The Airbrush

Bruce was kind enough to get me an Airbrush so I can complete my two models before the SFTPMS Cold war Group Build Deadline in November. Yes, I have been building models. No, I did not highlight them in this blog.

I have been doing a build-log in two Forums and so, its no point repeating everything here. One day, I will highlight them in my website. Those two models are quite OK to me as they presents a lot of challenges which, I have never ever faced until now. And I can say, this time, after more than 25 years, I can finally say, I completed the models!

But why am I doing such silly things? One would ask. My answer is simple. I wanted to keep myself busy and also positive since job-hunting really takes a big chunk out of me, especially my dignity and self-worth. I am thankful for the Airbrush and also that I am also thankful for ICW who lets anyone use their airbrush compressor for free. All you have to do is to bring your own airbrush...

And so, tonight was the night I get to check out this Airbrush

To tell you the truth, it looked as if I had not been used...

But after prying off the pain reservoir cover off (due to some dried paint), and showing this to rayloke, all I have to do is to get some thinner and blow it off. Its a very high chance that its not rust.

And so, this Saturday, I have planned to try out the airbrush at ICW.

Another 20 shipped out!

OK. second shipment is off. From the feedback, everyone is having bad sales and so do I. The sad truth is, this is not working well as a full-time thing and my job searching is not successful either.

Ah Meng's 4x4

This was in today and I can say that its a very hot item.

Long ago, when it comes to car model kits, they are usually confined in the 1/24th, 1/10, 1/12 scale and the rest but never in the 1/35 scale, which is 'reserved' for Military kits. Maybe its due to Tamiya's strong presence decades ago which literally pushed the 1/32 scale off. But then that is my own opinion. As far as I can recall, there were no model kits in that scale and the closest was either the ARII 1/32 owner's club series or the Tamiya's 4WD. With the US 'involved' in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, these Toyota Hilux were revealed to be very popular among the rebel groups, pirates and even the Special Forces.

At one time, I was looking for a 1/24 version to do it up like my ex-Boss's previous car; He sold it to pay for most of our salaries. The one thing I am amazed is that I would half-heartedly expect this to come from Tamiya. So, it was with much trepidation that I took a peek at then Meng since I am still a little biased from these companies, having grown up with Tamiya. I know its silly since I am already advocating AFV, HobbyBoss, Academy and even ICM but habits and prejudice like these are hard to break.

That is, until I really looked into the box. The quality there is amazing, that I do not have to compare with Tamiya anymore, even if they can produce an ultra accurate version. These days, its who gets to the market early, wins the fans. Because if you're late, the third-party aftermarket guys would have already mopped the floor with you.

At about RM84, this is worth it because the parts are not only crisp and detailed, there were photo-etched parts too.

While I was searching on the Internet, I came across three classic Top Gear Videos where they tried to kill off a Toyota Hilux. And it still survives.

New coins, new grumblings

OK, it is human nature to go against new things. The reason is very simple;

We love routine. We love doing the same things day in, day out. In fact, we are so used to our own routines, I can bet you that you can just "wing it" the whole day with your eyes closed or when you're in Zombie mode.

But sometimes, change shows up and slaps you in the face so hard, you have no choice but to wake up and smell the crap.

These are the different kinds of change and it has two meanings. One is for exit from the carpark and the other, is to make trouble for other people and benefit someone else.

2012 NERF Dart Tag Day 2

Just right after lunch, I rushed down to the PJ AllRounder Indoor Stadium for another round of NERF Dart Tag. Well, that is, after I have some rest, surf the Internet, make sure the kids did not break anything else, wash the dishes, etc.

Today's Tournament is pretty much more 'civilised' since its for participant over the age of 14. So, no small kids running about with parents chasing after them or parents running about with their kids chasing them. Today, its for grown ups.

Yes, today is the day where grown ups chase each other around and shoot foam darts at anything.

OK, so I was an hour late and this is one scene I do not like. Not that I do no mind them playing with Super Soakers but when they got excited, the girls chased each other, right onto the path where cars come in and go. Unlike the day before, no one watched out for them.

Part of the B.R.A.T..S. team testing out the new NERF Elites. Unfortunately, the Rampage was jammed.

Which is not a problem as NERF Damansara expert, Don Harris was there and all he needed was a screwdriver.

