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.
History
Late 1970s–1980s
Mobile Suit
Gundam debuted in 1979 and the first Gunpla kits came in 1980, following the
show's cancellation. Nearly every mecha in the series was made into a model
kit, from mobile suits to support aircraft and space battleships. Parts came in
up to three different colored sprues. These kits lacked articulation and
detail, and required glue and paint to build and finish.
Following the
completion of the TV series line, Bandai introduced the MSV (Mobile Suit
Variation) line, featuring alternate variants of the series' mobile suits. One
of the highlights of the line was the PF-78-1 Perfect Gundam, which introduced
System Injection (a process where one sprue—sometimes even one part—was molded
in multiple colors), which minimized the need to paint the model.
Mid 1980s–1990s
Following a
line of kits from the Round Vernian Vifam series, the 1985 Mobile Suit Zeta
Gundam kit line incorporated the use of polycaps (soft plastic, typically
Polyethylene) as connectors for better articulation of joints. The 1987 Gundam Sentinel
model line introduced the concept of snap-fit models, reducing the need to use
glue. And starting from the 1988 Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack line,
all Gunpla kits feature snap-fit assembly.
In 1990,
Bandai introduced the High Grade (HG) line, which featured newer 1:144 scale
versions of the RX-78-2 Gundam, the RX-178 Gundam Mk. II, the MSZ-006 Zeta
Gundam and the MSZ-010 ZZ Gundam. Each kit boasted exceptional detail and
articulation, as well as features normally found in their larger-scale versions
such as the Gundam's Core Block System and the Zeta's transformation feature.
Beginning with
Mobile Suit Victory Gundam in 1993, a unified set of polycap joints was created
for smaller scale models that allowed easy mass production of models that all
shared the same basic skeletal frame. This standardization allowed Bandai to
release more models over a shorter period. As a result, the Gundam shows of the
1990s usually received sizable 1:144 model lines. These were all of similar
quality, with some attention to colors molded in the right area, a reasonable
level of detail for their price point, and mobility as such that all major
joints had at least some degree of mobility.
In 1995, the
1:100 Master Grade (MG) line was introduced. This line features more parts,
better detail and improved articulation than past kits of the same scale.
Following the
release of the Perfect Grade Evangelion, Bandai introduced the 1:60 Perfect
Grade (PG) line to the Gundam series in 1998. This line features extensive
detail and articulation, as well as working skeletal systems and light-up
features. The PG line is the most expensive among all Gunpla kits, and only a
select few mobile suits have been released in this line.
To celebrate
the 20th anniversary of the franchise in 1999, Bandai released 1:144 First
Grade (FG) kits of mobile suits from the original series. Marketed as budget
models, these snap-fit kits featured the simplicity of the original kits, but
with more modern designs based upon the corresponding Perfect Grade kits.
2000s
Mobile Suit
Gundam SEED introduced a new type of non-graded (NG) 1:144 model, with a
completely different design plan. While these still feature snap-fit and color
molding, they omit major joints, opting instead to only allow critical pieces
to move—typically the neck, hips, shoulders, and feet. These are budget models,
usually retailing much lower than other models; and this line was extensive,
covering nearly every machine to be featured in the TV series. Gundam SEED also
featured non graded 1:100 models, identical in quality to Bandai's High Grade
offerings. It was also during this decade that the term "Gunpla" was
coined by Bandai.
To commemorate
the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam, Bandai released the MG RX-78-2
Gundam ver. 2.0. While this model is closely designed after the anime art, it
features radical improvements over the previous Gundam kits in terms of
engineering and build quality.
2010s
In 2010,
Bandai released the 1:48 Mega Size Model RX-78-2 Gundam kit as part of the
franchise's 30th anniversary campaign. This kit features many innovations that
make it easy to assemble for first-time Gunpla collectors. For example, the
parts are attached to sprue gates thin enough to break without the need to use
of plastic cutters, and excess gate plastic can be removed from the parts
without using a hobby knife. Some sprues have been designed to snap together
for easy and quick removal of assembled parts. Also in the same year, Bandai
introduced the 1:144 Real Grade (RG) line, which takes design elements from the
MG line such as an inner skeletal frame. Both Mega Size Model and RG variants
of the RX-78-2 Gundam were patterned after the 1/1 scale Gundam statue on
display in Odaiba. Bandai also released Ecopla, a series of HGUC and SD kits
molded in black and made entirely out of recycled sprues.
In 2011,
Bandai released the Entry Grade (EG) line, a low-cost model series similar to
the 1:144 NG and FG lines and is sold only in parts of Asia. Unlike other kits
of the same scale, all EG kits are made in China. The series was discontinued
after its first run. Back in Japan, Bandai introduced the Advanced Grade (AG)
line for Mobile Suit Gundam AGE, a budget line that focuses more on the
arrangement of colored parts; thus sacrificing more articulation than the
previous budget lines. The AG line incorporates a microchip that enables
collectors to use the kit in the Gage-ing arcade game.
In 2014, as
part of the 35th anniversary celebration of Gundam, Bandai released the MG
RX-78-2 Gundam ver. 3.0, which incorporates the engineering techniques used in
the MG 2.0 and RG kits. Bandai introduced a sub-line of the HG line in mid-2015
called "HG Revive", which consists of re-engineered 1:144 scale kits
of the RX-78-2 Gundam and other classic mobile suit designs.
Scales and grades
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 the HGUC 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
is designated as Master Grade (MG), which was 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/100)
In September
2014, Bandai introduced the Reborn-One Hundred (RE/100) line. This 1:100 scale
line consists of models that are too large, too obscure, or too costly to
produce into the MG line. As such, the kits lack the inner frame and detail level
of MG, but offer articulation levels equal to or better than 1:144 scale HG
kits.
Perfect Grade (PG)
The highest
quality kits are known as Perfect Grade (PG), 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 Argama and White
Base are in 1:1700. Other series featured in this line include Patlabor, Sentō
Yōsei Yukikaze, and Ace Combat.
U.C. Hard Graph
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.
Tools
A list of
tools commonly used to build Gunpla kits:
·
Side Cutters/Nippers - The most essential tool.
They are used to cut parts out from the runners without damaging the plastic.
Some beginners use nail cutters as a cheap alternative to side cutters.
·
Hobby Knife - Used to carefully remove the nubs
or shave off the mold lines of the kit's parts. Popular brands include Olfa and
X-Acto.
·
Metal File - Like the hobby knife, this is used
to remove nub marks, but is more widely used on flat surfaces.
·
Sandpaper - Used to sand away remaining nubs not
removed by the knife or metal file.
·
Paint - Comes in acrylic (water-based), lacquer,
or enamel. Mr. Color manufactures paint colors specifically matched for Gunpla.
Other popular brands include Tamiya, Testors, and Citadel.
·
Gundam Markers - Alcohol-based paint markers
that are a quick and easy substitute for paint to cover up any damage caused by
removing nubs.
·
Panel Lining Markers - Used to highlight the
plastic edges and creases in the Gunpla kit. Excess ink can be removed with a
cotton swab or an eraser.
·
Oil Wash - A more professional alternative to
panel lining markers, this is a mix of enamel paint diluted in thinner. The
paint is then lightly dipped on a line before it spreads to other intersecting
panel lines. Excess paint is then cleaned up with a cotton swab dipped in
lighter fluid.
·
Top Coat - Gives the model a desired finish and
protects the paint and decals applied.
Source :
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gundam_model
http://gundam.wikia.com/wiki/Gunpla
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