M Workshop happenings

Return of the Girona Gang of 4!

2008-07-13T01:23:00.012+08:00

Calvin, Bernard, Paul Quek and Allan Yong returned from Girona last Wednesday...and promptly went home and slept! The slackers! There we were, all waiting and excited to hear the news, but no luck! However, we didn't hold it against them as it was admittedly a long journey home, and oogling world class models for 4 days had to have taken its toll on them!

We finally had the official 'de-briefing' on Saturday (the 12th) and I must say, it was worth the wait! First off, ALL Singaporean entries submitted scored medals. Calvin bagged a gold with his menagerie of Alpine Miniatures' boxart figure collection; Both MWS artists KG Lim and John Tham received silver medals for their armor entries...well done guys!

Here they are, receiving their awards from a proud and happy Bernard..

Paul Quek received a bronze for his figure entry as well..congrats Paul! Allan Yong too received a bronze for his entry, which comprised all animals...that's got to be a first surely! [We're trying very hard to convince him to become a Singapore PR at least...but as he's currently on assignment in Vietnam, it will be a tough call!]

While we were waiting for Calvin Tan to turn up and share some of his experiences and advice for the M Workshop artists, Bernard entertained us with his exploits at tackling..no, not the Spanish women (thank goodness!) but Spanish food, like tapas, chorizos and of course paella. Terrible fellow..made us all hungry! But being the true blue Singaporean he is, we KNEW he must have been missing his noodles and curry. True enough, he confessed to raiding his neighbourhood kopi tiam soon after returning home.

Eventually Calvin came...

..and we had a real in-depth 2+ hour debriefing, via a comprehensive slideshow (over 700 slides!) cum talk of what makes Girona such a premier event! The talent showcased was simply breath-taking!

As usual, Bernard sat in a corner playing with toys and didn't pay attention...just like his Uni days!

Seriously though, the eye-opening slideshow really was a sobering reminder of the awesome talent out there, especially in Europe, and hopefully an impelling force to inspire local modelers to keep pushing our standards to world-class levels. The encouraging news is..we're not far behind! What we need is to keep the passion alive (a real challenge in our work oriented culture), a determination to keep honing and improving our skills, and the willingness to experiment with new mediums, approaches and techniques.

If you'd like to be inspired by some of the awesome exhibits on display in Girona, why not visit Calvin's blog report at: www.zyclyon.blogspot.com

There's also this report by Spanish modeler Jose Azorin, taken from the xtreme modelling site:
http://www.xtrememodelling.com/news.htm

Well, after all was said and done, we couldn't let these medal winners strut around without even giving us home-bound guys a little treat could we?!...so, off we went around the corner to have some gelato!

Ok ok, so gelato's Italian and not Spanish..but hey...at least its a closer deal than Ice Kachang right?!

The Spain trip also had other hidden benefits.

Besides the Expo show itself, Calvin had brought Bernard and the guys to tour the Andrea factory to be amazed by some of the displays (1/35 scale full U-Boot replica, dioramas to drool over...) and they also had the opportunity to speak with some of the stellar personalities of this hobby, like Shepherd Paine, Alan Ball, Adrian Bay, Marijn Van Gills, Jaume Ortiz, Adam Wilder, and many others besides. What all this has done is that it has really given a new life and meaning to preperations for M Con.

We're under no illusions...With the kind of official governmental support the World Expo receives, along with a budget that we locally can only dream of, there's still a long way to go to get even close in scale and impact with a show like Girona. But now there is a definite and tangible standard to serve as a guide. With the whole-hearted support and participation of the local modeling community, much can be achieved with patient determination and time. Never despise the day of small things...they have a habit of growing!

It had been a wonderful, satisfying day, and I went home thinking things couldn't get any better. Then I walked in to this...

Salmon belly sashimi and home-made pickle maki washed down with a chilled Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. Unreal!

You know, sometimes...just sometimes...life gets it right.

Final Prep For Girona!

2008-07-01T02:29:00.008+08:00

This past weekend, The M Workshop was abuzz with latent excitement as final preparations were made for the Girona trip. The world expo is a prestigious event held there, and many of the who's who in the modeling fraternity are expected to attend. Standards of competition and judging are high, as well they should be.

Besides Bernard, the others going are Calvin Tan, Alan Yong (a talented figure painter from Malaysia and past Euro-Militaire medal winner) and Paul Quek (Dogtag Miniatures) will be attending. There are definitely 2 clear things on the agenda, besides the obvious catching up with friends, oogling at models and establishing trading partners.

The first would be to study the workings of the Girona show, and look for areas of expertise that could be incorporated into preparations for our own local M Con. Measuring against such international standards might seem a trifle over-optimistic, but it would certainly give the M Con organizers here an opportunity to raise local shows standards a notch or two;

Second would be the opportunity to showcase some of our local talent to the world. There ar so many good modelers out there in Singapore! Veteran Calvin already has several stand alone figures and vignettes to enter, and The M Workshop will be showcasing the work of two of its artists, Chef Lim and John Tham (JT Models). Calvin Tan popped by on Saturday the 28th to see how the guys were doing.

