What is Gunpla?

Gundam Models refers to plastic and non-plastic model kits depicting the mechas, vehicles and characters of the fictional Mobile Suit Gundam universe. These kits have become popular among anime fans and model-lovers, especially in Japan and in other nearby Asian countries since 1980s. The popularity of Gundam models increased in the 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga. These Gundam Models may also be called Gunpla (ガンプラ Ganpura?), a portmanteau of "Gundam plastic model". "Gunpla" more commonly refers to the practice of building Gundam models, rather than the models themselves.

Scales and grades

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Entry Grade(EG)
In 2011, Bandai released the Entry Grade (EG) line, a low-cost model series that replaces the 1:144 NG and FG lines. Unlike other kits of the same scale, all EG kits are made in China.

Super Deformed(SD)
Not based on any particular scale, the super-deformed style features comically-proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are teir very large heads. Super Deformed Gundam kits are often very easy to construct but offer very limited articulation and require paint and detailing to truly "finish" the kit. The most famous line is the BB Senshi (or "SD GUNDAM BB Warriors" in English). There are also separate product lines: for instance, Superior Defender Gundam Force and Ganso SD Gundam (discontinued in the 1990s). Most kits of this line are from the Musha Gundam series and the Knight Gundam series.

1:144 scale/HG/RG
The very first kits have been running for 30 years (starting with RX-78-2 Gundam) and are routinely re-released by Bandai. As these kits are limited in articulation and require glue (for the early kits) and paint to assemble, these have retroactively been categorized as NG (No Grade), to differentiate them from FG (First Grade).
During the mid- to late-1980s, the quality of molding improved and HG (High Grade) level kits were introduced in 1990, starting from the titular mobile suits of the first four TV series. These limited-run kits featured full snap fit assembly, an "internal frame" (for the first two kits, which provides better range of motion and were more poseable), and utilized the molding technique known as System Injection, wherein multiple colors would be cast on the same part.

In 2010, Real Grade (RG) surpasses HG as the top-end series of the 1:144 Gunpla line. The kits feature extensive detail and articulation, as well as a poseable skeletal frame comparable to the 1:100 Master Grade kits. The first RG kit is the 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam, with the second being the 1/144 MS-06S Char's Zaku II coming out sometime in November.

1:100 scale/MG
Just like the 1:144 scale model kits, these kits started about the same time with the very first 1:144 model kits, again starting from RX-78-2 Gundam. "Generic" 1:100 kits may also be called "No-Grade" (NG 1:100) to differentiate from other specific 1:100 kits. Later kits (from Turn-A Gundam onwards) are clearly inspired from the post-HG 1:100 kits and features a similar (or greater) level of quality and detail.
Beginning with Victory Gundam in 1993, the HG line would shift to relatively well detailed larger scale kits in the 1:100 scale. There were need for little painting and detailing. These applied for the 1:100 scale models produced between 1993 and 1998, including Victory Gundam, G Gundam, Gundam Wing, Gundam X, and New Mobile Report: Gundam Wing Endless Waltz. Each TV series would receive on average between 6 to 8 models in this scale and grade.

Master Grade (MG) models were first introduced in the summer of 1995, designed and made to higher standards than most other models. These take much longer to construct and are often much more expensive than their lower-grade counterparts. These kits consists of features similar to those of the HG and HGUC but better. This line of plastic kits was the first to feature a movable inner frame system which enables extensive movement and bending of joints. The popularity of this line was so great that a lot of old and new kits from non-graded series were cast as Master Grade models. The vast majority of MG offerings are from Gundam, with the rest coming from mechas in Patlabor and Dunbine, as well as character figures of Dragonball Z, Kamen Rider W, and One Piece (under the name of MG Figurerise). As the MG line has become a symbol of Gunpla, Bandai released another lineup called Real Robot Revolution (R3), for the non-Gundam type real robots like Layzner and L-Gaim, made using their experience in MG model production.

1:60 scale/PG
Bandai release 1:60 scales to the main mecha of major TV series. These are non grades or TV grades models, and the main line of 1:60 scale. Early 1:60 kits, like other scales, where simply a bigger version of the smaller scales. In the early to mid 90's, 3 High Grade EX models of V2 Gundam, Shining Gundam and God Gundam from the V Gundam series and G Gundam series where release, featuring more details and gimmicks than its smaller counter parts. Bandai also created a much more detailed series of figures. The Perfect Grade (also known as PG) model kits come in standard 1:60 scale but are superbly detailed in terms of color and its inner frame, as well as normally possessing more points of articulation, such as hands that articulate at the knuckles. Perfect Grade kits were mainly used for developing new plastic model technologies, a function currently taken over by the Master Grade series, and typically need a few years to develop each kit.

