10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling: Runners, Gates And Pieces

Welcome to the second series of "10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling: Runners, Gates And Pieces". Unlike Gundam action figures, Gundam model kits don't come in a box which it is already fix. They will come like this!

An open box for PG 1/60 Gundam MK-II "Titans".

Hahaha. That's what you get when you get yourself a box of Gundam model kit. Yes! Tonnes and tonnes of plastics till you can start you own recycling center. Hahaha. Just kidding but seriously, there are a lot of plastic frames.

Tonnes of plastics.

This whole plastic frame is call the runner.

And this little thing that connects the parts from the runner is call the gate.

There are several right techniques of getting these parts out from the runners. Some barbaric human will just snap the part out from the runner using their brute force and ended up with a 2-piece-part instead of 1. So here's one of the right technique for civilize human being.

Use one of these to get the part out.

Snap the gate so the part will come out easily.

If you notice, no matter how careful you are, there will always be some nip marks (not sure what is it call) jotting out from the part. So what I'll do is I'll get my scalpel out and run it along the side of the part so it will nicely slice the nip out of the part using the part lining. I'm not sure if you guys got the idea of it but I'll run through it with some pictures as guidance.

Get one of this scalpel from your nearest stationary store and don't forget to pay. Those scalpel from the model stores will cost you about RM 90 plus easily while you can get another scalpel which does exactly the same for only RM8.90 from Thai Kuang Bookstore. Heck, they even give your 2 extra blades if the current blades turn blunt.

Scalpel with 2 extra blades from Thai Kuang Bookstore.



See Only RM8.90

Other alternative is to use a normal blade. Do not use knife !! I say that because I once saw one of my friend using it.

By following the flat surface of the part, gently run your scalpel along the flat surface and slice it away. I couldn't capture this shot because I need both of my hand and I don't have a tripod to capture this. So I borrowed this picture from dannychoo.com, another well-known modeler.

There you go. You can cover that nip mark with spray. Some people would tend to use the scalpel to get the part off the runner by slicing the gate. Well, that's another option but then your scalpel will be blunt pretty fast.

Alright, I'm done with the second series. Stay tune for the third which is "10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling: Lining"

Ways To Turn Down Unwanted Man.

While surfing the Internet, I bumped into this and I think it's quite hillarious. So just want to share with you guys. Cheers.

HE : Can I buy you a drink?
SHE : Actually I'd rather have the money.

HE : I'm a photographer. I've been looking for a face like yours.
SHE : I'm a plastic surgeon. I've been looking for a face like yours.

HE : Hi. Didn't we go on a date once? Or was it twice?
SHE : Must've been once. I never make the same mistake twice.

HE : How did you get to be so beautiful?
SHE : I must've been given your share.

HE : Will you go out with me this Saturday?
SHE : Sorry. I'm having a headache this weekend.

HE : Your face must turn a few heads.
SHE : And your face must turn a few stomachs.

HE : Go on ,don't be shy. Ask me out.
SHE : Okay, get out.

HE : I think I could make you very happy.
SHE : Why? Are you leaving?

HE : What would you say if I asked you to marry me?
SHE : Nothing. I can't talk and laugh at the same time.

HE : Can I have your name?
SHE : Why? Don't you already have one?

HE : Shall we go watch a movie?
SHE: I've already watched it.

HE : Where have you been all my life?
SHE : Hiding from you.

HE : Haven't I seen you some place before?
SHE : Yes. That's why I don't go there anymore.

HE : Is this seat empty?
SHE : Yes, and this one will be if you sit down.

HE : So, what do you do for a living?
SHE: I'm a female impersonator.

HE : Hey babe, what's your sign?
SHE : Do not enter.

HE : Your body is like a temple.
SHE : Sorry, there are no services today.

HE : If I could see you naked, I'd die happy.
SHE : If I saw you naked, I'd probably die laughing.

LOL. Cheers.

