Have you ever stared at a wall of colorful boxes, each promising an epic robot adventure, and felt a little lost? You want to build an awesome Gundam, but where do you even begin? The world of Gunpla, or Gundam plastic models, is huge and exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Knowing the difference between a High Grade and a Master Grade, or which series your favorite mobile suit belongs to, can feel like learning a whole new language.
Picking your first (or even your tenth) Gundam model should be fun, not frustrating! We understand the struggle of wanting that cool-looking robot but worrying about complicated instructions or spending money on a kit that doesn’t match your skill level. This post is here to cut through the confusion.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly which type of Gundam kit fits your building style and ambition. We will break down the grades, explain the tools you need, and guide you toward your next fantastic build. Get ready to power up your hobby knowledge!
Top Gundam Model Recommendations
- The Beam Saber Rack is movable, allowing you to recreate unsheathing poses
- The ammunition belt is crafted from soft materials, enabling it to bend along with the barrel’s movements
- The back of the shield features intricate detailing. The weapon can be attached to the back of the waist
- Marking stickers are included to replicate the Mobile Suit's appearance from the series
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
- Part of the HG Series
- Bandai's newest "High Grade (HG)" model kit faithfully reproduces the new Gundam's distinctive form
- Loaded with articulation in the torso, hips, and elsewhere for dynamic posability after assembly!
- [Includes]: Weapons (x1 set) Backpack (x1 set) Interchangeable head part Interchangeable hands (x1 set) Stickers Marking stickers
- 1/100 Scale: 100th scale model
- Material: Plastic
- Inspired by: Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans anime
- Articulation: Multiple points for varied poses
- Accessories: Interchangeable parts
- Distinctive head and torso color scheme faithfully recreated
- Includes a variety of weapons for diverse display options
- Shield can be mounted on the arm or backpack using joint parts
- Comes with two Bits, which can be attached to the unit via joint parts
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
- The Transformable MS Gundam Epyon will be available in the RG series as a newly designed kit! The new articulation gimmicks optimized for swinging the Beam Sword powerfuly and naturally
- Wyvern-motif design arrangements unique to this RG kit!
- The Heat Rod can be set in spiraling poses thanks to Advanced MS Joints
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed Bandai Spirits product
- Snap together requiring no glue
- Plastic is colored no paint required
- Runner x16; Foil sticker x1; Marking sticker x1; Dry Transfer Markings x1; Instruction manual x1
- Skill level: Expert
- The highest "metal expression" in the history of Gunpla -EXTREME METALLIC COMBINAITON-
- A kit with the most number of linked frame articulation gimmicks in MG History that enables the poses you imagine
- The true value of the Golden Frame is unleashed through gimmicks
- A variety of armaments with numerous gimmicks are included. Paper-crafted runner stand inlcuded to assist in assembly
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
- The long-awaited "GUNDAM EPYON" from GUNDAM UNIVERSE is here!
- Adopting a new frame, we pursue the optimal range of motion and ease of play that enables reproduction of scenes from the series!
- [Set Contents] Body, Replacement wrist parts left and right, 3 types each, Beam sword set, Heat rod, shield, Joint parts set
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
The Ultimate Gundam Model Buying Guide for Beginners and Beyond
Welcome to the exciting world of Gunpla! Building Gundam models is a rewarding hobby. These plastic kits let you create amazing robot figures from the popular anime series. This guide will help you pick the perfect kit.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at a box, several things tell you about the model. These are the most important features:
1. Grade System (Difficulty and Scale)
- SD (Super Deformed): These kits are small and cute with big heads. They are very easy to build. They need almost no tools. They are great for first-timers.
- HG (High Grade): These are beginner-friendly but offer more detail than SD. They are usually 1/144 scale. They are a good balance of size and building time.
- RG (Real Grade): RGs are small (1/144) but pack incredible detail. They use complex internal frames. They require more patience and skill than HGs.
- MG (Master Grade): These are larger (usually 1/100 scale). They always include an inner skeleton (frame). They offer great articulation (how much the model can move). They are excellent for intermediate builders.
