Wan Hashim (left and top right) and Kim (bottom right) with some of their models, – courtesy pix
KANGAR: A keen interest in military assets prompted a retired soldier and an architect to build collections of Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) airplane models as a way to encourage young people to appreciate the struggle of the heroes who safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty.
Major (Rtd) Wan Hashim Wan Ahmad, 60, said he started dabbling in the hobby when he was still schooling and it was one of the main reasons why he joined the Army in 1984.
‘I remember when I was 12, I received pocket money for looking after my grandfather who was undergoing treatment at Hospital Tuanku Fauziah here.
"I used the money to buy a model kit of an airplane costing RM5. I learned to assemble the model myself and tried to put the parts together by using different types of glue but it just fell apart.
"Undaunted, I continued my efforts and finally succeeded in assembling the model. From that success, I kept up the hobby (even) when I started serving in 1984,” he said.
He said that so far he has assembled 80 models of military assets, among them the first fighter jet used by the RMAF, the CL-41G or "Tebuan"; as well as the A-4 Skyhawk and others.
Wan Hashim said the kits he bought cost from RM200 to RM3,000.
The simpler ones took about a week while the more complex and detailed models to up to five years as they required precision joints, accurate paint schemes and such to look exactly like RMAF fighter jets.
"I hope the models will inspire young people to appreciate the struggle of national heroes who safeguard the country’s sovereignty for future generations,” he said.
He added that the freedom and independence enjoyed today is priceless and was paid for with the blood, sweat and tears of those in service.
Sharing Wan Hashim's passion for the hobby is architect Kim Wong, 63, who said that apart from looking at it as a hobby, he assembles the fighter aircraft as a way to appreciate the sacrifices and struggles of the country's Air Force heroes.
"Many people, especially young people, are fascinated when they see the (assembled) models of fighter jets.
"From there we tell them how these heroes protect the security and sovereignty of the country's airspace from any threats,” he added.
Kim said that so far he has assembled 50 fighter aircraft models including the MiG-29 and F-16.
He said his dream is to open a museum to display his aircraft models in Kangar one day.
"My idea is to display my models, especially aircraft from 1930 to 2003, to enlighten visitors about their history,” he added. – Bernama