10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling: SD, HG, MG, PG

Welcome to the first series of "10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling: SD, HG, MH, PG". From my previous Hobby post, I've described more or less about Gundam in general. I've also included the size differences and the flexibility of each grades. So I'm gonna run through it again briefly. You can check out my Hobby post by clicking here.


Gundam models, which is also known as gunpla, refers to plastic and non-plastic model kits depicting the mecha (aka mechs or walking machines controlled by a pilot), vehicles and characters of the fictional Mobile Suit Gundam universe. These kits have become popular among anime-fans and model-lovers, especially in Japan and in other country nearby Asian countries since 1980s. The popularity of Gundam models increased in 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga. Among the 4 grades that are still in production right now are Super Deformed (SD), 1/144 High Grade (HG), 1/100 Master Grade and less but not least, the astonishing 1/60 Perfect Grade (PG).

Super Deformed (SD)
Not based on any particular scale, SD Gundam features comically-proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their very large heads. These kits are often very easy to construct but offer very limited possibility and require paint and detailing to truly "finish" the kit.

SD Hyper Captain Gundam



Ain't he cute?

High Grade (HG)
Later the quality of the molding improved and HG level kits were introduced in 1990. These kits were either at the 1:144 or 1:100 scale, provided for a better range of motion and were more poseable. From this line onwards, parts were given in multiple colours even if they are on one frame. There were need for little painting and detailing

HG Infinite Justice Gundam

Master Grade (MG)
1:100 kits, MG models were first introduced in the summer of 1995. These are designed and produced to higher standards than most other models, with corresponding superior quality. Appropriately, these take much longer to construct and can easily cost a lot more. MG models are very presentable even straight from the box, but like previous grades can be improved through further detailing and painting. A notable design difference from earlier grades is that MG models are supported by a detailed internal "skeleton", (also known as "inner frame system") whereas lower quality models have no such feature. These may require screws and usually come with decals.

MG Gundam MK-II RX-178

Perfect Grade (PG)
1:60 kits, PG (Perfect Grade) kits are unmatched in sheer quality. First released in late 1998, these are made of even higher quality plastic and metal components than the MG kits. These kits include parts that have to be secured with screws, and often require some minor wiring for small LEDs. The market for the Perfect Grade models is limited due to their high cost, costing at least RM600 to as high as RM 1000 or more. Highly-complex design makes PG models a true challenge and their construction can take a few days.

PG Strike Gundam. In-set: The inner frame for PG Strike Gundam.

See how beautiful it is.

Hope you guys got a rough idea about Gundam now. "10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling" will continue soon. You can access all 10 series by clicking at the label once I update all 10 series.

It's Here !!!

Guess what welcome me back today?

Hahaha. It's my first PG. Gonna take my own sweet time building it. Will upload some pictures once I start fixing it. Stay tune guys.

Double Decker

I saw this thing few days ago on Malacca Road. Can you guys believe it guys? It is on Malacca's Road. It may not seem new to some of you, but for a person who is stuck in Malaysia till now, it is something new.

Double decker, double decker, taste so good...
Oops, wait a minute. This ain't a snack commercial.

Hobby

Almost everyone has a hobby (because I know there are a few who does not have one). Hobbies are activities you do when you got nothing to do or more commonly known as spare time recreational pursuit. Hobbies are practiced for interest and enjoyment, rather than financial reward. Examples of hobbies can include collecting, creative and artistic pursuits, making, tinkering, sports and adult education. When someone dwell into a certain type of hobbies, it can lead someone in gaining substantial skills, knowledge and experience, but the most of important aim is personal fulfillment.

What are hobbies for some people are professions for others. For example, a game tester may enjoy cooking as a hobby, while a professional chef might enjoy playing computer games during his free time. Generally speaking, the person who does something for fun, not remuneration, is called an amateur or hobbyist as distinct from a professional.

As for me, there are a few things that I love to do as my hobby but currently I'm really into modeling kits, specifically Gundam.

