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Gundam models are model kits depicting the vehicles and characters of the fictional Gundam universe by Bandai. These kits have become popular among mecha anime fans and model enthusiasts in Japan and in other nearby Asian countries since the 1980s. Gundam modeling spread in the 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga. Gundam models, as well as the hobby of assembling and painting them, is known in Japan as Gunpla (ガンプラ Ganpura?), a portmanteau of "Gundam plastic model", plastic being the most common material for the retail kits.

Plastic Gunpla

Gunpla gallery showing various grades and scales. Courtesy of Dalong's Gunpla Review.
Plastic Gundam model kits are manufactured by Bandai in Japan (or China) which has an exclusive license in manufacturing and marketing the kits around the world. The first plastic Gundam model kits were sold in 1980 in Japan.
Plastic Gundam model kits consist of several trays of parts or "runners" that either snap-fit (most post-1990 models) or require glue (older models prior to 1990) to put together. The cover image on the box, or box art, is usually done by an illustrator with a picture illustration of the subject mecha design in action. All plastic Gundam models kits are supplied with stickers and sometimes decals to apply extra colors and markings as seen in the show, movies, manga or video games. Smaller or lower grade kits often require paint to give the model a finished appearance.
The kits range in different scales with the most popular scales being: 1:144 (approx 13 cm tall), 1:100 (approx 16–19 cm tall) and 1:60 (approx 30 cm tall). Other scales include 1:200, 1:48, and the SD series.
Since the first Gundam model kit release, there has been a constant improvement in quality design, material and manufacturing technique by Bandai. The basic kits of the late 1990s (routinely re-released by Bandai, with some exceptions) require cement and paint. These kits when completed, have very limited range of motion which renders them almost not poseable. These models were retrospectively called FG (First Grade).

High Grade (HG)

Later the quality of the moulding was improved and HG (High Grade) level kits were introduced in 1990. These kits at either 1:144 or 1:100 scale, provide for better range of motion and greater poseability. It is important to note that the SEED and SEED DESTINY 1:100 scale models do not have HG listed anywhere on the box or manual, but they are considered HG in terms of quality.

High Grade Universal Century (HGUC)

The highly anticipated HG Universal Century series, commonly called theHGUC series, was released in May 1999. Created in an easy to collect 1/144 scale, it represented a chance to release versions of many Mobile Suits for the first time in kit form using refined designs and modern injection moulding technology. The high quality of the HGUC series makes it the rightful heir of the HG series released in the 1990s. New designs, with new mechanical improvements, continue to be introduced in the series even today. Furthermore, all modern 1/144 HG models, such as the Gundam SEED line, are built to the same quality of early HGUC models. Starting in 2010 the HGUC line incorporated mobile suits from the alternate timelines that had not received a HG. In 2013 Bandai launched the "All Gundam Project" in conjunction with the release of Gundam Build Fighters to release all lead Gundams with the universal joint technology in the High Grade line.

Real Grade (RG)

In July 2010, Bandai introduced the 1:144 Real Grade (RG) line as part of the "Gundam 30th Anniversary", which takes design elements from the Master Grade and Perfect Grade line such as an inner skeletal frame. This Gunpla line achieves the largest range of motion in each joint.

Master Grade (MG)

The next level are designated MG (Master Grade) which were introduced in 1995, and are only offered in 1:100 scale. These kits are manufactured using higher quality plastic and the resulting molds are of a greater standard. However, the model is more expensive, complicated and takes longer to construct. The finished models offer a superior range of motion compared to the lower level kits to provide for an even wider range of poses, thanks to an inner frame. Some of them actually include specially designed stands for added display ability. Master Grade kits are very presentable assembled straight from the box, but adding paint and detailing can greatly improve the appearance of the finished model.

Reborn-One Hundred(RE)

Perfect Grade (PG)

The highest quality kits are known as PG (Perfect Grade, introduced in 1998). These 1:60 scale models are made of even higher quality plastic and metal components. These kits include parts that have to be secured with screws, and often require some minor wiring for small LEDs. The market for the Perfect Grade level of models is limited due to the higher cost, often costing between $100 to $300. Perfect Grade models are a true challenge and their construction can take days, or even weeks.

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 24K gold finish), "gloss-finish", "pearl-finish", "titanium-finish", or any combination of these. Their prices are usually higher than their regular-release counterparts.

Non Plastic Gunpla

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 several days to build.

Other series

Super-Deformed

Also offered is an expanding line of small plastic kits labelled SD Gundam (Super-Deformed Gundam) which are not presented in a particular scale. "SD" Gundams are comedic renditions of the various Gundam mecha designs featuring a disproportionately large "head." These kits are often much easier to construct but offer very limited possibility and require paint and detailing to truly "finish" the kit. The most famous line is the BB Senshi(known as SD GUNDAM BB Warriors in Bandai's English page). Depending on popularity of series, SD units may also be sold in separate product line (e.g.:Superior Defender Gundam Force).
Bandai also offers Real Detail model kits, which is exclusive to the Cosmic Era universe. While the scale is 1:60, they are basically scaled up HG kits with some added details. The level of details and possibility are not comparable to Master Grade and Perfect Grade kits, but some models feature gimmicks like light up LEDs and includes a stand.
Bandai often produce limited run kits for special events (JAFCON, C3 or locale specific events.) These kits are generally packaged differently from normal production kits, but usually differ only in that they are fabricated with metal plating or in translucent plastic.