1:35 scale/UCHG
Universal Century HardGraph does not primarily center around the humanoids of the Gundam universe. Rather, it centers on military things on a more conventional scale such as land vehicles, tanks and troops. However, some kits do include detailed to-scale mecha parts which are particularly useful for the creation of dioramas. For instance, the Anti-MS Squad kit includes an articulated lower Gundam arm.

Other/Mixed Scales
There are various other scales, like the Mega Grade's 1:48, the Speed Grade's 1:200. These scales are less dominant in the Gundam Model line.
A 1:400 scale model line is designed for large mobile armours and battle ships in the Gundam Collection line, which the line's ordinary mobile suits are figures, not models. Only extremely large units like Mobile Armours and Warships need assembly. These models are pre-coloured models, and the warships need minimal assemble. An earlier line of model, the High Grade Mechanics, with a scale of 1:550 held a similar function in introducing large mobile units, but the line only consist of 3 mobile units from 0083.
Another high-detail line is the EX model, in scales of 1:144 and 1:100 (non-humanoid units like aircraft) and 1:1600/1:1700 (spaceships), ranging from the Universal Century to Cosmic Era productions. This series is not Gundam-exclusive, having models from other series like some of the jet aircraft from Sentō Yōsei Yukikaze and at least one aircraft from Ace Combat 5.

Special Editions
Over the years, Bandai released special limited editions of various kits, usually as competition (such as the yearly Bandai Action Kits Asia (now Universal) Cup held in Hong Kong) prizes, or as an event-limited (such as Japanese toy expos, movie launch premieres) item, although sometimes these kits are sold as limited web-shop items or discreetly sold by Bandai. These kits usually come in clear plastic, metal-plated (certain kits are in so-called 24-k gold finish), "gloss-finish", "pearl-finish", "titanium-finish", or any combination of these. Their prices are usually much higher than their regular-release counterparts.

Non Plastic
Bandai has also released some Gundam garage kit under their branch, B-Club. These models are composed of unpainted resin with no decals provided, often needing modification by the modeler due to the inherent properties of the manufacturing process. While comparably more expensive (some surpassing $400) compared to plastic kits, they offer an unparalleled level of detail for the dedicated and experienced model builder.
A few select kits have also appeared manufactured from metal. These kits are offered by several different manufacturers and most commonly will result in a finished model of about MG level.
These types of models (real detail) usually take days to build.

Previous thread:

Related Links

Gunpla News

Other categories of model kits available in this forum

This post has been edited by nazrul90: Sep 28 2012, 04:01 AM

I might go there since it's so near
Now why Suri^^ haven't informed me or anyone here regarding this?
Lupalah tu

Later if I really go, if there is any real deal, I'll let you guys know yeah

P/S: This thread is in dire need of new version

congrats new thread! V26!
put Litt Tak haul la

'was' in dire need

no nice deals.. i went there, only Justice and Banshee on sale.. then the rest are sanguos and AGE AG
no nice EXPOs even

Wow~.. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR HAUL HXIIIK ..

AND CONGRATULATIONS ON NEW THREAD~.. V26... I really like this number

hehehe
sorry was quoting my prev ones for v25 actually

ah really?
damn have to wish more for discount.
I just realized that last time I did wish for discount for the 1/10 spacesuit dude in v24 and it was granted.
man I want to wish for discount for 1/48 now

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Added on August 10, 2012, 12:28 pmyou're going to MIECC ah today?

This post has been edited by Tiger I: Aug 10 2012, 12:28 PM

yeahhhh new thread!!

What other RG have at MIECC now beside Justice?

no one congratulate me when i got my RG justice.

no fair.

why u want ppl to congratz u~




This post has been edited by gaiachronicler: Aug 10 2012, 12:43 PM

Belated congratz on ur RG justice

going to get if after work.. dont know still got or not

If you get the price at RM 80 I will congrats you too

Wah really fast V26 already.

already said.. nothing

sad part is no campaign stickers either.. but i was dying to pick this one up and 80 is simply irresistable

This post has been edited by HxiiiK: Aug 10 2012, 01:26 PM

i got it with 85 in office

This post has been edited by Agito666: Aug 10 2012, 01:24 PM

Is buying the Ex-s Gundam from G-System worth it??


