1/32 Datsun Bluebird

And so, a 1/32 scale Datsun is my purchase for the day. My only reasoning was that it would look good in a 1/35 scale diorama which does not even exist yet. The problem with scale models is that none of the 'fit' (in my case) when it comes to ideas.

For example, I have some 1/35 figures that will be used in a 1/35 house, which is ideal. But then I discovered none of the 1/35 figures has a motorbike license and so, I cannot use the 1/35 bikes. Sure, you can drive a 1/35 tank or even a 1/35 Jeep but in peacetime, you need to drive a 1/35 civilian car, which, sadly, does not exist.

And so, this is where the 1/32 scale from Arii comes in. It will be slightly bigger when compared to a 1/35 figure. Heck, everyone likes cars with roomier interior anyway. Arii created about 64 cars under this Owner's Club range and for a kit this size, it is very detailed. The reason why I chose this particular model is that it is a bit ridiculous for everyone to drive a sports car just after a war or something. You can even see this on architectural models where all cars are either a Porsche or some Mercedes or something. Never a real civilian car.

But then again, if a manufacturer did sell model car kits, 'normal' cars would not sell well. Anyway, here is a brief look at the Datsun Bluebird...

When I first held the box, it was very small, as if this
kit was really 1/43 instead. I am not sure why I chose
this model but in my head, all I could think of was the
taxis or cars used in those Indian movies. But then,
those were Ambassadors, based on some Morris if I
am not mistaken.

This is basically everything in just one plastic
bag. But don't be disappointed, OK?

Because when you look at the details on the model,
You will be very very happy.

And once you have built one, you will want to look
for more. And for 1/35, they are ideal for adding
into dioramas (provided its Japanese) where normal
folks drive normal cars. Or just use it as a rusted junk.

1/35 Ma.K Nutcracker

This is another gift from a friend. When he first asked me if I was interested in the Nutcracker, I took a quick look around his place and said, 'No'. I said No not because I was not interested in it but I sort of knew what is going to happen next.

And so, after much friendly arguing and pushing, it was mine, whether I like it or not. And it is free, as a token of my contribution for the Forum and THE workshop.

I can tell you that this is my second Ma.k kit, with the first being the 1/20th Falke. The Nutcracker is actually a 1/35th model. This was way back in the 80's when Kow Yokoyama created his Machinen Krieger series, and the only available scales were the Tamiya's 1/20 F1 cars and the 1/35 Military series.

So, using parts from various plastic models, Kow created his masterpieces. Also, this was how Star Wars models came into being too. Nitto originally came out with the injection plastic kits at that time (and I was too young to appreciate them, being 'dirty' and all compared to those 'clean' WWII models from the Tamiya catalogue) but this time, Hasegawa has the license to do them. And The Nutcracker is their fourth model so far.

Once again, this box is huge, and I told my Wife,
it was a gift and I did not buy it. However, I am
not sure of she believes me.

In brief, this Nutcracker (originally Nutrocker) is a
robot which is designed to destroy armoured suits
or 'Nuts'. I was told of some reason why it cannot be
piloted by humans but I forgot. Something to do
with radiation.

When you open the box for the very first time, you
will be amazed at the size of the kit. It is huge.

The kit is huge, mainly because of the 'main body'.
It comes with 5 plastic bags. All in all, a very simple
kit to assemble. But somehow, I have no inspiration
to do them just yet. Still, this is a nice kit because it
also have parts to build two 1/35 Armoured suits,
namely the Gustav and Melusine.

And if you're a Star Wars fan, by now, you will notice
the similarity in the base of the Nutcracker which is
very similar to Boba Fett's Slave-1.

But let's not rush things. I still have the Falke to start off with. Yep, I am slowly going back to model kits again. Something to take my mind off a lot of things.

