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: Jul 26 2019, 10:53 PM

Congrats to new thread and happy 40th year

yeah. waiting for new atok PG

Rumor stated new PG will be revealed this September.

GBWC Australia 2019 Recap

oh damn... went to times square today. no more big 3 at the place. left only 1. "gamers arena"


i heard IT toys went and cleaned their store because sales was doing so bad...

Times machine went with it

̶I̶T̶ ̶T̶o̶y̶s̶ ̶i̶s̶ ̶f̶o̶c̶u̶s̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶l̶i̶n̶e̶ ̶s̶a̶l̶e̶s̶.̶ I'm still getting whatsapp update from them occasionally (recent update was last week).

*NVM. Just noticed everything is sold out on their website

This post has been edited by D-y: Jul 30 2019, 03:06 PM

What's the difference between RE and MG?
Is it merely on Exoskeleton?

RE no exoskeleton, MG got?

4,500 yen isn't bad price.

I'm waiting for lupus rex

Hmn....what do you guys think of the new GBD Re:Rise kits?

If im not mistaken, the management wanted to take back the lots + they also wanted to do online. the location was bad to begin with

Yes , RE is meant to be only for MSV mobile suits and not popular suits

RE Kyrios...

That hallelujah gundam... is it a popular gundam?

just noticed that Gundam prices in Bangkok is 10-20% more expensive than in KL lol

Syukur KL people

IT toys moved to jln klang lama iinm. Time machine kl closed shop long time ago. Not sure whether Penang one still up.

sharing my latest MG gundam NT-1 Ver 2 build


Attached thumbnail(s)

Hi all, recently finished building my RG Gundam 00 Qant[T] but 1 part was missing for the sword bits. Any idea how to order replacement parts for my Gunpla?

Here's a photo of it for fun


This post has been edited by ryanlow134: Aug 3 2019, 01:06 AM

HK GBWC is intense, even though not many sifu enter this year


i saw derrick ( the boss) at amcorp today, he opened 2 tables to sell his stuff. didn't chat much as he was busy packing and i just said hi la


how was the build experience ?

not hard to build i guess.

So many new releases in just 9 days in August

Is it just me or is GBWC South Korea this year's entries like very....meh.... nothing that makes you go woah?

Holy shit....this is built by a first time gunpla builder

Plamo Art Center still going strong with some awesome aoshima full metal panic!

Ok, so the upcoming Gundam Build Divers Re: Rise design and kits don't look half bad. It's funny that the protagonist mobile suit looks the worst among the full lineup

Anyone selling brass rod 1.0mm ya?

Is the upcoming Gundam Build Divers Re: Rise character was related with previous character from previous Gundam Build Divers?

Check with Plamo Art Centre : https://www.facebook.com/plamoartcenter/

No, it's the same universe settings but re rise is supposed to take place years after the original. The mecha designs at least looks much better



This post has been edited by carpathia: Aug 27 2019, 10:44 PM

Hi guys, Im goin to Tokyo n visit GBT odaiba, is there any exclusive piece of gundam to buy there for collection? My childhood memories and wish to own special piece.

This post has been edited by David900924: Aug 27 2019, 11:20 PM

Yes,GBT has a lot of exclusives to buy - just depends on how deep is your pocket and luggage space.
my advise is , don't bother to buy normal kits even if it's cheap because you can get them anywhere.

any tips how u guys bring back to malaysia, i do notice some box is huge. is it PG is the highest grade or got exclusive grade? lets say for budget rm3k

I'm not sure if any PG exclusive kits but there's plently exclusive for RG and HG, those are acceptable size that you can put into luggage. Won't suggest buy any regular release like carpathia mention that you can also found here unless you know it is price a lot different. I bought PG kits before and I can tell you it is not worth the hassle to carry it during travel better you should just enjoy your trip.

If you use AirAsia, max out your check-in luggage. Then get a box from somewhere and put them in that box, then register the box as your check-in luggage.

For list of currently available GBT exclusive gunpla, check here: https://www.gundam-base.net/products/

i agree with you, juz the box itself look quite a burden as i travel solo, if difference only RM200-300. i will just order from Malaysia.
Gonna go there to get poison then gonna check stock and order from Malaysia.

This post has been edited by David900924: Aug 28 2019, 04:57 PM

Can buy lots of quality japan tools and supply for building model kits

Happy Independence Day

.

This post has been edited by nazrul90: Aug 31 2019, 07:18 PM

sharing some of my metal build and model kit that recently purchase.


Attached thumbnail(s)

Yes, it's a bit pricey but oh...so worth it

only buy gundam base limited kits there, other kits are just common and are priced at RRP + tax, which you can find cheaper ones in Akihabara instead.

New PG & MG Gundam ver ka leaked ?

Hi all sifus, I am new in this Gunpla scene, any sifu here want to sell their used Air Brush set? Want to learn to use air brush, so budget is so tight, simple air brush would do as long it does the job, and can anyone share any link or video on how to airbrush gundpla and scale models?

can read and learn here.

https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/488910

Thoughts on the new Gundam G40

RIP tered daided.