@waikin
Thanx bro, the posters did make them seem cartoony but when u watch the show, some of the suits are awesome looking.

@rihuhs

Its called hoping bro , Cant a guy hope?? IS it a crime to hope??? IS IT

This post has been edited by Rhasense: Aug 10 2012, 01:51 PM

random spam pic....

The expo at MIECC last for how many days?
What time start and end?

Tkting?

correction, 88

9-12 Aug
best not wait for last day, might not get good deals already
start 11am to 9pm i think

Thanks for the info.
Was checking online but like didn't find any information regarding this expo.
This miecc is Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre?

next to mines...

MINES.. not sure what the IECC stands for but i think it's the same as what you put above.. but M is Mines it's just behind Mines Shopping Fair
anyway sorry it seems to be till 13th Aug

here http://www.facebook.com/events/271959776243908/

This post has been edited by HxiiiK: Aug 10 2012, 02:24 PM

1. its resin, if vastly different from Bandai plastic. Not ur standard holes n pegs. Gluing is a must, n if u had no experience doing that, u'll leave a big mess n ruin ur highly expensive kit
2. Its bloody expensive by its own, not to mention for that particular model, u need Bandai Ex-S as base. So to make it work u hav to buy both the g-system n bandai which would drive ur bank account straight to hell.
3. it may look extremely detailed on photo, but in truth u nid to paint the details on ur own cuz the parts r all monotone. Bcuz there is not much parts separation, to paint all those details is the epitome of masking hell.
4. its chunks of plastic rather then parts by parts like MG, so its articulation is even worse then what bandai has (mind u its not as if the bandai ones had great articulation to begin with, so just imagine it to be even worse than that)
5. its metal-ecthed parts are a pain in the arse and generally not worth ur effort putting it on.
6. sometimes, despite its high price g-system quality r not really up to par (its the best of the resin company i'll giv it that, but at that price its just not worth it). Some parts could be warp n u nid to dip it in warm water to soften it up n bend it back to its proper position. Basically more pain in the arse.
7. if u happen to had some parts missing (very rare but had occur b4), well good luck finding replacement or even ask for compensation bro.

This post has been edited by TheAdmiral: Aug 10 2012, 02:44 PM

1. Not a problem for me.

2. Money is no object either, though Im referring to the 1/35 scale one. I dont think u need the base Bandai Ex-s. Correct me if iam wrong.

3. Im all about adding detail.

4. Hmmm that sounds kind of discouraging

5. Not a problem.

6. Very discouraging as well.

7. And yes, that would require for me to have very bad luck which I do.

Why they still haven't show the RG decal for it yet

sure a guy can hope, but at least be realistic and reasonable. you're saying it like you're applying for a job in a multinational company started as a regular staff, and hoping to be CEO in a year or two and what is exactly your intention of putting the last words in your sentence in capital letters??

judging by your posts, I can say you're quite new to this whole gunpla & Gundam thingy, and simply buying a PG and having all the money in the world doesn't necessarily make you an expert. even if you are, you still doesn't seem like it in my point of view. I'm no old timer and my skills are not that advanced, but if you're thinking you can simply expect everybody to agree with whatever you're saying just because you think you're right, then no point posting it in a forum. better off start your own blog or something and rant as much as you want in it.

Im not new to this, I dont know why its so bad to hope big? Im not understanding why ur coming at me like this??

Did I offend someone?

to be honest ever since his first post here i thought he was trolling.. now i'm not so sure anymore.. i don't want to say anything though, it's up to him what he wants to say but do expect some to return in kind

in any case, day 2 of the announced RG Zeta, still no ninja taken pic of the prototype? i'm sure one might find it by searching for it in japanese, which i, of course am unable to

well, most of them japanese seem to be a pretty obedient lot, so chances of one sneaking a shot is pretty low i guess.

also, if it is displayed in the 'gunpla display area' at GFT, then it is gonna be right across the hallway from the ticket selling booth, and near the entrance. Susah wor.
if displayed inside gft itself amongst the other displays (unlikely methinks) then got nice ladies in uniforms from gunpla universe standing around. Lagi susah.