OK, and some help since fro past experience, springs tend to jump out for this model.

The culprit was a jammed dart. So its useless but not before we got the chance to check out the weighted head

Oh, and one more thing, this are the rifled grooves which was designed into the barrel of the Rampage. In real guns, it would improve the bullet's accuracy and range by making it spin. Here, I am not so sure.

I still suck at Photography  and the dim lighitng did not help since I forgot all about using flash.

So, after panning here and there, it kinda adds mood to the event...

And at one stage, which I think is some kind of Deathmatch, players were very very careful with their aiming and also, tactics.

Finally, the two teams had a draw and each member took a shot at the VIP

 

The 2012 Winners of today's NERF Dart Tag

2012 NERF Dart Tag Champions: Roughneck Zero

Second Runner up: Team Droid

Consolation Prize:

 

And the Team who made it all happen

The most 'hensem' face of all. Unfortunately, he is also the most 'shot' Referee/Marshal

Group Android dividing their prizes

And also being interviewed by the B.R.A.T.S team

NERF Dart Tag Day 1

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I  know that there is some NERF Competition today and I have marked it days ago. Also, I have booked an appointment to have Vee-Chai service too. I mean, he has to be serviced since he is more than 3,000 KM over. But the irony is, I nearly forgot about all this and wondered why these two events clashed this morning.

Slowly, it came back to me. For you see, the service appointment was in the afternoon, at least half an hour before the NERF Dart Tag. In other words, instead of waiting at the service center, I can walk across to see the NERF Competition. smart, eh?

I thought so too until the Guard at the Service Centre told me that the actual place has been relocated to about 500metres away. Darn it. So, after putting Vee-chai in safe hands, I walked. I must be losing my touch because it took me about 20 minutes for which I think I could have done it in 15 or less. Maybe it because of my Gout or I was still wearing slippers.

The NERF Dart Tag is held at the All Rounder Indoor Soccer at Jalan 19/1. And today's event was for kids under 14. And for tomorrow, its for 'kids' older than 14...

Before I start, I really need my lunch and so, I walloped two packets of Nasi Lemak which has a very very hot sambal. If I had know they include a full egg, I might have just one instead. Yes, the hunger made me greedy.

This is the booth set up by Hasbro and I spend quite a few good minutes there, drooling at the new Elite series. The were a lot of pretty young girls and sitting around and playing futsal but today is not the time for that. Because, "It's NERF or Nothing'. Oh, maybe I have completely lost my mind but the prices seems to be very very wallet friendly.

This is the Official NERF product sold only in Japan.

Twist the cap off and you have container for a NERF fun and also a NERF target.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the one who made it all work.
He was so busy that his lunch was on the floor and he could only speak in single word sentences to me.

A lot of happy little kids there. One Mom even carried two bags full of NERFs and I spotted two Pyragons in there.

When it comes to competition, even kids know how to strategise. Its amusing to hear them talk about their tactics and mind you, their English was way much more advanced for kids his age.

Even girls want to win too.

The most exciting part?
The NERF testing range. All you have to do is go to the counter, ask for the NERF of your choice. Johan will then put the NERF gun on the counter and some ammo. All you have to is load the ammo and fire. And wipe that gleeful  grin off your face.

Meet the NERF HailFire. Its using flywheel technology to fire all those darts. But who cares. Its the amount of darts you can shoot in one shooting (144 darts, OK?)

On the outside, you can test the Super Soaker series but I was a bit concerned because that road is also being used for cars passing through to the carpark behind. And you know what happens when kids get too excited.

The streams of customers looking at the Hasbro booth. Before I took this picture, a few parents bought some NERFs.

Panoramic Shot

Souvenir for the day.

The Welding circuit

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rayloke asked if I could whip up a electronic solution that can simulate the flash of arc weldings using LEDs. And so, I told him I could. Easily.

But if he were to ask me years ago, I could not even say yes. With the limited time I had during jobs, it was not possible to learn more about chip programming. Thankfully, there are sample programs on the Net which I can download and analyse.

And so, within 24 hours, it was done and he was so impressed with it (and two out of the five LEDs are really realistic) that I was suprised since he has an eye for details and also, is very particular. Initially, I asked if he would just like the board only and connect his own LEDs but in the end, I soldered some resistors to the LEDs and gave it to him because its enhances the whole 'first impressions' concept.