John was putting the finishing touches to his 1/48 Tamiya T-34/76

The Chef was doing likewise with his SdKfz 140 Flakpanzer 38(t) from Dragon. He incorporated foilage using the method Calvin taught in a workshop 2 weeks ago.

Calvin runs through some final tips and suggestions with Chef to make sure that the finished product will hold its own against international competition.

Next Calvin sat with John, offering suggestions with weathering issues, incorporating 'halo of light' visualization techniques often used by artists. It was very interesting! Junior artist Ming Kang gets to sit in and benefit from the lesson. Its always a learning curve at the M!

Of course, all this constructive activity gets Bernard all excited and happy, so...

....when one of Bernard's students comes in with some modeling challenges he needs help with, Bernie gets down to it as well!

When all the work is done, Bernard brings the process to completion with a photo-taking session, keeping a permanent record of the artistry and hard work that goes on behind the scenes here.

If you'd like to take a look at some of the photos Bernard took of the Chef's Flakpanzer, just go to these URLs:
http://www.themworkshop.com/mstudio/img_cheflim2008_gepard_002.jpg
http://www.themworkshop.com/mstudio/img_cheflim2008_gepard_003.jpg

We really had a blast last weekend! Thanks for looking, and hope you enjoyed the visit too!

We're BACK!

2008-06-28T02:45:00.010+08:00

Hi folks,
first off, we'd like to apologize for not having any updates for the past few months. Its just that we were all very busy making models. Honest!
There's a lot going on at the M and we're terribly excited. First off, preparations for M Con continue. The organizing team is slowly but surely tying up loose ends and putting things together. We're very happy to be part of this watershed event in the local modeling scene, and hope it will be the start of better times for adherents of our wonderful hobby.

Then, Bernard's off to Girona for the world expo. There will doubtless be top-class displays and exhibits there. We've asked him to take lots of pictures of the models (plastic and resin varieties only, ahem!) and will look forward to a photo report later in July after he returns.

For many of us, particularly armor modelers, foilage for vehicle camo and/or dioramas can be a real pain. While there are photoetch options, these are flat and hence unrealistic. Resident figure guru Calvin Tan, who's vignettes are just amazing, has come up with a novel approach to dealing with this problem, involving a dried plant known as 'sea foam' and application of a resilient, quick drying putty compound to simulate leaves. For the benefit of some of our resident artists, a workshop was conducted by him on Saturday, June 14th and boy, was it an eye opener!

All in all, a very enlightening and informative experience!

Being coached by one of the best military figure painters in the world is not too shabby in itself, but at the end of the day, its this sort of willing and open sharing, as exemplified by Calvin, which will continue to feed the creative energy that lies at the heart of the M Workshop.

THE....

2008-04-04T11:07:00.003+08:00

Hi guys have been a while since there is any updates’ going on.

I apologize for all the slow updates as we are quite busy these days.

Anyway ....

I did introduce the lecturing place right this is how it looks when there is someone occupies it.

Haha even though is very cramp but I have to say this is the best place if you want to have some peace while working your model/s in the shop.

WHY?

Well this one is best you find out yourself.

Hahahahah

Well if you do know! doing model/s is also exposing certain to chemicals that can make you “HIGH”

See below for more info….

Hahhahahahhahaha…. They are funny right… but I guess they are overdose la….

Work might have been stress….

The Heart of this shop

2008-03-09T19:04:00.002+08:00

WELCOME TO MWORKSHOP

Hi readers... if you have noticed... all the items blogged recently is not really modelling related ...

Today I want to bring you to the heart of the MWORKSHOP

This is where the fun and dream is created.

This is the entrance of the shop. It's resides outside the main building which allow easy access even at late hours ... (That is when the crazy members decided to leave late.)

THE CREATOR

Walking right into the shop, you will be presented with lots of colourful models boxes, modelling materials/books/magazines and paints which are selling in the shop.

If there is something you wanted and cannot find… feel free to ask the boss or the assistance for help or get them to order for you.

Other than selling models and lessons

MWS also provide a place for regulars or MWS Artists for them to build the model…

This is a good place for gathering and at the same time a good chance to learn from the experts or get tips from them when they are around.

Inside the shop this tiny corner is either reserved for lessons or shy modellers or for modellers who want to airbrush.

In the pictures above shows Calvin Goh and John working on their models.

Thanks a lot for allowing me to snap.

Have a nice day and do remember to visit often…

The Big Fish Out....

2008-02-25T02:58:00.002+08:00

Hi Guys... it's a Sunday againz and here we have the almost not complete usual gang...
It's time for dinner and we left MWS searching thorough our minds...
where should we go...

