We did not attend Malcom 2024 because the process of moving to a new (and hopefully, permanent) house took longer that we thought. As to why we moved, it was sad but on the other hand, I am grateful for Fate’s intervention and Luck that is my Wife. But this time, I made sure I am going to Malcom 2025 and yes, I did that!
Standing here and realising that now I have set foot through the doors, I felt, different. Everyone is rushing about, with a purposeful yet, panicking scramble. It is in this daunting sea of structured chaos that I very quickly, needed to find an anchor; something in the form of a friend or, a quiet corner so I don’t panic. In the end, I rushed out, forgetting where I am supposed to put my model or even look up at the layout plan. Gathering my senses, I found out that the Registration tables were one floor below. And there, it was all quiet and calm, as if you’re in a Library. This was a drastic change compared to 2024 where everyone were in a line that stretched all over the entrance, carrying their models until past midnight to get their registration done. This time, all I had to do was to look up my name and gave them the corresponding number.
All in all, it was an OK event. Then again, it was the only event in Malaysia for modelers. If you want to know what it is al about, think of it as a very small version of America’s Wonderfest. Not Japan’s but America’s. We also have Hotels, Friends, Panels, Dealer Tables and even Manufacturer Tables. The crowd was ok but could have been more if Malcom 2025 was held the week before, which was Malaysia’s First-Term School Holidays. (It should be the second, but they were re-scheduled, due to the Covid)
The last minute SNAFU
My simple plan was to enter Border Model’s Tesla Trooper in the Sci-Fi Category. But as time drew closer, all I could say was, I was thankful for having bought spare paints and stuff. Alas, when it came to the Base, I was really out of luck. So, what you saw during the competition was a very boring figure standing on an even boring base with the electronics coming on every 40 seconds. As for interactivity, because I could not tread the four wires (for power and switch) down the legs, I must made do with putting a NFC sticker and call it a day…
THE FEELING AGAIN
In most trips, I was either driving alone or, car-pool with a friend. And we’ll look forward to the Event. However, after having the whole family with me in 2024, I kind felt empty as I drove all the way up North. And being there, I felt that I could not connect with the Event, it’s as if I do not belong there. Everyone is running about, doing their part to help and, well, set up stuff while I just held my model, carefully wrapped in a towel, looking lost.
What if the entries were bigger than mine?
What if they saw mine and laughed?
What if my Model broke and everyone saw it?
What if the LiPo battery started a Fire?
Why are everyone talking to each other jovially?
What if they recognize me and came over?
And so on…
Fighting the urge to turn around and go back home, I just put on my pair of earphones and…
All of a sudden, everything is bliss. Every noise is blocked out as I walked past the silent Sea of people while listening to my songs. Wow. And then, it is all clear to me as all I have to do is to go in, change the batteries and come out. As for the rest of the day, I can either Vegetate in my Hotel Room, take photos amongst the crowd or, just wander within a 700m radius of the Hotel.
I can do what I want, see who I want and talk to whom I needed to. This new perspective made the weekend bearable as now, I am not too exhausted nor overwhelmed anymore… I don’t even have to care at anything.
Pictures
I did take Photos of the event. This time, it is much less than before as I realised, not many people are interested as this was reflected on the number of visitors, etc. on both FB and here.
