people from EBASENET is planning a buildgroup for these and I am pretty keen to be part of the group.

As the price is considerably lower than its G-System counterparts, my expectations of the display sets were not very high. But I had a pleasant surprise when I opened the package (I bought a Strike Gundam set). The first thing that struck me was the moulding, I thought it is pretty accurate in terms of proporation and shape. And you could actually remove some parts easily for colouring if necessary.

While G Systems display head sets have very good detailings and LEDs installed, the details on the Banpresto units are kept at a minimum with no LEDs as well. This actually works in my favor since it is my intention add details and learn to install LEDs to this unit.

However, I am having a dilemma now. I wanted to do the Strike Gundam but also thinking about converting it to Strike Noir instead. Although both are similar designs, there are still a lot of works involved to pull of that conversion.

Since I am not able to decide for myself, I will let you guys decide for me. I have set up a poll and would really appreciate if you guys can take some time off to vote.

Thanks in advance!

Toymaker

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GFAS-X1 Destroy Gundam (Conversion) by Leon Ku

I could still clearly remember the first time I saw this during BAKUC in 2006. I was awestruck. It has never crossed my mind that someone actually built this. It simply blew the competition away (yes! I am one of them). This was a first at that time, and it was made in Singapore! We beat the Japanese to it! Gotta credit Leon for this...

At the scale 1/144, this piece stands about 50 cm with it rear cannons and a 1/60 Impulse Gundam was used as the base kit for the conversion. Involving heavy modifications and scratch-building, this kit took him an estimated three months to complete. Most people could not tell that this was converted from the Impulse.

I remember he mentioned 50 boxes of Epoxy Putty were used. He basically ordered from the supplier the whole carton! It didn't come cheap either.

The toughest part (in my opinion) would be the backpack since it has curved surfaces and symmetrically challenging. Can this transform to Attack Mode? The answer is "yes". But it is not worth srcatching the paint work.

It was a pity that Leon did not take much WIP shots. Otherwise, it would be very good reference to most modellers.

Oh well, let's just enjoy the pics.....

A 1/144 BuCUE (or what's left of it)

A damaged 1/144 Ginn

1/144 Zaku Warrior

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Site Update

I was looking at my blog the other day and realised how plain it looked compared to those I came across. So I decided to look for some custom templates that I could use. I finally found one with two columns for more gadgets which was ideal for me. Currently, I am fiddling with the "html" thingy and I must say I am have a really sore neck right now. It is really tough pouring through all those codes and whatever those words are. It's driving me crazy!

I guess I have to do this through trial and error. Slowly...slowly...

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MG Freedom [Battle Damaged] by Leon Ku

A battle damaged Freedom Gundam by Leon. Enjoy! A picture frame was used as its base. Quite a neat trick .....

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One final look at 2008 and future plans

2008 was really a tough one. And there is a gloomy forecast for 2009. With the current economic situation, it pays to curtail my spendings and save more for a rainy day. All those news about pay cuts and retrenchments are unnerving and demoralising. Darn! Looks like my plan to buy a PS3 has to be shelved.

As for my progress for Gunpla, all can be summed up in one word - Pathetic. Only managed to finish three kits and one of them a SD. I was not able to complete my entry for BAKUC 2008 and only a half completed one was submitted. The Qubeley definitely deserves better treatment than this. I have been constantly reminding myself to start things early. But somehow I dwelled and spent too much time at the conceptual stage. To be frank, planning for this Qubeley was like groping in the dark, I was trying to achieve that "feel" and toyed around with thousand and one ideas. And this doesn't help when one is indecisive. Furthermore, this kit is not really appealing to the masses and to convert it to something acceptable to everyone provided me with a real challenge (I have to do a lot of convincing myself!). But with some pointers from Leon and a few other modellers, I was able to produce something decent, presenting this mecha in a new light and most importantly, be content with myself that I have achieved "something". No doubt, I derived more satisfaction from doing this one compared to my previous works.

For next year, I do have some plans I have been updating the blog as often as I can. But with my slow workrate, these updates are far and few in between. And I do understand visitors of this blog want to see new works. So I have make it a point to start building some of the commissioned works which has been delayed long enough. I will try to include work-in-progress pictures as much as possible so people will have an inking how I achieve those modifications.

Another plan would be to "invite" guest modellers and I thought Leon's works deserved to be mentioned and displayed to all visitors (I'm pretty sure everyone would love to see more pictures of his MG Musha with Horse entry in the recent BAKUC). His work rate and skills are definitely world class. No doubt, this idea will benefit a lot more people. If there is any thing you wish to see in my blog or imrpove on it, do feel free to leave your comments in the chatterbox. Any suggestions or ideas will be thorougly considered.

To end, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and most importantly, good health.

Kenny

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Thoughts

Finally, my younger sister is getting married. And the banquet will be this Sunday. As this day approaches, my heart becomes heavier and heavier. My mother deserved to be there more than anyone. As a parent myself, I finally realised how much hardships our parents have to go through to bring us up. I am very very grateful for that. And nothing can make them more happy than to see their children starting new lives.

Ever since that day, I have never stop thinking of her. I go to sleep every night hoping that I could see her in my dreams. At times, I would wake up in the middle of the night and be utterly disappointed that she was gone. Childish? Maybe.... Well, there was once when I was in this bus sitting opposite an old lady. I got a glimpse of her hands which were wrinkled and pale, just like my mum's. Tears just flowed. How much have she suffered for me? For the family? I can never understand why she have to endure so much her whole life. Why is life so unfair to her? Why? I have no answer of course. I have resigned to the fact that not all things in life are equal and I have no complaints. I wanted to hit out at something but that is basically pointless.

Even though this may be absurd, I wish that she will be there this Sunday. Wherever she is, I hope that she will hear my prayers and come back to us one more time. I hope that she can see my sister getting married and be able to drink the tea she and her husband served.

I can't write further anymore. The more I write the more emotional I get. "Mum, can you see my tears now? Please come back for me, please...".

miss you.

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PG MK II (High Mobility Type) By Leon Ku

This one is one of the many comissioned works by Leon Ku. No matter how many times you look at it, a PG Grade gundam ALWAYS look impressive when you are done. With some scratch-building, modifications and a few kitbashed parts, a new variation is born - Gundam MKII (High Mobility Type). Enjoy people!

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MG Qubeley [Evolved Type]

Spent some time to take more close up pictures of my Qubeley. Till now, I am still stumped how did I manged to pull this one off. During construction, I could not visualise the final product, compared to my previous works. It was like walking blindfolded. It was why I derived greater satisfaction when I did manged to complete it. This kit actually push my modification skills further and there is no doubt, I gained a lot of experience and new techniques. However, personally I felt that I still can push the boundaries and I see this kit as a "stepping stone". I am already looking forward to my next work....

This is my entry for BAKUC 2008 Singapore, MG Qubeley Evolved type. A few months ago, a friend suggested to me this kit. I was not really keen to do it, as this kit is not very appealing and can be considered "ugly". I thought about it and decided to take up this challenge, to give this model a "revamp". It was pretty hard in the beginning, I am stuck several times on the conceptual stages and the schedule was held back. I did finish it in time although I was hoping for more time as always.

As I did not take any photos for this one, I have to rely on those taken by my friend (he did a good job).

My favourite from the Expert Category, Musha Gundam by Leon Ku (kick ass stuff!).

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