- PG (Perfect Grade): These are the biggest and most detailed kits. They often include metal parts and lights. They are expensive and take many hours to complete. These are for experts.
2. Part Count and Articulation
Higher part counts usually mean more detail. More parts also mean better movement (articulation). If you want your robot to hold many cool poses, look for higher-grade kits like MG or RG.
Important Materials and Quality Factors
Plastic Quality
Most Gundam parts use polystyrene plastic. Good quality plastic feels solid and cuts cleanly from the runner (the frame holding the parts). Cheap plastic might crack when you try to remove a piece.
Color Separation
High-quality kits have parts molded in different colors. This means you do not need to paint every piece to make it look accurate. Better color separation equals a better-looking finished model right out of the box.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Sharp Molding: Details should look crisp, not blurry.
- Stickers vs. Decals: Water-slide decals (which you slide onto the model with water) look much better than simple stickers. Higher grades often include better decals.
- Inner Frame: Kits with internal frames (MG and PG) look more realistic and hold poses better.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Flashing: This is extra thin plastic sticking out from the edges of a part. It makes the model look messy.
- Poor Fit: If parts do not snap together easily and securely, the quality is low.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your experience depends on what you want to achieve.
For the Quick Builder
If you want a fast, fun project, choose an SD or an HG kit. You can finish these in an afternoon. They are perfect for displaying on a small shelf or desk.
For the Detail Enthusiast
If you enjoy the building process and want a detailed display piece, MGs are fantastic. They offer a deep building experience without the huge commitment of a PG.
Tools Matter
Even simple kits benefit from basic tools. A good pair of plastic nippers (cutters) is essential. They cut the parts cleanly, which greatly improves the final look. Using your fingers or dull scissors often leaves ugly nubs on the pieces.
Gundam Model Buying Guide FAQ
Q: What tools do I absolutely need to start building?
A: You need a good pair of plastic nippers. These let you cut pieces off the plastic frame cleanly. Many beginner kits also benefit from a hobby knife to shave off small bumps left after cutting. You also need a cutting mat to protect your table.
Q: Do I have to paint my Gundam model?
A: No, you do not have to paint most modern kits. Bandai (the main manufacturer) molds most parts in their final color. Painting is optional and makes the model look professional, but it is not required for a fun build.
Q: What is the difference between a sticker and a decal?
A: Stickers are thick and you peel them off and stick them on. They often look shiny or raised. Decals (especially water-slide decals) are very thin sheets of design that soak in water and adhere smoothly to the plastic. Decals look much more natural.
Q: Which Grade is best for a 10-year-old beginner?
A: SD (Super Deformed) kits are the best starting point. They snap together easily without tools and are very forgiving. HG (High Grade) is the next step up once they understand basic assembly.
Q: How long does it take to build a typical HG kit?
A: A standard High Grade kit usually takes between two to four hours for a first-time builder. This includes reading the instructions and cleaning up the nub marks.
Q: Are Gundam models the same as LEGOs?
A: No. Gundam models are snap-fit plastic kits. You assemble many small, specific parts together following detailed diagrams. LEGOs are modular blocks that fit together in many different ways.
Q: What does “scale” mean (like 1/144)?
A: Scale tells you how big the model is compared to the real robot it represents. 1/144 means the model is 144 times smaller than the fictional giant robot. HG and RG kits are usually 1/144 scale.
Q: What if I mess up and break a small piece?
A: If you break a small piece, check if the kit has an inner frame. Sometimes the piece is just decoration for the outer armor. For essential pieces, you can use plastic cement (glue) very carefully. For beginners, try to avoid breaking pieces by cutting parts carefully.
Q: Should I buy an older or newer kit?
A: Newer kits are almost always better. Bandai constantly improves the plastic quality, snap-fit design, and articulation in newer releases, even in the lower grades.
Q: Are Gundam models expensive?
A: Prices vary widely. SD and basic HG kits can cost as little as $10-$20. Larger, more complex MG or PG kits can cost $70 to over $200. You can find a great experience at almost any price point.