Hi pple !!
this is a group about Gundam Model Kits wher members can upload their own models or those which dey think are nice ~
do upload pics of ur entire collection of model kits too,if euu have..=) !!
(i'll be uploading mine in a few weeks time coz i dun have a camera phone or camera now..lol~)
let me share wif euu guys a little bit abt Gundam model kits' history and background..
Gundam Models refers to
plastic and
non-plastic model kits depicting the mecha, 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 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga. These Gundam Models may also be called "
Gunpla", short form of "Gundam Plastic Model".
Gunpla Scales and Grades
Super Deformed
Not based on any particular scale, SD Gundam (Super Deformed Gundam) features comically-proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their very large heads. These 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 (SD GUNDAM BB Warriors on Bandai's English page). Depending on the popularity of series, SD units may also be sold in separate product lines: For instance, Superior Defender Gundam Force. There was another line called Ganso SD Gundam but has since been discontinued in the 1990s.
1:144 scale
The very first kits have been running for 20 years (starting with RX-78-2 'Gundam') and are routinely re-released by Bandai. These kits, when completed, had a very poor range of motion which rendered them almost unposeable. In addition, adhesives and paint were necessities, not options. Although not called as such back then, these models were retroactively categorized as NG (No Grade), to differentiate it from FG (First Grade).
High Grade 1:144 scale
Later the quality of the molding improved and HG (High Grade) level kits were introduced in 1990, started from the titular mobile suits of the first 4 tv-series. These kits feature some sort of an "internal frame" (for the first two kits) and provide better range of motion and were more poseable. It would later lend its name to the more advanced High Grade Universal Century, and more recently High Grade Gundam 00.
1:100 scale
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.
Master Grade
1:100 kits, MG (Master Grade) models were first introduced in the summer of 1995, designed and made to higher standards than most other models. Appropriately, these take much longer to construct and can easily cost a lot more. MG models are very presentable even straight from the box, but like previous grades can be improved through further detailing and painting. A notable design difference from lower grades is that MG models are supported by a detailed endoskeleton of sorts (known as the "inner frame system"), which most if not all external features attach onto; in comparison, most lower grade models simply support their own weight as is. Some require screws and usually come with decals.
The vast majority of MG offerings are from Gundam, with the rest coming from Patlabor and Dunbine. As the MG line has become a symbol of Gunpla, Bandai released another lineup called Real Robot Revolution (RRR), for the non-Gundam type real robots like Layzner and L-Gaim, made using their experience in MG model production.
1:60 scale
High Grade EX
1:60 kits from various eras. These kits are enhanced High Grade models with extra details and LED gimmicks. These models are known for having ridiculous amounts of panel line detail, more so than the Real Detail line and even several Perfect Grade kits. Only 3 HGEX kits have been made to date: the LM314V21 "Victory 2 Gundam", GF13-017NJ "Shining Gundam", and GF13-017NJII "God Gundam".
Real Detail
1:60 kits based on designs seen in the Gundam SEED, Gundam SEED Destiny, and the upcoming Gundam 00 series. Although much larger than most of their brethren, Real Detail designs are functionally scaled-up HG models with slightly-improved detail and enhanced poseability.
Real Detail "Lighting Edition"
1:60 Real Detail kits with embedded lighting. Only applies to 1:60 scale ZGMF-X20A "Strike Freedom Gundam".
Perfect Grade
1:60 kits, PG (Perfect Grade) kits are unmatched in sheer quality. First released in late 1998, these are made of even higher quality plastic and metal components than the MG kits. 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 models is limited due to their high cost, often topping $150. Highly complex design makes PG models a true challenge and their construction can take a few days. This line also includes optional parts for certain kits (particularly for RX-78-2 "Gundam", MS-06 "Zaku II Mass-Production Type", and MS-06S "Zaku II Commander Type" (Char Aznable custom)) which includes clear armor parts, additional weapons, and light-up beam saber.
The Skygrasper from Gundam SEED is the only non-humanoid mobile weapon in this line, which had sold on its own and as a set with the Strike Rogue
Size Information and Grade
(from Plajapan-Store FAQ)
1. 1/35 JG ("Jumbo Grade"), is the largest grade at 1/35 ratio. JGs are pre-assembled model kits but their size and scale stands apart from the rest with detail on par with a High Grade. Usually, the JG comes in a deluxe display box. As of March 2008, the largest size of 1/35 JG (also the largest retail size) is 565mm for MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam.
2. 1/60 PG ("Perfect Grade"), is the second largest scale but it has the most articulation and detail in any model kit at 1/60 ratio. These kits take the most time to assemble on average of 1 to 3 weeks and finish with fantastic results. Likewise, PG comes at a fantastic price that most people can not afford.
3. 1/60 "Big Scale Real Detail" is the same scale and size of a "Perfect Grade" with detail and articulation approximating a "Master Grade". You would expect a price similar to a "Perfect Grade" but the price is reasonable and within the price range of the "Master Grade" series.
4. 1/100 MG ("Master Grade"), is a superbly articulated and detailed at 1/100 ratio. These affordable kits take usually 2 to 5 days to assemble and perfect with impressive results. This series is definitely a crowd pleaser and family favorite.
5. 1/100 "No Grade", is a good scale and grade with excellent articulation and detail at 1/100 ratio. These highly affordable kits take usually 2 to 5 days to assemble and perfect with impressive results. This series is definitely a crowd pleaser and family favorite.
6. 1/144 HG/HGUC ("High Grade"), is a good scale and grade with excellent articulation and detail at 1/144 ratio. These highly affordable kits take usually 2 to 5 days to assemble and perfect with impressive results. This series is definitely a crowd pleaser and family favorite.
7. 1/144 "No Grade" model kits have detail almost to par with the 1/144 High Grade counterpart but with less joint articulation. 1/144 "No Grade" scale model kits have a black label showing "1/144 Collection Series" and series number on the bottom left hand corner, the name in Japanese and English on the top center and an illustration of the Gundam superimposed over it. These kits have no distinct grade and only have the scale and grade of "1/144" explicitly mentioned on the box and in the name with nothing else.
A pic of Gundam Exia in 3 diff scale..1:144, 1/100 and 1/60
pls share ur comments and views too..=)
thx !!
