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: Dec 2 2013, 10:00 AM

marked

YESSSS NEW THREAD! congrats V32

GAT-X frames here to congratulate the new thread.. Athrun is off fighting Kira so they can't make it

Just finish PG strike.

meow~ =3

No6. hope this hobby dont burn too much of my money



This post has been edited by Freedom1104: Dec 2 2013, 09:50 AM

those marker is oil based?

i thought blitz's death is the only reason athrun wanna kill kira?

nope less oily. its call real touch marker

Nice shading there boss

current build
so awesome till I thinking to give new color scheme

looking for a Zaku...

weren't they always fighting, just that Athrun didn't want to KILL Kira at the time? can't remember already

their relationship are quite gay-ish in SEED.

reporting in

new tered cepat sign in!

Make Build Hazel w

did some1 jz call my name

lol....

bro which one to pick?
HGUC MS-06 Zaku vs HG MS-06F2 Zaku II (both ground type)

or MG better?

anyone??

as a responsible TS, please put a new thread link before you close the old thread so can redirect people like me to read new thread.

thank god this thread still in first page. or else it is very hard to find then i had to use search tool again...

and this is not first time already

This post has been edited by Agito666: Dec 2 2013, 11:23 AM

Congrats V32

MY NEXT PROJECT!!



This post has been edited by immpulse: Dec 2 2013, 11:50 AM

Reportin' in!

sorry no model to show-off coz still practicing my technique

the HGUC 06 Zaku II was an old mold, no waist articulation, no thruster mold (blank backpack), no handpegs, etc while the F2 is newer.
if you wanted something of Zaku disregards of the version, the HGUC Zaku I and Zaku I Sniper Type (normal or Yonem Kirks ver) should be considered too

unleash the wing, unleash the freedom, enter Strike Freedom



please ignore the messy panel lining this is my first gundam after like 3 years ?

Lol ... why Bandai wanna use that inner frame, it's ugly T_T

Congrats V32

reporting in

thanks! will compare it.
for now, i think i will go for HGUC Zaku II F2 first, i prefer this zaku head.. lol..

ooo, TS listen to this hardcore TS, he's really good at opening new threads.

---

That aside, anyone here owns the EX-S Gundam?

Congrats on new thread...

With new thread, comes greater poison and deeper wallet damage!!! :-)

New thread, new PG Strike progress: http://imgur.com/fo8mm1P,vYH9jhX#0



I won't be making you guys cry like I did with my PG GP01 kit. I'm aiming for a clean hangar build this time, except half the kit will be completely exposed inner frame - hence why i'm trying to spruce up the naked half with my silver/gold Gundam markers.

MG? yeah i do.

i have the MG too but it's uhh.. not bandai

Btw nazrul90 soniamdisappoint.jpg, I thought the new thread pic would of been Sazabi rather then Fenice, where's there monoeye love?

How much did you spent on the kit and what's your views on the kit?

Any one know where can buy those Mr. Marker products?

I search through lowyat and found this guy: https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2502112/all

Anyone bought from him before? Thanks

new thread and everyone's posting pictures. have a nightingale (seen at gunpla expo)

How much i spend? Hmm roughly 250 for the kit (bought when yen was 0.032) and another 200-300 for paints,thinner,masking tape,custom decals, etc etc. Cant giv u actual figure since its quite long ago.

As for review, its an old kit so dun expect it'll compare well against new stuff like Nu or 3.0. It has very limited articulation due to design aka a brick; its a beautiful brick but a brick nonetheless. The external fuel tank connection is extremely week since the joint is so small and the tank is so heavy, it'll end up loose and droopy. The BFG is hard to pose with in hand and dull looking if u dun paint it. The big booster is also quite dull looking without paint to bring out the detail. It cant stand on its own (well technically it can but it'll stand with a weird angle and ridiculously unstable). Major seam lines along the external fuel tank, but thats the only major panel line on the kit though the rest r hidden quite well. Nub marks r ok for a 2004 kit. Bloody crappy sticker for the wing flap. Pain in the arse transformation process. Other then that overall its ok considering its a 2004 kit, its quite solid as well despite being a transformable kit. Its the best bang for buck kit out there, u'll get lots and lots of plastic for a 8000yen kit. The only "modern" kit thats is comparable in size and amount of plastic is The-O but thats way more expensive and even then not as much plastic as Ex-S. Its build time is about that of a PG, not because of its complexity but because of its sheer amount of plastic. Give it a try if u r curious, but only if u hav experience building transformable kit and/or old kit.

maybe buy another one in future
for this one I plan to custom color

forgot liao

but why should be problem?
thread always bumping at 1st page subforum,I dont think that so hard to find, this is not like thread at Kopitiam subforum where everyday thread got buried by thousand new threads

heck yea I would love too but it is easier for people to find gundam thread so have to put gundam pic

Image too big

This post has been edited by happy2me: Dec 16 2013, 05:57 PM

Hahahaha.....
After this sure a lot of guys will look for you.
You come to the right thread girl.

My bf got me into gundam. No worries

luckily ur married already huh?

Then your bf should be worried then.

Yeah. You can say like that. Well, actually, I'm the one who teach my wife to do gunpla.

poison kasi sikit

normal


evolve

Thanks for the review!

Yes I won't expect much from a 2004 kit. I have only made a couple of MGs so far and been trying to get a new kit lately, also not planning to finish it quick but rather a long and slow work.

and yes again, a badass looking brick.