RAWWWWR !!!!!
1/100 Aile Strike Gundam

Back when I was in Form 2, I started collecting this Gundam kits but then it didn't last long because the cheapest price for a model kit would be around RM 50 and RM50 for a Form 2 student is a HUGE amount back in 1999. Due to that reason, I stopped collecting it. But months ago, I've came across this guy who supplies Gundam kits at almost cost price (he earns a few ringgits for a kit). That totally got me warmed up all over again.

For those who are new into Gundam modeling kits, there are a few things you should look out for when you want to purchase one. Gundam models usually do not require additional paint or glue although there are many people that enjoy painting to the perfection. There are number of different classes to these models such as PG (Perfect Grade), MG (Master Grade), HG (High Grade) and others. They define how poseable and moveable models are and how complex they are to build.

There are generally 4 skill levels to gundam kits.

1 being the easiest
4 being the hardest

There are also certain grade to kits defined by the following

HG = High Grade - The easiest to build, less detail, less flexibility
MG = Master Grade - Medium difficulty, little more attention to detail, more parts, more flexibility.
PG = Perfect Grade - More parts, little more difficult to build, will take much more time, lots of flexibility and more detail.

Let’s kick off with the relative size of the kits. The diagram below shows approximate sizes for each scale of kit, starting from the smallest models at 1/200th scale up to the impressive 1/60th scale kits. The sizes shown are typical dimensions for the standard RX-78 Gundam model. For kits within the same scale range, size can vary somewhat, a good indicator of size and complexity is price. A higher than average price usually means you will be getting a larger more complex kit.

Complexity

1/200th Scale
In terms of complexity there are several grades of kit to choose from. The most straight forward with respect to assembly are the models from the HCMPro series. The mobile suits themselves come preassembled, but don't be fooled, the level of detail in these small scales models is incredible. The only work left for you to do is clip off the weapons and accessories on the few sprues in the box and choose how you want to fit them to the model.

1/144th Scale
Next up are the 1/144th Scale No Grade kits we stock. These kits are the entry point and consist of two or three sprues of parts and some poly caps (flexible joint pieces). The total part count is typically around 50 pieces. The sprues come pre moulded in multiple colours allowing a great finish without painting. Of course if you have the skills and the time you can finish and paint these kits to a very high standard. Expect to be able to build one of these models in around an hour or so.

The next step up is the 1/144th Scale High Grade kits. These models are great value for money. They offer more articulation and more detail with a typical parts count of around 100+ pieces. As with the No Grade kits all you need to do is clip off and trim the pieces and then snap the parts together, no glue is required. Additionally at this scale some kits do come with a few transfers or decals to help add detail. Typically it takes a few hours to put one of these models together.

1/100 Gundam Red Astray Frame

1/100th Scale
Moving up the scale we have 1/100th No grade, High Grade and Master Grade. In reality the new SEED kits which are considered as officially No Grade are in fact similar in detail to the traditional High Grade kits in this range, so for the purpose of this description we will consider them as the same. Again these kits snap together and feature good detail. In some ways these are a little easier to assemble given the larger size. These kits will also typically take a few hours to build.

The next step up the ladder shifts us forward a gear both in terms of detail and complexity. 1/100th Scale Master Grade kits are highly detailed models usually with lots of feature and a large selection of decals for detailing. Don't be put off if your modeling skills are limited these kit simply click together just like the previous ones, it's just going to take a little longer to complete. Then again the effort is well worthwhile, many Master Grade kits feature a wealth of internal detail and typically consist of 300 or more parts. Some of the more expensive versions can have parts counts of up to around 600, rivaling even some Perfect grade kits. Expect one of these to take around twenty-ish hours to build.

1/100 MG Zeta Gundam Ver 2.0

1/60th Scale
Finally we find ourselves at the largest Scale 1/160th. There are essentially two grades of kit at this scale. Firstly No Grade kits such as the SEED “Strike with Striker Weapons Systems”. These kits are great value for money, lots of detail and presence for your display, the range is limited but all of these models are great designs.
The second grade in this range is Perfect Grade, the pinnacle of Gundam Model kits. These models are very complex and will usually need to be built over the course of several days. They feature lots of detail and internal structure and consist of anywhere from 600 to 1000+ parts. Many of these kits include light-up parts or screw fixed joints to give extra stability. If you have the patience to build one of these models you certainly won't be disappointed.