It was a surprise that we did not hear this sentence...
"Whaa liao... just go and eat the wanton mee inside.."
Thanks I think the god was praying for us...

Anyway... we was in Thomas car's going to some nice and less crowded market to fill our hungry and demanding stomach but ended up in a change of decision and ahead to somewhere in between Clark quay and city hall.

The Location!

The Fish & Chips

The Mushrooms!

MWS Family Main Dish...

2008-02-17T00:08:00.003+08:00

Well....
Today
I
Shall
introduce
to
you
all
the
MWS
family
main
dish....

Is a Thai food so go guess or ask around in MWS.... if you want to try out

The Happy dinner!

after dinner
we was thinking of having some
ice-cream at Mac
but then its full
change of plan and
was heading to
the coffee connection
but decide to try a new place
ice monster

Look!!! Who I Caught on this Valentine’s

2008-02-16T23:55:00.002+08:00

Hahaha ... well is another special day....
I was talking a walk from city hall to liang court ...

And....

I will let you find out the mystery from the picture below.!

MWS would like to give this late wishes to all who is single or attached a Happy Valentine's Day

Closed for CNY 2008

2008-02-02T02:31:00.000+08:00

Hi to all readers....
It's the time for people to receive Ang Bao and give them out as well....

So HooRay to Chinese New Year 2008

M Workshop would like to wish all of you
A Happy Chinese New Year
Gong Xi Fai Cai

And Hope you all FAI FAI FAI this year ... (2008) (Fai year)

Just to let you all know..
On the 6th we will open till 1700 hours!
please don't be late if you want to get
some last minute kit to kill time on
those days we are closed!
We will be close from 7th to 10th of Feb
You need to celebrate
we too!!
so
lets
enjoy
together

O.o after CNY please visit us more with what you have collected!

M Con 2008

2008-01-21T18:34:00.001+08:00

Hi to all the modellers in Singapore....
if you all have noticed, the monthly M Con is no longer functioning.
We are proceeding to a new era of local modelling.

So not to waste time.... I shall proudly announce M Con 2008 !!!!

Currently the M Con team is sorting out the other
important details so please wait while they are
working on it.!

Stay Tuned!

M Con 003.... ready for the Air Show?

2008-01-21T17:57:00.000+08:00

Sorry for the late update!

This is the last Mcon which is held monthly....
we would be proceeding to once a year event from now onwards.
For more details please come back and check out.

Here is the pictures!

People... who are gathering in M Workshop... for the M Con

The Aircrafts parking at the air base!

The aircrafts on display...

So look forward to the next Mcon

Coming soon.!!

Group Build - European Air War

2008-01-09T10:46:00.000+08:00

Byez 2007, Welcome 2008 (FAI)

2008-01-01T13:16:00.000+08:00

Well so fast 1 year has just gone.

First of all MWS would like to wish you all a Happy New Year.

Year 2007 MWS has been doing very well, thanks to all of you who has been supporting MWS relentlessly and hope you patron MWS more in the future.

You all should known MWS is going through a lot changes, as in the setting up of M Con 08 season and what the shop will be selling. 2007 marks the beginning of a new MWS and also a new ERA in Modelling but we also need all your support to guide us so we could improve in bringing you all better services and events.

We are in the amide of deciding a new mission statement and etc;

Should be posting them up very soon

Here is the last day of 2007 at MWS with the “SIAO” members who stayed behind with the boss who conducted a sudden spot check.(arrr )

when the boss is not around

2008-01-01T12:52:00.000+08:00

So lets not waste time and let the pictures do the talking

The ones who spent their last night and day of 2007 at MWS !!!

SK and Evil Tan inspecting the F-14 A

Hmm...
ARRRR what is going on.....

Err many thanks to the MWS Creator for his New Year Present!
(joking one "hor")

M Con 003 - Teens Fighter

2007-12-06T11:38:00.000+08:00

The next M Con episode will be held on 30 Dec 2007.

M Con 002 - SD Challenge

2007-11-26T15:15:00.000+08:00

M CON 07/08 is a special modeling event organized by M WORKSHOP to spice up our local modeling environment. This event aims to promote scale modeling and at the same time allow modelers to exchange experience with fellow modelers. Furthermore, we hope that this event will help improve the standard of scale modeling in Singapore with our “open judging” method.

This second event of the series featured Super-Deformed models. Nine excellent entries were submitted for our panel of judges to consider.

Stay tuned for more - M Con 003 coming in Dec 2007.

Introduction of the M Workshop Blog

2007-11-01T12:03:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone, after a long time... finally the M blog is up.

As of now, we will be using blogspot to blog the M happenings which is going on everyday at M workshop.

Please visit back here often for more updates.

Also please do visit the website http://www.themworkshop.com or visit the shop for more information.

Enjoy and wait for the updates!

Posted By N_T