No la...everyone been busy building kits and getting ready for GBWC MY 2019. This year i've been busy AF with work also...no time to chat on Gunpla on FB or here

Gonna buy the RG Eva. The old Eva kit is shit. Torso keep separated from from whole body.

Went to GBWC event in Paradigm Mall PJ just now to buy MG Psycho Zaku but it was sold out

Anyone knows whether they will restock it tomorrow?

Bro u got pricelist for all special kit? I was looking but cant find it anywhere.

This is the price right?

Limited items

I don't have the whole price list.

why they put $ sign in the poster. i thought that is in SGD.
MG sniper clear colour price quite good almost same with normal release.

GM Sniper expo kit all sold out on the morning, no more stock.

I've been seeing this a lot lately. Is it good?
need to buy the compressed air can though (as it can get used up)
For a marker/brush guy like me, might be worth a shot. but it's priced at 3000yen a can...

No, better get proper airbrush. This is fun but kinda aimed for learning younger kids under 15 since the Gundam Marker is less harmful than usual lacquer and enamel paints.

Lazada 11/11 upcoming sale has airbrush set as cheap as around Rm120.

anyone bought kits from the expo in paradigm?

Yeah totally gonna buy it. Though I still have the HG Eva and SD MG unassembled somewhere in my room

yeah me,,,why

It's almost like the same stuff last expo has...

i already bought the clear mechanical MG nu last time

I was there earlier at around 4 pm, it looks like it was restocked. You are referring to the limited edition clear MG, right?

Based on the Expo kit poster on Litt Tak's page (https://www.facebook.com/litttaksdnbhd/photos/a.507421612617238/3687777804581587/?type=3&theater), all the Expo kits were in stock (some were freshly restocked at the time) except for
HG Gundam Astaroth (its possible I couldn't recognize the kit, I wasn't looking for it)
MG ZZ Gundam Ver. Ka.

The poster although states that the price is in $, is actually RM. For example, although the poster says the green Haro is $20, it is actually priced at the Expo as RM 20.

Yeah, i think the poster was made by Bandai, not Litt tak, hence the use of $ instead of RM.
stocks are supposed to be replenished everyday (expo kits) and every few hours ( normal kits)

For those of you outside of KL/Selangor and cannot attend GBWC, the video below captures all the entries.

They finally announced the expansion pack for the 1/60 PG Perfect Strike last month....but it comes with the whole set. Sucks for those of us who bought the original PG Strike.

https://www.gundamkitscollection.com/2019/0...am-release.html

They did say the expansion pack will also be sold separately under P-Bandai though. Wonder if its made available here

https://www.gundamkitscollection.com/2019/0...gundam.html?m=1



Pics


This post has been edited by United Rulez: Nov 9 2019, 02:11 AM

Ya, was referring to the limited edition.

Went there Thursday morning at 10am, they only put one on the rack, straightaway pick it up and bought it

They did say it will be restocked in the afternoon but I can't stay there the whole day waiting for it

Hi everyone , slightly out of the topic here. Do any sifus here have IKEA detolf shelves for displaying your gundams? i have some issues with the led placement, what products do you guys use for the shelf's lightning? Saw some modelers uses IKEA's dioder but its already discontinued in Malaysia.

Bought a LED Yeelight strip but i dont know how exactly i am gonna split this led into four different strips with appropriate connectors/ cable splitter... can anyone guide me?

I highly recommend using these instead

Who do you think will win the GBWC Finals in Japan next week ?

Hi guys, was wondering whether there's any one in Subang and Petaling Jaya that provides building, painting and repairing commission work for Gunpla and metal build models (paint repairs)

have a few MG/PG needing someone to customise, and 1-2 metal build units needing some minor color repair.

Apologies in advance if I've posted in the wrong thread

Appreciate the help!

KL can ? i would recommend asking Chee Lam https://www.facebook.com/chee.lam.710

Question - is the master grade better compared to the HI-RM barbatos ?

Ive got 1 in Shah Alam if you are interested. PM me if you want the contact.
For reference google IG Puakacustoms

Yeah Puaka customs is not bad too!

Thanks for the recommendations guys! I'll look them up and inquire accordingly

Littak sales going on this coming weekend

PG !!

GBWC MY CHAMP & RUNNER UP

I wonder if bandai will release a 1/100 ver of the G40

Hello, First off.
Merry Christmas everyone .

So, I'm thinking about coming back to Gunpla building for some period of time.
but this time i will paint the missing paint color draw panal line and definately no more stickers. No plan for air brush.
just the basics, just HGs, nothing big mod.
i have watch some youtube tutorial videos, but there still some question.

i hope i can get some advise from the veteren.


can i use ordinary nipper from the hardware store, instead of Hobby Nipper?

Can i use Hardware store's sandpaper? is there any different from using wood sandpaper and use metal sandpaper?

since i'm just painting the missing color, would gundam marker suitable for me?

can i use those masking tape from the stationary shop?

does spraying matte coating smells? i haven't found a proper area to spray them. i fear i would offend the neighbourhood.
or maybe i'll leave it no coating.

is there a difference if i order from Gundam.my or Shoppe's Gundam.my? i have very little experience buying things online.

