How To Start Gundam Hobby For Beginner

Okay, let's start with the info. What is Gunpla? Basically Gunpla were taken from a Japanese word ガンプラ (Ganpura) which are combined word of Gundam and Plastic Model. It refers to plastic and non-plastic model kits from Gundam anime (Japan animation) or manga (Japan comic) series.

*Please be aware that all original Gundam model kit are from Bandai manufacturer and NOT from any other brand or company. (^_^)_b

KNOWING THE MODEL KIT

GUNDAM GRADE LEVEL

There are few grades level of Gundam for you to choose. Also note that the lower the number on the scale, the bigger the size of the model kit. Same goes for the price too...

1. First Grade (FG) 1/144 Scale
   - Also known as kids grade. Super easy to assemble but super annoy when start putting details on it.
2. High Grade (HG) 1/144 Scale
   - Totally different level from FG. Alot of sprue but doesn't need much work either. A great grade for people who want to start Gunpla hobby.
3. Real Grade (RG) 1/144 Scale
   - Size just like HG but has great details & articulation like MG. As total, it rank between HG & MG.
4. 1/100 Scale
   - Some got more parts than the HG 1/144. Best part is the size is bigger which also mean doesn't need much concentration to assemble & putting details on it.
5. Master Grade (MG) 1/100 Scale
   - Same size as the HG 1/100 but the sprue quantity really make you think twice either to buy it or not. As a Gunpla lover myself, more sprue mean more details on the model kit. Nothing can beat the satisfaction after alot of hard work you put into the model kit you build.
6. 1/60 Scale
   - A big size model kit. Doesn't have many sprue as MG. Super Easy to assemble & detailing it.
7. Perfect Grade (PG) 1/60 Scale
   - A big ass monster size model kit (same goes for the price too, damnit!!!). Doesn't need much detailing accept for the lining (shadow line). A true Gunpla fan should put at least this grade on the wanted to buy list.
8. 1/48 Scale
   - A mega badass size which will make a super nice give as a birthday present. The rank are between FG & HG.

*Note: 1/100, 1/60 & 1/48 are a No Grade kit. Although it doesn't have any grade, some has good quality parts as MG.

EXTRA INFO

Sprue / Trees / Frames
- You will see alot of this sprue when you open the gundam box.

Manual Book

- This is your wife when you start working on the gundam you bought.
*Please note that although the manual book is in Japanese language,
It's not that hard to figure out the instructions since all parts in the sprue have its own code or label.

TOOLS

Basic tools that you need to start Gunpla hobby.

1. Cutter / Nipper
   Suggested Brand: Bandai Nipper / Tamiya 74045.
   
2. Design Knife
   Suggested Brand: OLFA Art Knife AK-1 / Tamiya 74020.
3. Cutting Board
   Suggested Brand: Any type of brand.
4. Model Kit Glue
   Suggested Brand: Tamiya Cement.
5. Tweezer
   Suggested Brand: Tamiya 74004 / 74003.
6. Lining Pen
   Suggested Brand: Gundam Marker GM01 / COPIC MODELER CM-4187 0.02 Black

GETTING STARTED

CUTTING & ASSEMBLING

1. First use cutter or nipper to cut the part off from the sprue.
   *IMPORTANT!!! DO NOT cut all the parts at one time!!! This will avoid a very annoying situation where you will say "How come this part doesn't fit with this one?" or "S**t!!! I forgot what this part is for!!!" which will result you will scream a really simple word... ARGH~~~!!!
2. Use nipper to cut off the balance sprue part off from the part you just cut. You can use design knife to smooth the cut place on the part.
3. Glue parts together. Leave for a while until cement has completely hardened and continue cut the other parts from the sprue.

APPLYING STICKER OR DECAL

1. First using the design knife, cut the decal from the sheet.
2. Use tweezer to dip the decal you just cut into tepid water.
3. Apply the decal to the gundam.
   *Please note that some decals doesn't have any instruction on where to put it. My advice is just use your imagination or you can see the box art picture for reference or you can google finish assemble picture of your gundam.
4. Use cotton bud to remove air bubbles and excess water.
   *Do this by touching it and DO NOT swipe/slide/use your finger. This will avoid the decal from slantin.

 Once your gundam is finish, you can start having fun with it by making all kind of poses then take picture of it and upload it to facebook or forum. For kids you can now lie on the bed and play pew! pew! pew! bzzz! bang! bang! with it.

Have Fun~~~ (^_^)/