EX Model

This line depicts vehicles in supporting roles, such as tanks and fighters. They are less expensive than garage kits, yet have higher detail than regular plastic models. Although they are usually in 1:44 scale, vessels such as the Argamaand White Base are in 1:1700. Other series featured in this line includePatlabor, Sentō Yōsei Yukikaze, and Ace Combat.

UC HardGraph

Released in 2006, it uses the 1:35 scale for armored fighting vehicles. Kits can be bundled with soldiers, firearms, vehicles and MS parts.

Speed Grade Collection

Launched in 2007, this series consists of pre-painted kits molded in the 1:200 scale.

Gundam Fix Figuration

The Gundam Fix Figuration (G.F.F.) series of collectible figures was started based on the Gundam mechanical designs of Hajime Katoki and his 'Gundam Fix' illustration artbook and are released by Bandai.

Mega Size Model

A large-sized Gunpla line in the 1:48 scale, it was introduced on March 6, 2010 as part of the Gundam 30th Anniversary. The Mega Size Model RX-78-2 Gundam is based on the Green Tokyo Gundam Project (Gundam front) 1/1 full-size model.

Entry Grade (EG)

Entry Grade, or EG, is a line of 1/144 scale model kits, or Gunpla, of the Mobile Suits from the Gundam meta series. Introduced in 2011 and made in China, the line was marketed to emerging markets in Asia. EG kits are similar to First Grade or No Grade 1/144 series Gunpla kits, wherein they contain no polycaps and are molded in only three colors.

First Grade (FG)

The original First Grade line, or FG, was part of the Gundam 20th Anniversary Big Bang Project in 1999 as a modern remake of the original 1980 1/144 kits. As such, the kits were molded in one color and contained no polycaps, but featured the snap-fit assembly of current kits. The three Gunpla in this line used designs based on their Perfect Grade counterparts.

Non Grade (NG)

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 No Grade (NG), to differentiate them from First Grade (FG).

Advanced Grade (AG)

Released in 2011 with the Mobile Suit Gundam AGE series, it comes with a Gage-ing Chip for the Gage-ing Battle Base arcade game.

Ecopla

A special limited release sold at events such as the "Gundam Expo." With the exception of clear parts, the kits are made from recyclable materials; specifically, melted-down plastic left over from the manufacture of other models.

Display models

For trade shows and toy fairs, Bandai displays some extremely large models in 1:6 or 1:12 scale. True to the scaling, some of these models are well over 5 feet (1.50 m) tall. Although most of these are one off promotional models used for display purposes, Bandai has produced a few of these for commercial purposes under their HY2M line. Notably, these are MS-06S "Zaku II Commander Type" (Char Aznable custom), which is now out of production, and the "RX-78-2 Gundam". These generally retail for approximately $2,000 and are intended to be sold primarily to store owners as display fronts.

Comparison

The following are all the equivalent sets of a MS-06 Zaku II each demonstrating a different series of Gunpla Model Kits.
    

Building Gunpla kits

Upon buying a Gunpla model kit, you will receive several "runners" that either snap-fit (most post-1990 models) or require glue (older models prior to 1990) to put together. The runners include all of the kit's parts inside of a tree-like mold. You will also get the manual used for building the kit, and possibly decals, which are sometimes not provided in lower-grade kits. Popular tools used to cut the molds out of the runners include side-cutters and a hobby knife.
The runners provide you with a code used to differentiate each part from another. By following the manual, cut out the according parts needed from the runner and proceed to snap the parts together. These steps will become a repetitive process as there are several parts needed to be cut and snapped together. Another step that many builders also do is to remove "nub-marks", which are leftover piece of plastic from the runners. Tools used to remove the excess plastic are sandpaper and a hobby knife. Overdoing this process could result in damaging the whole part. The provided decals and stickers are used to display extra details, colors and markings as seen in the show, movies, manga or video games. Smaller or lower grade kits often require paint to give the model a finished appearance.

Tools

A list of tools commonly used to build Gunpla kits.
  • Side Cutters - The most essential tool. They are used to cut parts out from the runners without damaging the plastic.
  • X-Acto/Hobby Knife - Used to carefully remove the nubs off of the kit's parts.
  • Sandpaper - Used to sand away remaining nubs not removed by the knife.
  • Gundam Markers - Quick and easy substitute for paint that covers up any damage caused by removing nubs.
  • Panel Lining Markers - Used to highlight the plastic edges and creases in the Gunpla kit.
  • Top Coats - Gives your model a desired finish and protects the paint and Gundam marker ink applied.

Bootleg Gunpla (Pirated Gundam Model Kits)

In April 2010, Bandai sued two Chinese toy manufacturers for manufacturing and selling counterfeit Gunpla kits. The lawsuit states that Bandai demands 3.69 million RMB (roughly US$540,000) compensation from the companies.
Bootleg Gunpla companies include Daban, TT Hongli, and Model GD.

See also