Thank you.

can i use ordinary nipper from the hardware store, instead of Hobby Nipper?

In the long run, a branded 1 will get you far far away (more model kits to build). No need to go as far as to the best you can get but a good nipper do you better when cutting parts out, ordinary 1 has that shape that blocks you from cutting parts out especially in smaller runners

Can i use Hardware store's sandpaper?

Yes, as long as you know the roughness for it.

Is there any different from using wood sandpaper and use metal sandpaper?
maybe other forumer can answer for that. i didn't even knew there is other kinds of sandpaper.

since i'm just painting the missing color, would gundam marker suitable for me?

Yes, im a marker user myself. but get yourself a small and large brush depending on the surface size you're painting.

can i use those masking tape from the stationary shop?

Yes, but check glue on it. some masking tape have residual "gam" when removing. try a few (on the runner, not the parts), see whats best for your.

does spraying matte coating smells? i haven't found a proper area to spray them. i fear i would offend the neighbourhood.
or maybe i'll leave it no coating.

maybe other forumer can answer for that

is there a difference if i order from Gundam.my or Shoppe's Gundam.my? i have very little experience buying things online.

shopee got cheaper vouchers and sometimes free shipping? i've bought something from their shopee store as well.

This post has been edited by gaiachronicler: Dec 26 2019, 07:04 AM

Thank you gaiachronicler,

there one more question i forgot to ask,

about panel lines, can i use the lighter oil to erase the excessive panel line ink.

The tin is yellow colour with red letter, think its name Amcor Oil.
some art student claim it can help erase some black lining in their art.

i wouldn't use it as thinner for the colors. Since its gundam marker, shouldn't be needing it?

or the model thinner is able to use for both function, erase excessive panel line AND thin the colour?

im a cheapo, so i just use eraser or toothpick to wipe off excess. or with just my sweat

This post has been edited by gaiachronicler: Dec 27 2019, 08:12 PM

me thanks.

All new 2020 Gunpla kits incoming!! Finally we get our MG Kyrios...so damn long since the 00 series ended

I JUST JIZZED AND CRY AT THE SAME TIME

the top highlights would definitely be MG Kyrios and HGGO RX 78-02

2020 is going to be another amazing year for gunpla

I'm still catching up to 2019 releases franky. bought and bought but no time to build

my 2019 purchases were few MG feddies and zeon grunt suits
still no built lmoa, it may stays in the box until i perma moved out from current stay

oh almost forgot i purchased HGUC Sinanju Stein MS-V version, which makes it the only 2019 purchase
planning on modifying the waist joint from another HG as i really dislike the ball joint waist, single elbow is forgiven...but not the waist

If only i can setup my mancave like this

My first gundam



This post has been edited by Marcion: Jan 15 2020, 09:43 PM

2nd gundam build

im still building mine, since last year july till now. upper torso and 1 wing

This post has been edited by gaiachronicler: Jan 17 2020, 09:10 PM

Panel line those bitches!

went to Japan and had some free time to look at Gunpla scenes there and here are my observations

1) for new release Gundam eg: MG Barbatos, RG NU Gundam with Funnels and the G40 Gundam, you will have more luck finding one in Shopee compared to physical shops in Akihabara (Yodobashi, AmiAmi, Volks, Mandarake, Surugaya Specialty, Bicu Bicu Bic Camera, Softmap, Yamada Denki, etc.) so don't buy common release lah, difference RM10-30 better enjoy your holiday. Funny thing is I can only find MG Barbatos at one random small shop that is not specialized in Hobby stuff somewhere in the middle of Asakusa. Didn't buy it because already bought in Shopee

2) If you're going to Gundam Base no need to go to the common release, more expensive than Malaysia. Just buy the event item and limited item there only. price not bad for the BASE release

3) P-Bandai hunting, Mandarake and Surugaya is based on luck. If you can find one, you can lah. But you need to know that most people around the world will aim Akihabara and Nakano Broadway branch so most stuff there is jacked lol and rare stuff will kena sapu before you arrive. You can get better luck finding some stuff on Amazon JP and send to your airbnb/hotel. Managed to find the JR Train RX78 and the Ichiban Kuji RX78 at Shibuya Mandarake instead

4) GodHands? kena sapu already at shops by mainland and angmoh tourist already. Want to hoard panel line marker and pen? also kena sapu already

so support your local sellers lah XD

Exactly what I feel to those people who went to Japan to get gunpla. Why bother get the regular release kits when they are easily available here? Even if the items more cheap, it is not recommended as you will carry the huge boxes back. Unless the retail kits are somewhat discontinued and rarely reissue. E.g. The 1990 HG RX-78-2 Gundam.

Get the special exclusive Gundam Base. Those are actually in good price in Gundam Base because they are jacked up if buy in Malaysia.

GodHand also easily get here. Its a matter you want to spend RM250 just for a hobby nipper or not. Instead get the similar design at more cheaper price. The Nanye nipper only cost about Rm40..