M CON - A Resounding Success!!!!!

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After many months of anticipation and planning, the premier scale modelling event in Singapore has finally came to a successful conclusion over the last weekend. Expectations of crowd turn-out and entries far superseded everyone's expectation(mine included) as from what I understood a major Gundam modelling contest held in the vicinity as well.
Nonetheless, great displays provided by both the contestants and jury; coupled with the central location downtown still made it irresistible for some to sneak a long lunch break during the week days to soak up the wonderful atmosphere here.

Apart from being entrusted with the key role of judging the contest entries in a panel of top notch local modellers; I was also scheduled to conduct a painting demo workshop and sculpting presentation last Friday night and co-chaired a talk/presentation on armor modelling with Dinesh on the following day.

Though I've taken privy to post some pictures taken from my camera, do also check out the additional reports and pictures for both event and contest entries as well as the modelling scene in Singapore over at SprueCutters and Plamo Forum.

The view of the exhibition hall from the front entrance.

Dinesh, John and Leslie judging the aircraft category.

Siew Keong and I judging the ships category.

The turn-out on Sunday afternoon for the awards ceremony.

The folks from the M Workshop who formed part of the organizing and staff committee of M Con 2008.


As an afterthought, I must express that it was a great privilege to have been a part of this premier scale modelling event. Though it was the first ever event managed by the organizing and staff committee, everyone clearly knew their roles and when necessary, eagerly chipped in to get matters resolved.Well done folks!

Despite the humble number of entries, the judges still took pains to go through each submitted entry as to ensure the rewards were fairly meted out .

The visitor turn-out was also surprising good. I noticed a lot of interaction and sharing of concepts techniques and ideas amongst the modellers themselves. I wished I could have more time to mingle more but alas like most shows, time was limited. Nonetheless, there's always the opportunity to meet up at the M Workshop to pick up where the conversation last stopped.

Finally, here's a snapshot of the 1/9 scale bust sculpted by Hiroyuki Ishii-Sensei sponsored by Young Miniatures which was the subject of my "live" demo workshop last Friday night. He looks happier here than on the box art; perhaps getting pulled back from the foxhole to get some hot chow. More on that soon and especially on rendering of the wool texture.

cheers,

Calvin

Kampfgruppe Peiper, LSSAH, Ardennes 1944

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Just thought I'll share some promotional materials I created from the photos of the completed the vignette. I wish I could have earlier thought of posing them either beside or on top of a SS-Pz, Abt 501 King Tiger in ambush scheme. Imagine what an awesome scene that would be.(don't ring my hand-phone please Dinesh)

Irregardless, I'm really pleased of how the painting on the second Peiper head with the side-cap came out; which in my opinion bears a better resemblance. I might probably consider just to paint another to accommodate it....

In the meantime, do enjoy the pictures and I have a good feeling that most modellers will be using this pair to go with their Battle of the Bulge SdKfz 251/250's and King Tigers/Panthers projects.

cheers,

Calvin

Alpine Miniatures - KG Peiper Ardennes 1944

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Here's the first cut of the KG Peiper figures for the official box-art. I'm still planning to add some debris and litter to the groundwork but reckon I will leave them out for now so as to give an unobstructed view of the figure for the box art

One more spare head to complete before I conclude this project for this week.

While we're still on the topic of winter, here are some WIP shots of Dinesh's MILF (Marders I Love to Fix). You gotta love these topless models as it really flashes a lot of gorgeous details. The faded white wash over the sand yellow base is deftly applied like a white transulent satin nightie. I'm loving what's been done so far and I'am seriously looking forward to seeing him close the deal and bring this baby home yeah!!!

Calvin

Alpine Miniatures - KG Peiper, Ardennes 1944

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And finally here are a couple of WIP shots of the Peiper figure after a hectic week of balancing work and family. Much work is still required on the back of the figure before I can snap the official pictures for the box art.

Also do check out the follow-up photo report on the recently concluded Korean model show NOVEM 2008 over at Young Miniatures. Though published in Korean, one could easily get an impression of the displays and ambiance on that day from the pictures.

Calvin