The New TOS Cylon Basestar Part 1

Hokay. I am happy. No, that's not right. I am over the Moon. Why? This is one of the times I am very happy to receive gifts even though I did not expect it. And this will be a very special one because its from SFTPMS as token of appreciation for the two Lighting Workshops conducted over the last two Saturdays. I was an unexpected thing and so, I don't have no fotos to show yous, of da one I gotten di kit.

The Model is one of my favourites in the BSG
World because well, I just like the shape.

I do not have the original model with me and so,
I cannot remember the changes brought on to
this new model. But in this instruction, this is
something I have not seen from the old kit.

I am not sure about these parts either but they
look quite nice.

And definitely, not these 5 parts which is on
the neck between the two saucer halves.

Still, these new parts look very nice and well, my
brain is going crazy trying to think up of a way to
light it up even though the original model does not
have any lights.

Anyhow, I have passed this kit to a friend of mine, who has the original (complete) set and he will do a review on it soon.

SFTPMS LED Workshop Session II

Today is the last session for the Lighting Workshop for SFTPMS members, and it was still hosted by ICW (Infinite Creation Workshop). Due to the previous week's response where the thread being read spiked, I had to go there early in case someone else wants to join and get them up to speed before the session starts. However, before I can come out of the house, there are some chores to do since laundry has been piling up. but now, my Wife understands that I have this session, she said I should be going. But I still need to do what I can first.

There was a lot of things to be done and I was juggling between last minute checklists and doing the house chores. Yes, I could have done this packing earlier but for the past few days, I was really feeling under the weather.

The girls were happy too because once
Mommy has finished her chores, they
are going to their cousin's house.

Once again, ICW has made sure the session would not be interrupted and rayloke has made sure the tables and chairs are ready.

While I was setting up, he was also trying to catch up by doing some 'homework'. Which, was not possible because people kept coming to the shop. But I am happy for him because this means more business and more people would know about ICW.

By 1400, the session started and this time, we went straight into practical as there was not enough time last week. All was fine until I discovered in my haste to design the circuit, the markings for the batteries were wrong.

But this did not deter them from trying to complete the kit. Thanks to Loo and Alex, we realised that error and so, the session continued. This time, many participants have brought their own accessories which helps in soldering the boards and also to see better.

Then came the second problem where the 555 & 4017 boards were concerned. But we managed to trace the problem which was in the board's design (sorry, folks). But they were glad that it happened because now they know how to *ahem* 'rewire' and modify circuits. And they were happy about this. Weird.

The problem lies in the pulse signal from the 555. It was too weak to give the 4017 a proper clock pulse. Finally, once I cut the track, not only does the rewiring solves the problem, but I get to demonstrate the characteristics of the chip when its clock pulse was 'floating'.


Alas, there was one error which I could not repair, which was the microprocessor board. It worked fine in simulation but when it comes to putting it on the board, it refused to work. This was my mistake as I did not prototype this design beforehand and assumed everything would be OK in the end. But then, with so much things to do before this session, everything was in a rush and by hoping to skip a few steps to save time, I get a red card instead. So, with nothing else, I decided to get some of the members to try soldering surface mount LEDs instead.

Loo CK. Success!

Viper. Success!

somac. Success!

(OK, he was afraid he burnt it as he was trying
to solder without using the double-sided tape)

Finally, as the session was drawing to a close, everyone was happy and I had to sell an additional pack too. Also, I explained to them that with the kits soldered, they can experiment further with it and also, modify it in the hopes of putting them into the model kits. Maybe I was a bit too sensitive but overhearing them talking, they are now not very afraid of going to Pasar Road and with the theory about surface mount LED wiring, I can see that their imagination has started....

Last but not least, I would like to thank SFTPMS and ICW for their help in making this a success. And also the gifts. *ahem* But if I were asked to do this session again, I seriously have to think it over since the costs involved is quite a tidy sum and I would have to re-design the two error boards again.

(Or, should I? This would leave them to 'troubleshoot' the boards themselves.....)