By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, May 15: Benny Lee could be answers for collectors who have been holding on to their expensive miniatures, action figures and other collectibles which are fading, broken, dusty and covered in spider webs, tucked away on shelves or storerooms.
The 44-year-old Lee said that 15 years ago in 2009, he decided to use his technical skills and creativity to repair and paint his miniature and toy collections, and other collectibles, before deciding that he could turn it into a full-time profession.
He elaborated that it can be a lucrative venture as few have the patience to do the intricate work on miniature toys. Apart from repairs, he also sells action figures and toys at his shop.
Lee revealed that many enthusiasts not only buy but also want their miniature toy kits to be assembled, as they do not always know how to put them together in the way they want them to look.
“I help fix the kits for them. These days, I hope enthusiasts of action figures and toys will think twice about discarding their once favourite playthings,” he told DayakDaily, adding that he can also assist collectors with restoring their collectibles to a condition as good as the day they bought them.
Lee revealed since some of the action figure toys sent to him or which he acquires are no longer in production, he must know the original state of these action toy figures.
“To repair, I must have a better understanding of how the model was coloured so that I know how to repair these collections, which I believe to be rare.”
Lee also revealed that many of these rare items are expensive, and the oldest he has at his store now is a Star Wars kit made in the 1990s which is more than 30-years-old.
“It is a rare toy kit, and enthusiasts may want to know about it. Apart from that, I believe I’ve had it in my store now for at least more than 20 years.”
Lee said there are not many people he knows doing his line of work but with plenty of enthusiasm from hobbyists, he hoped the profession could go on.
“At the moment, collectors come in and ask me to do colouring and repair broken bits, and in the worst-case scenario, I can repair up to 70 per cent of the toy.”
Lee said it takes him anywhere from an hour to months to do his work and repair the damage.
“It also depends on the degree of difficulty in the fixing, repairing and painting work, and also the availability of spare parts which I salvage from other broken toys,” he revealed.
Lee said he also learned from online sources how to mix colours and do certain repairs. The Internet is also where he obtains spare parts.
“These are customer-centric businesses also, and I charge (customers) from as low as RM30 to a few hundred ringgit.”
He said he is currently repairing a figure of ‘King Kong’ which was bought at RM400. The paint costs a lot and that will add significantly to the cost of fixing it.
Collectors with toys in need of repair and touch-ups can find Lee’s repair and service store on the 1st Floor of GB42 Stutong Community Market.
For more information, call 0111 054 2088. — DayakDaily
