Razor sharp edges, plastic bits and a shared appreciation and enthusiasm for Gundam. These were the key ingredients driving the overwhelming success of the Gunpla Workshop (Gundam Plastic Model Workshop) held late last June at SITEC’s Selangor Digital Creative Centre (SITEC SDCC), organised by popular local Gundam retailer, Gundam.my.
Gundam is a Japanese science-fiction media franchise that started off with Japanese mangas (Japanese graphic novels) and grew massively in popularity over the years with the anime (Japanese animation) series.
Sporting nothing short of a full house, the event saw enthusiasts of all ages, from children as young as five, to older, professional working adults engaging in a shared love for these plastic figurines, and to pick up professional tips and inspiration from Becky Low, a prominent scale model customizer who conducted the step-by-step model assembling class.
Ms Low, an award winning customizer, started assembling scale model kits on a professional basis since 2010, and has since won several awards in scale model assembling competitions, most notably the Gundam Model Kit Contest and the Gundam Kingdom World Cup.
The entire workshop was organised by Mr Lai Heng Choong, owner of renowned local hobbyist brand Gundam.my.
Gundam.my is an online store specializing in Gundam Scale Model Kits and custom accessories, on top of other plastic model kits and assorted merchandise such as those from Star Wars as well as a variety of other Japanese anime.
When asked about her recommendations for beginner Gundam scale models, Ms Low graciously shared a list of tools and models that are typically appropriate for first-time scale modellers.
Learn more below!
TOOLS
12-in-1 Toolset
The 12 in 1 toolset comprises 12 essential modelling tools in a very convenient, clear plastic toolkit. Great for beginners, it comprises a cutting mat, cutters, a sanding block, sandpaper, part separators, a pen knife, and others.
HG/MG bandai action base
Proudly display your finished Gunpla with the HG/MG Bandai action base. Make your Gundam look more realistic by mounting it onto the action base, allowing the model to assume various ‘airborne’ dynamic poses.
LED/Normal Display case
Protect your precious collection from the external elements with a clear display case. They even have LED-lit displays available for that extra edge!
God Hand Ultimate Nipper 5.0 (Delicate Cutter)
This cutter comes highly recommended for the removal of stubborn and awkwardly-placed nubs. Highly precise, accurate and delicate, it provides excellent nub-mark removal and even reduces the plastic stretch marks that can appear during separation of parts from the sprue. This helps make your model look cleaner and reduces the need for cover-up. The blades, whilst strong, are very thin and delicate, and not recommended for thicker plastic sprues.
Standard Airbrush Set
Want to start painting your gunpla? You can start with this compact set, which comes with a mini compressor, airbrush and moisture trap.
GUNPLAS
HG G-self
Part of the G-Reconguista line, it is easy to assemble and fun to build. This model is currently on promo!
MG Strike Freedom
One of Becky’s favorite mechas. A tad more challenging for the greenhorn, but those with experience assembling gunplas before will find assembly for this to be easy.
1/100 Barbatos
Highly recommended kit with an internal skeleton and a high pose-ability (the model is able to be manipulated into a variety of dynamic poses).
RG Qan(t) Gundam
A new release from the RG series, which is famous for its level of detailing and proportions. A tad more challenging as certain parts can be very tiny.
SD ex Barbatos
This model, part of the SD series, is a cute and fun build, and largely popular amongst younger enthusiasts.
In line with the successful event and high demand for the workshop, a similar workshop featuring Becky Low will be conducted again at the SITEC SDCC on the first week of September.
In this upcoming workshop, Gundam.my will be collaborating with their partner online marketplace, Youbeli.com, to feature a selection of exciting promotions for Gundam enthusiasts.