1/60 Gundam Strike Rouge

Well I guessed that's all for now. Will update soon with the Gundam that I fixed recently. Don't worry, more Gundam will be fixed soon. Stay tune.

Blocked!

Was thinking of having my dinner at Pizza Hut in town out of the sudden. But then, I have all the trouble getting there. The road was close here and there and I was wondering what the hell happen to this place that all the major roads were closed. When I got back home, I went online and try to investigate what the hell happened. Guessed what I found.

Source http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/8/16/nation/18606908&sec=nation

MALACCA: Several roads will be closed here from 6pm tomorrow to enable the smooth launch of National Day celebrations and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign at Dataran Pahlawan.

The affected roads are Jalan Kota, Jalan Bendahara, Jalan Laksamana, Jalan Bandaba, Jalan Munsyi Abdullah, Jalan Tun Sri Lanang from the traffic light at Meng Seng, Jalan Taman and roads surrounding Renaissance Hotel.

The event will start with a convoy led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah, who will ride the “Merdeka car” from Renaissance Hotel to Dataran Pahlawan, re-enacting the historic trip of the first prime minister of the then Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahma Putra al-Haj, who arrived from London on Feb 20, 1956.

To smoothen traffic flow, there will be signs and directions to guide road users.

The local authorities have identified several areas where people attending the event can park their cars – at Mahkota Parade, Mahkota Medical Centre, Kawasan Great Eastern and along Jalan Melaka Raya 1, 2, 3 and 9.

Heavy public vehicles such as buses are advised to park at the designated areas at Mahkota Medical Centre and surrounding Pulau Melaka.

Whoa! Looking at the amount of car crawling at snail pace on the road and the amount of people surrounding the city, I'm guessing that most of the Malaysians are in Malacca making this event a grand one.

Below are some pictures I took just right outside the Pizza Hut restaurant.

Look at the amount of policemen at a junction of a road. Never seen so many policemen at a spot besides the police station


[
Roads were closed and there were a lot of people gathering at the side of the road just to get a glimpse of our Prime Minister.



Some of the youngsters carrying flags just to show how much they love this country.

PS: I don't bother to wait in the crowd just to take our Prime Minister's picture because of the amount of people gathering there.

Close call.

It was early in the morning as I headed out to work. I couldn't really concentrate in early in the morning. Although 8.45 am ain't early for most of the people, but me being a vampire, 8.45 am is early for me.

As I was driving to work, I almost gave this BMW 325i a 'French Kiss' on its back. I couldn't really remember what happen at that moment. All I remembered was at first I was behind this traffic light waiting for it to become green, and seconds later, I almost kissed this "pretty lady's" ass few hundred meters away from that same traffic light. I managed to swirl to the left before everything can happen. At that time, I was so thankful that I did not kiss that ass and there isn't any motorcyclist on the left side of the road.

Scary but it was a damn close call.

New Look

Hahaha.

After some trial and error, I finally managed to redesign my blog's outlook. How does it look? Not so dull anymore right? Yeah, I kinda love it right now. Alright, I think that's all for editing and post will come in soon guys. So stay tune k?

A New Day, A New Life, A New Post.

All day, all month, I’ve been sitting down on my office chair shivering my ass out in this cool bloody room surfing the net thinking how should I spend my whole 8 hours in my office as I got totally nothing to do. While surfing the net, I happen to stumble across my friends’ blog. Reading their posts makes me feel I get to know their day better. Its just like they are there to tell you what’s going on around the life. And at the moment, I was wondering, is it ok to let the world know what’s going on around me. I’ve decided to give it a shot although there aren’t many interesting events or activities that occur around me often but I’ll give it a shot.

Well, since I’m stuck with a lousy-old-useless-got for nothing office PC, I might do some minor tweaking on the templates and so when I get back home. So stay tune guys.


So here it is. Welcome to Midnight’s