This post has been edited by madmoz: Aug 10 2012, 03:22 PM

He has been trolling in the other china thread.. now he comes here to throll? Well, like u said Hxiiik, Do not feed the throll... or just report to mod lo if his post is inappropriate..

As for here, and after looking at what every1 is posting.. and also this is a forum.. it's freedom of speech.. just dun break the rules ..

Anyway, according to his post.. he is just hoping.. well, every1 also can hope.. .. so, he is not consider wrong or right...
And I can say that it's actually an argument with no answers .. .. don't argue already la..

END OF CONVERSATION

but japanese have ninja's....hihihi joking...
by their new theme for RG, 'for new evolution'

i think zeta will transform without part swapping...
but that was just my theory....now we'll wait..

Deploy Madmoz to be Spy to do the MIB 4 - Review of RG Zeta

it's not bad at all bro, but as I mentioned before, be reasonable. or else it'll just sound like a daydream.

okay. it's enough. I'm done reasoning with you

+1!

imagine if it was displayed in Msia.. u will see 1million photos of it on the internet, 99% of it will be camwhoring in front of the display piece

that might be a clue, since they're quite highlighting the words

I posted once in that thread and it was an honest question and everyone overacted and its happening here too.

What is going on..

oh man....... i just got it yesterday from arena

that's why don't rush Litt Tak is always bound to have some sales

any thing nice there?

i don't know how many times i've repeated no.. other than RG Justice for RM80 and Banshee for RM180.. there are only sangokuden and AGE AG

banshee rm180 is it cheap?? worth??

LOL.. becoz u never do like what I did list down all the price.. then every1 can go.. Fuuuuuuuuu or just go OMG.. I need to go there buy ... or just CHEW... the price so pricy..

well bro,

People do reviews.. also got ppl asking again
People put pricing.. also got ppl asking again..
People go take news.. also got ppl asking again..

so conclusion ... u can just ignore, or just by all means go ahead to reply them

hahah sorry la bro

share all so we can all know whats in store for us !!!

mg age?

normal market price is about RM195-200
some even sell for 220 now so yes, 180 is pretty cheap

haha, true la... but not many things there, no point listing down.. or maybe not u list.. no one knows me, so they don't pay attention

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Added on August 10, 2012, 4:13 pmnope.. AG.. the 1/144 crappy version like First Grade or Entry Grades

This post has been edited by HxiiiK: Aug 10 2012, 04:13 PM

you leave near mines ?

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Added on August 10, 2012, 4:15 pmi think this fare is same guy in sugai wang
lit tak hobby house i think....

This post has been edited by Silversky13: Aug 10 2012, 04:15 PM

Thanks a lot.. hahaha will going to mines later...

nope, i study a short distance away from Mines so i can go no problem
yes it's the same guy.. Litt Tak.. so u will see him there

i think the sugai wang fair is much bigger then this fair
i gone to this fair ones for rg stike
long time back

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Added on August 10, 2012, 4:20 pmany one custom gundam?

This post has been edited by Silversky13: Aug 10 2012, 04:20 PM

yeah.. this one a bit disappointing.. but i am quite happy with RG Justice at this price

I think that was sometime early last year, as I also got my first RG, the RG Aile Strike there

damn the RG Justice price is sure tempting, but I don't really fancy the Justice at all. afraid might lose interest in a short while after buying it. looks like the money will be saved for RG Zeta

can act like UC 's "flying pancake" with extra wing

The only thing that interest me now is the sangokuden.
Is the amount n choice of sangokuden a lot?
Big boxes or the normal small box?

lucky u study near there good price must say
i love the justice but the color so girly pink!!!

need to over right the color!

This post has been edited by Silversky13: Aug 10 2012, 04:52 PM

i think the pink suits the MS it's a very nice shade too

and now maybe people will think twice before leaving their gunpla in backlogs



go and experience how your gunpla feels while inside the box waiting for u to take it out they should have a lock from the outside to simulate that

Get the deactivated Justice color.

So this is the 1/1 RG box ?

flying pancake really made my afternoon

nah. in a strict budget now. can't just simply throw my money around

yeap.. the empty box after they built the 1/1 RG RX-78 still no release date

ohhh i got the pink d... that why say to fast buy

This post has been edited by Silversky13: Aug 10 2012, 05:10 PM

THAT IS MAGENTA

the real pink is ...refer back to my metal slug tank

i know your feel

not finish fixing rg one to ask what is the next rg

any news guys share share

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Added on August 10, 2012, 5:13 pmhahah in a guys eyes when the color is to girly is just to girly
you have a pink tank? chon lo!!!