I used the remaining of the four General Purpose prototype boards for this.

[Update: ]
A week later, he sold it to another customer who wanted it urgently. Which brings me to a possible third product as a General Purpose Board which can be for Arc Welding, Motor speed control or even, Engine flickers. But I would have to further enhance the design since I want to make it as compact as possible and also, be programmable on the fly.

Tamiya Thin Cement

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Learnt something new tonight. And it was all because of the Academy's 1/48 F-117 Stealth Fighter kit which I am entering for the SFTPMS Group Build. The problem was in gluing the wings. Apparently, my 10-year old Mr. Cement which I found from my AMT Price Xizoer's ship is considered thick cement. In those days, these were your 'normal' standard off the shelf stuff, apart from that Tenax-7R (The Space-age welder) which was like a miracle glue. Knowing my Mr. Cement, which surprisingly has still not gone bad or dried up, would dry itself halfway when I finished applying one side of the wings. And so, by the time I have applied the glue on the remaining wing, all I have are just two slightly glue-marred plastic parts. What I need is a glue which can really glue those two damn long, stupid, irritating, and black wings together.

Ideally, the Tenax-7R is the answer as it acts like thin superglue, which seeps into the plastic's cracks and unreachable places via capillary action. And unlike superglue, it literally welds the plastic together. If you're not careful, any plastic that unintentionally comes into contact with it also melts of have some horrible consequences.

Oh, and it causes cancer. Don't believe me? The label said so; "This product contains a chemical known the state of California to cause cancer, birth defect, or other reproductive harm.". And so, years later, they became harder and harder to get and some even say it was discontinued.

Then came along Tamiya' Thin Cement, as shown to me by rayloke from ICW. Since I have not used Tenax before, I would have to guess that the Tamiya is almost the same. Because when I applied it to the joints, the glue disappeared and moments later, the joints felt as if it was a single part...

I was so happy because it solved my problem with the Stealth Fighter's wings.

All I have to do is clamp the the wings and then apply the thin cement part by part.

Oh-oh... why is it that good things are always bad?

Bogus Flag

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Kaelynn got a flag today from school and she wondered why hers has no National Anthem. 

Say what?

Yeah, she mentioned that her flag has no song.

OK. A flag with song. So, this is how far our country has come. And I happy? Well, I can't say until I have a look at the flag...
 

OK< so the flag looks ordinary because it can... wave.

Hang on. What's this green thingy here...

Ah, this is the singing part. Unfortunately, the batteries have corroded everything inside. So, there is no pint in repairing this since that type of  batteries are not readily available.

Accident on the Even of Merdeka

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How do you know that there is an accident? Very simple. There are usually three signs:
1. An engine being revved slightly above normal.
2. The unmistakable screeching of tyres
3. The sound of crumpling metal or metal against metal.

When you heard the last one, you know its very near, especially when you're in an air-cond room.

This was the scene which greeted me. Theory is that the car reversed and the bike banged it because I overheard the motorcyclist telling the Guard that he has the right of way, etc. I cannot blame him because during school session, every parent has only one thought on their mind and hence their selfish ignorance on other vehicles. I am guilty of that too. At least a few times a week...

Kid looking at Momma's dented car which cannot close because the alarm would go nuts

The motorcylist. And a Lady next to him, saying that its unfortunate that such thing happened and on the Eve of Merdeka too.

Momma realising the car can't be locked tonight.

The fall

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At about quarter to one, Wife rang up and told me that Kristine had a fall at school and the teachers have asked us to pick her up. Before my Wife could even finish the conversation, I was already heading towards the door. That is, right after I put on my pants, drank a cup of water, comb my hair, changed my shirt, etc.

It was panic time for me because well, I mean, if a teacher asks you to collect your kid after a fall, it must be serious, right?

What was so frustrating for me was that I needed to fill in a lot of forms and even had to go to the office for one of them. All this just to get her out from school, before the session was over. It did not help that I was the only person who is in a hurry to get her home while everyone seems to be moving in slow motion. And by the time I reached her class...

Nothing wrong with her. She just fell and her knees bent and hit the floor.

Once we reached home, the pain subsided and I got her to change her clothes. After she ate some lunch, I switched on the air-cond so she could sleep.