Tetsujin - Where dreams are made of.

“So what now? “Where do we go from here? Tetsujin 2021?”

Those are the questions floating in my head ever since the curtains were drawn for the last Tetsujin.

Tetsujin is already in its fourth year and it is still going strong. I must admit it is the best thing that ever happened to me as far as this hobby is concerned. It is not everyday that a modeler get to be involved in organizing a competition at this scale. It is a privilege and honor to help spread the love for this hobby.

But this year, and this year especially, it’s a little more special for me personally. I feel that 2020 is the accumulation of all our efforts for the last three years. You can say it’s time to receive the report card. Unfortunately, the emergence of #CONV19 casted a deep shadow on the proceedings. And Singapore seems to have become a hotbed for it. There were concerns of lower turnouts and submissions as local and overseas participants also checked in on us for updates.

To be frank, it was unnerving for me at first. Because I would absolutely be crushed if the event was cancelled.

Well fortunately, we were in the clear at that juncture and went on with the show. And ooh yeah, we managed to pull through relatively unscathed. And quite spectacularly amid the virus scare hanging over our heads.

Regrettably, we had lesser entries compared to past years. But how about the standards? Well, you should see the hole in the roof. It went up several notches. It was literally smoking hot. It’s like everyone finally got down to business. Treat Tetsujin seriously. Finally.

Some of the entries are simply astounding. Throughout the event, I repeatedly counted my lucky stars that I am not competing. The overseas contingent put up an even stronger front. Well, considering there are GBWC champs in their ranks, I shouldn’t be surprised. But our local lads are no walkovers either! They put up a dazzling show in their own right.

Well, this only posed an even bigger headache for all the Judges. Needless to say, judging was a drag. We had to call truce several times during the process. It was almost three hours later when the final vote was cast and results sealed.

Just looks at those faces!!!

This year the entire process was torturous and yet, extremely satisfying. Simply because many of the entries were sights to behold. I could stare at them the whole day. Although there are many good entries, three of them caught my eye.

Crimson Scourge by Muhammad Rizal - Open Champion
The Witcher by Ryan Chong -Special Category - Iron Maiden 2nd Runner Up
OO Gundam by Ronny - Open Category 1st Runner Up

Crimson Scourge by Muhammad Rizal

Well, what can I say? This one is a hot favourite. The Crimson Scourge is what I have been dreaming to do. Well obviously Mr Rizal got there before me. And I must say the execution is impeccable. The finishing, flawless. The choice of mecha is spot on. Not a single thing is out of place. For us, it was the easiest decision to crown him as the Champion for Open category despite the formidable opponents in the same cat.

Mr Rizal is a regular supporter of Tetsujin. He has been consistently dishing out high level works and I enjoyed all of them. In terms of creativity, he is right up there among the best. A talented but low profile modeler. Hope to see more works from him in future Tetsujins.

The Witcher by Ryan Chong

While everyone is playing it safe, this fellow took a leap of faith and went with a half bust and FAG combo. Needless to say, it is a stunning piece of work. It demands attention and rightfully deserved it. It got him 3rd in the Iron Maiden category. However, there are still room for improvements especially workmanship and painting/finishing skills.

OO Gundam by Ronny

Mr Ronny is from Indonesia and a GBWC Champ in his country as well. So we are honored and flattered at the same time to have him at Tetsujin. IMO, he is as qualified as any of the judges on the Tetsujin panel. I would rather have him as a participant so I get to see his top notch works.

His modification traits and style are unique to him and his detailing work is so flawless it defies logic. A very soft spoken, down-to-earth and humble chap. The type that always has my utmost respect and admiration.

His OO open hatch concept is really awesome. With all the cutting and sawing, I was expecting some rough edges or misaligned parts but found none. He is that good.

Rest of entries, you can check this link.

For the last two years we are seeing more overseas participants and many of them are accomplished modelers. There are concerns about the locals being edged out by them. Simply because they are a class above the rest. I sincerely urge the local community to forsake that mentality and take up the challenge instead. I don’t see them as a threat. More like healthy competition. Some may think that they are here to sweep up all the attractive prizes because Singaporeans are “easy meat”. NO, I want to dispel this notion. They are here to raise the bar and uphold the standards of Tetsujin. The local guys can take the fight to them as well. Everyone has a fair chance and shot at it if all of you put in effort to master the craft.

Frankly, I absolutely hate it every time a trophy heads overseas. But within Tetsujin, we all believe that if one is good, one deserves the win regardless of nationality. ANd we all keep that principle in mind.

I finally met up with Don Suratos aka DC23 from the Philippines after 10 freaking years. So many things have changed. Our kids are older now! We go back a long way. I like this chap a lot as he is like a live wire, full of enthusiasm and passion about the hobby. He is comfortable to be around with and not pretentious at all. A natural leader IMHO.

To celebrate this reunion, we decided to continue our “rivalry” with another build off! I have not been building for the last few years and this build off could well be the catalyst. Provided that I still get my training in the gym, I am looking forward to this new challenge with DC23. But first, I need to finish that MG Strike Gundam. It’s getting embarrassing when everyone including the tea lady keeps reminding me of it XD.

Lastly I personally like to thank the partners/friends/modelers who were involved in Tetsujin. Without them, there will be no Tetsujin.

Sponsors/partners (not in any particular order)

1. HobbyMate

2. E7 Paints

3. Genesis Frontier

4. Asobi

5. Dspiae

6. GoodSmile Company

7. Harder & Steenbeck Airbrush

8. EMR - Event Management

9. Vallejo Paints

10. Kotobukiya

11. Alclad II

12. SMS

13. Jaef Liang

14. SOZO

And of course the local judges and special guests as well.

YOU GUYS ROCKED!

1. Eday Ng - Hong Kong

3. Erix93 - Malaysia

4. Seth Tuna - Vietnam

5. Don Suratos aka DC23 - Philippines

6. Leon Ku

7. Sam Lim (from HAW)

Also thanks to all the staff, friends and family who came in to keep this event going. Of course, none of this can happen without the one and only Joyce Teo (HAG owner). To make it simple, No Joyce, no Tetsujin.

As most of us returned to our respective jobs, we are tired. But you know, the satisfaction of organizing a successful hobby event (I keep seeing the positive testimonials coming in) is extremely satisfying. The perfect tonic for my soul and body. I couldn’t have asked for more.