I really like the red color chest piece on the S Gundam but sadly it's not on the EX-S. Only the coming FW made it possible.


iseewhatyoudidthere.jpg (points at le signature)

This post has been edited by s7ran9er: Dec 2 2013, 05:48 PM

limfreelance bro, u have amazing skill, i as a casual newbie modeller really want to learn from u leh!

Eh.....no lah.

all i did is just repainting the kits with other color scheme. The have plenty of sifu here who modifies kits & created diorama for Gundam competition...for represented Malaysia. Their arkwork truly awesome.

u can do it in mg. Just remove the white armor chest attachment and voila.

but u mod ur ex-s parts, i like the shoulder part, never know how to do that like urs.

its a neograde resin conversion

MG is also not a bad choice, but you'll be paying double of what you can get with HGUC
MG 2.0 Ground Type can be of J (normal, MS Igloo and Elmer Snell) and K variants for MG

salute bro.

can i know how you panel line the face part ( vendors)

is it achievable with marker? or you recommend paint for panel lining?

its hard to find any girls would support their bf in gunpla. salute u haha

welcome to the family here. hope you enjoy the poison

eh..that ex-s not mine, i just grab from internet for poison purpose.
lining u can use pencel + eraser.

go straight for Johnny Ridden's R2A.

F2 is a good kit too, but kinda plain. Nice of them to throw in 2 rifles though.

Zaku I - go for Tristars, more zeon stickers.

skip the old HGUC Zaku II.

MG has better articulation of course, but more pricey.

If your budget is limited, go for HGUC S or EX-S. Both are bricks like the MG but at least they won't burn a hole in your wallet. You won't miss the transformation gimmick because how many times are you going to muck around with it? They are huge enough to tower over most other 1/144s too.

^ in addition to that, the transformation on MG Ex-S is a fiddly mess, most people (like myself) never even bother with it, so buying HGUC wont cause you to miss out on much

not under HGUC line eh?

HGUC missing the awesome fuel tanks

I was actually surprised when I saw that EX-S Gundam can transform because whenever you made a search or find a review, it is always posed like a Brick in the stand. There are no variations but it just simply stand there like a bad-ass.

Nic and his fuel tank fetish

those are lovely boxart, resembling manga cover IMO

I'm sure there are other girls who appreciate building model kits. Will be sure to post more pics in future!

looking forward for your work

HGCE line looks promising.

well build strike is the reason they got a new strike.. and i'd hate to say it, but if they made this mold into a new perfect strike, i think i'd buy it

HGGS and HGCE that much difference?

saving production cost ? and im too scared to paint them now, as its my first gundam after years

nope, chrome gold would cause problems and make it even easier to break.. have you heard of gold plastic syndrome (GPS)? a lot of chrome gold plastic have that problem.. i think gunpla less though, since it's not entirely gold or gold at the structural points

The original HG Strike kit is complete garbage. Horrible proportions, bad color separation, and articulation that can't compare to current day HGs. This new HGCE Strike is a massive improvement.

ah yeah, now it reminds me when i was building SF's wings backpack. the chrome part almost snapped when i was cutting it off from the runners

This post has been edited by ahodil: Dec 2 2013, 10:19 PM

Congratz on v32

btw any news of when the build fighters series will come to our shore?

imagine that one B frame.. bandai is going to make a fortune out of replacement parts

well... i guess :\

Wah 4 page already, me slow poke.

Anyway, my wallet just got hit hard with funding Sazabi ver ka, EX Hildolfr. MSS Sinker and Thunderbolt Zaku with big gun plus alot of tools for modding.

I can't help but notice that the latest gundams have some animal motives in their design.

Sazabi (Katoki) looks like a rhinoceros beetle ready to pounce.



===============

Wing Gundam Fenice: Like a dragonfly ready to tango.



This post has been edited by happy2me: Dec 3 2013, 12:11 AM

oh really?

No wonder the EX-S sold better than the S.

I was looking for some badass looking Gunpla for weekend project, initially thought I should go for the GP03 or the GP01 (RG) but after some searching managed to stumble upon the EX-S. Got a little bit into reading and watching reviews.

Saw the neograde conversion kit too, really beef up the EX-S.


btw, any ETA for the MG Sazabi?

Also where can I look for "vintage" kit?

use SPOILER tag guys

interesting theory here. cant see this coming. but this doesnt look like anything related to insect. LOL

a japanese's grasshoper experiment that gone wrong ?

genetical evolve mantis?

this one more looks like grasshopper.

I'm guessing 15th of December!

Are these old gundams? I'm thinking they don't sell well? It's like a drawing by a kid from the Monster's University movie.

well their sales figure are not impressive like sazabi ver ka but they do have their fans

well they are older release. newer one are Kshatriya like above or this which i haven seen any MG release.

I see.

Freedom1104
just a heads up, please EDIT your previous post instead of chain posting it feels a bit.. unecessary

Also, thank god the sale at HLJ already ended. That urge to spluuurge.

Noted

nobadi moks ze bigzam

yes its old. They dont sell well cuz its scale is unpopular not because of the design. The main scale for gunpla has always been 1/144, 1/100 and 1/60, that Neue Ziel is 1/550 hence only the selective hardcore fans would purchase it since its so out of place from all other kits scale wise. It doesnt translate well into the popular line due to its size, the smallest of the main line; 1/144, if Neue Ziel were to be made into that scale it'll be as big as Dendrobium.

This post has been edited by TheAdmiral: Dec 3 2013, 08:54 AM

all gundam project for this ? HGOO line mayb?.. haha