This post has been edited by Silversky13: Aug 10 2012, 05:13 PM

the price difference is a small matter when you get what you want

same here, hauling little by little

yeah lucky this time the stickers are not pain in the ......

with so much new releases, I need to carefully choose which one should I buy.

so far my list goes like this:
- MG AGE-2 *must get
- MG Buster *maybe. dunno yet
- RG Zeta *must get

and old releases, yet to acquire:
- MG 00Q
- MG HeavyArms

maybe I'd stop buying for a while after getting these. maybe.

RG ZETA?????

are you sure bro???

if it is chon man.......

so can't afford the MG grade
price so

my pink tank is manlier than Justice gundam.


just confirmed yesterday, refer back few page ealier

Later RG Zeta came out

All in that list are secondary objectives

Wooooooooo your Tank rely chon lo......

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Added on August 10, 2012, 5:28 pmoh .... i am new here

never mind la so is true ......... can transform ah?

This post has been edited by Silversky13: Aug 10 2012, 05:28 PM

If you're talking about MG Zeta or the MG Zeta HD version is only around RM 180 if I'm not mistaken...?... not that pricy also.. as the last time I posted..
[attachmentid=2993953]

Yikes!! Those head with tentacles kinda remind me of the movie The Thing.....only that yours are way more cute
RG Zeta!!! They heard our wishes..... will be my first RG

later come out something else... u sure

I already have the MG Zeta v2.0 HD Color still MIB. I was very close to getting HG Zeta and when Bandai released the teaser for RG #10, which I'm pretty sure is Zeta, then I straight away cancel. planning on grabbing RG Zeta right when it's out

i have a HG Zeta a bit of partsforming required though, so if bandai comes up with a way to fully transform RG Zeta i'd be very very impressed
btw bought the HG Zeta in the previous Litt Tak sale for uh.. 52 i think

you must be new there.

nope i'm not.... i'm not.....
it's just that i'm not very into animes, even though I do know that tank is from Metal Slug....

I am well aware of that but I'm more into the MS though. my transformable MSes are all on display in MS mode, only been transformed like twice or so so I don't really mind at all whichever solution Bandai will come up for the RG Zeta. in my opinion to maintain the price range it might be partially transformable, but if they really make it full transformable like its MG & PG counterpart, I'd say it's gonna be very awesome

I got my MG Zeta HD for RM167 but that was looonngg ago

yeap you already told me that when i said i was looking for Zeta HD a while back still haven't found one.. but i'm less disappointed now that with 180 i may be able to get 2 RG Zeta but i still want to see the details, transformation, overall looks.. everything is still a mystery as of now.. but worst case scenario i'll just buy 2 and display MS and WR mode i don't think i'd mind as much since i absolutely love the MS design

I might have to agree with you on that. Was hoping MG zeta price would lower down but it seems like too long to wait
so might as well get 2 RG and display in both modes

ohh yes. gotta love the design

but I'm not gonna go as far as getting 2 of them just for the sake of displaying it in both modes

well like i said, i'm not jumping to any conclusions or saying i'd definitely buy both yet, since other than finding out it's the RG Zeta, everything is still unknown
so i'm going to take on the wait and see approach but i do feel like i'd want to buy 2 of them either way, just because it's Zeta

i yoh if it slike what u say, sure bang head kow kow

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Added on August 10, 2012, 6:33 pmhahahah ..... in your eyes must be so ....

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Added on August 10, 2012, 6:34 pmlucky you bro......

i think i will wait for the RG vir......

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Added on August 10, 2012, 6:35 pmcostly la bro ..... me poor guy

must save rely hard to buy one RG leh......

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Added on August 10, 2012, 6:38 pmif rg zeta can change won't the parts break easy ????

This post has been edited by Silversky13: Aug 10 2012, 06:38 PM

Not sure will it break easily. But dropping off for skirt armor, v-fins & fingers have higher chances to happen since my rg all have the same issue.

Yet is great can get two r n display them both in ms n wave rider mode. Mg too costly to do so.

yeah oh if for display 2 units 93 one him...... no la can't afford hahah

there's always HGUC Zeta man

This post has been edited by rihuhs: Aug 10 2012, 07:06 PM