Bandai Action Base 2 English Manual

Action Base 2 by Bandai is used as a display stand and base. I mostly see this type of base used to display High Grade, Real Grade types and other smaller kits. Bandai’s action base line are nifty option parts that are very useful in my book.

Bandai Action Base 1 English Manual

The Action Base 1 released separately by Bandai for use in displaying their snap fit mecha model kits, quite a nifty creation really and very useful for displaying as well as keeping your plastic model kits safe. I would definitely recommend these bases for use on Bandai model kits that have a hard time standing up.

Dust in my Particle Respirator Mask

Was thinking of doing some model kit building in the next couple of days since the weather is holding up nicely. So to prepare for that I was planning to get my stuff in order so that everything will be in place when that glorious day ever happens *snicker* When I got my particle respirator mask from the desk I had placed it on it was good thing that there was a lamp near it because I saw the extent of dust that had accumulated inside it.

Hobby Search Announces Changes in Cancellation Policy

Last Tuesday Japan based online Hobby retailer, Hobby Search, announced changes in their cancellation policy whenever you order from them. These changes will take effect next month on February 1st. You can read more about the changes on their official post, here.

Amiami Revises Site Design

If you dropped by the english site of Amiami yesterday you probably noticed that they changed their site design. Not sure if its entirely new or they copied it from their Japanese site? They also wrote a post on the changes to expect in the newly revised site.

HobbyLink Japan Sci-Fi Modelling 2012 Competition

Been a day late posting about this, but yesterday marked the start of HobbyLink Japan's Sci-Fi Modelling 2012 competition that they announced in the previous episode of HobbyLink TV. This time its not limited to Gundam model kits, but this time you can enter any sci-fi model kit into the contest

Tamiya Masking Tape

Just got this from HLJ, Tamiya Masking Tape Refill (6mm) and Tamiya Masking Tape Refill (10mm). The reason I've been wanting to get this for the longest time is because most model maker reviews I've read recommend to use this type of masking tape for painting.

Hobby Search: regarding the threat of radiation

Saw this posted at Hobby Search, an explanation on the threat of radiation being passed on to the goods they ship. I guess they have probably been receiving a lot of questions with regards to that in the past couple of days.

HWJapan closes shop

Update: Just got a reply from them, message can be found below.

Update: I googled about HWjapan's closure and I came into this discussion thread. The post of the discussion happened on March 10, 2011, way before the events of the earthquake, meaning that their closure could be for a different reason. Just sent them an email, I hope they answer.

Announced a few days back was the closure of HWJapan. No doubt as a result of the current events unfolding in Japan right now. What with the possible nuclear meltdown of the nuclear reactors at Fukushima that was as a result of the Earthquake and the ensuing Tsunami.

Vallejo Paints

Thinking of trying out Vallejo model kit paints and related products for coloring my next builds. Problem though is that the supplier I found in my country currently carries only the Vallejo Model Color acrylic paints and not Vallejo Air which is specially formulated for air brushing. You can download their color charts and catalogues here.

Painting DIY Paint Stand

Free time of mine today was alloted in painting over the DIY paint base stand I made before. The reason I'm doing this is because I don't like anymore how the paint residue gets left behind as a powder on the base. Not good because once I start spraying, the air from the can kicks up the residue and sticks on to the model kit. I'm assuming that with a coat of paint already on it it won't let paint powders easily form on the base. Hope my assumptions are correct, otherwise this will be a big waste of time on my part *snicker*

AirBrush Hose 1/8" to 1/4"

Update:This hose actually disintegrated due to the heat, was able to fix it with aquarium hose.

Bought a 1/8" to 1/4" hose from Roy Airbrush(ebay seller). According to the shop literature they are a seller based in Taiwan. I'm going to use this for the Double Action Airtex Beauti Airbrush that I got last year. The hose is supposed to be 10 ft in length uncoiled but i haven't really checked whether it goes that long or not, I wouldn't really care if it didn't go that far either *snicker*

Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brush Short Brush No.00 (0.4mm)

This arrived for me today from HobbyLink Japan, a Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brush Short Brush No.00 (0.4mm). Been looking for a very good, fine brush to paint small detailed parts with. Previous fine brushes I've used (of the cheap $1.00 kind) don't fair well for me, after a while of use they lose their "pointiness." Lesson learned, if you want quality, you better pay for quality.

Mech9's 2010 Top Seven

Finally decided to write a top seven list of news worthy events that happened in 2010, based on my opinion of course. How apt to to be making the list on the eve of the New Year. 2010 went by so fast, as with the previous years you can't help but wonder how the time went by so fast.

Medicine Dropper

Was at the pharmacy the other day and luckily I remembered to finally get some glass type medicine droppers. This I'll use for mixing paint once I start airbrushing. With this I'll be able to get the proper ratios for the Tamiya Acrylic paint and isopropyl alcohol to be used in airbrushing a model kit.

Koh-i-noor Graphite Pencils for panel lining

Bought some Koh-I-Noor woodless graphite pencils of the 8B and 4B shade. Will use this for panel lining my model kits.

HobbyLink Japan Announces Lower Prices on Select Brands

HobbyLink Japan announced recently that they are now offering a permanent discount from the retail price of select brands that they carry on their inventory. Costumers will be able to experience between 10~20% off the retail price of these products.

Tamiya Pla Plate

Ordered up also some Tamiya Pla Plates from HobbyLink Japan. The picture above is right next to a 24 inch T-square (for reference). Can't believe that there's actually a T-square in the house *snicker*

Kotobukiya MSG parts

Some Kotobukiya MSG parts I ordered arrived from HobbyLink Japan last week. Ever since I saw these Modeling Support Goods (MSG) being sold at HLJ I knew that I just had to have them. Chiefly because I suck at detailing and this could do well to spice up an otherwise "dull" kit *snicker* This is easy to add to a model kit too, just some glue at the back and your all set to stick it on a model kit, before painting of course... hehehe

Airtex Beauti 4 Double Action Airbrush (0.3mm Needle)

Finally got this in the mail from HobbyLink Japan. Airtex Beauti 4 Double Action Airbrush with 0.3mm Needle, its selling for 6650 yen at HobbyLink Japan. I chose this as my first double action airbrush because of the price (30% off) and the unique features of this version that is being sold by HobbyLink Japan. According to the product page at HobbyLink Japan this airbrush was customized for them by Airtex.