The mecha-loving community is a niche one, brought together by a shared passion for mecha shows, and the modelling aspect that comes with it. A craft which requires patience, nothing can quite compare to the feeling of seeing a completed giant model after building it up from ground zero.
The sense of satisfaction is great, sure, but the experience is made better with like-minded individuals sharing the excitement – a common occurrence at community events and conventions.
For the Gunpla fans in Singapore, that’d be the annual TETSUJIN event, hosted by retail shop Hobby Art Gallery (HAG).
Following a successful run in 2017, which saw more than 6,000 attendees, the event is set to return once again for 2018, with more enticing content to boot.
Held from February 26 to March 4 at Bugis+, the festival features guest appearances and workshops by renowned regional modellers, who will be imparting their knowledge and expertise on airbrushing techniques to the masses. This is a weekend-only arrangement, however, so eager fans should take note and do some prior planning to avoid missing out.
For those attending on a weekday, there are free how-to-build Gundam sessions lying in wait that are especially useful for newcomers looking to pick up a new craft.
After a hands-on workshop on the intricacies of modelling – cut, sand, snap fit, panel line, decal, top coat –, participants get to bring home their completed masterpiece at zero cost, which is a pretty sweet deal. Gaining a semblance of a new skill certainly doesn’t hurt, too.
Since TETSUJIN is known for being a “festival for mecha fans by mecha fans”, event-goers can be rest assured that there will be plenty of Gundam model kits, paints, tools, and accessories up for sale at extremely attractive prices. Considering the usual high costs of these items, this is one place where enthusiasts can get the most bang for their buck.
This year’s edition sees a total of $8,000 worth of cash and attractive prizes over three categories. Attendees may want to their hand at the lucky draw and sure-win lucky dip, whereas the more experienced ones can opt to take part in the TETSUJIN Competition 2018, and claim their cash price should they win.
Competition isn’t going to be easy, however, with more than 100 entries waiting to be judged by many big names in the industry, such as our very own award-winning scale modeller Kenny Lim, and Thailand’s Anupong Channarong.
Don’t let that stop you, though – there’s no harm in giving it a shot!
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Natalie
Linette Lin
