Plastic Gundam model kits (GunPla) are manufactured by Bandai in Japan which has an exclusive license in manufacturing and marketing them around the world, the first of them being sold in 1980 in Japan. The models are typical of Plastic model; frames of injection-molded Polystyrene (PS) parts which must be cut out of the frame before assembly. The majority of post-1990 models have snap-fit parts, with models prior to that requiring an adhesive such as plastic cement. Plastic Gundam models kits are typically supplied with stickers and sometimes decals to apply extra colors and markings as seen in popular media such as TV shows, movies, manga or video games. Smaller or lower-grade kits often require paint to give the model a finished appearance, due to color discrepancies.
The kits range in different scales with the most popular scales being: 1:550 , 1:220, 1:144, 1:100 and 1:60, and more recently the 1:35 (UC HardGraph) line. Generally in real world terms, kits range from 4~5 inches for small-scale models, 6 to 8 inches for mid-scale models, and 12 inches for big-scale models, although these sizes vary from model to model. With a few exceptions, all currently produced kits bear grade ratings that give a good idea about their final quality.
Please note that other categories, such as EX Model, do exist. Additionally, Bandai often produces limited-run kits for special events such as BAKUC or C3 conventions. These have different packaging, and usually only differ from their common counterparts in that they are metal-plated or made of translucent plastic.
The Different Grades of GunPla
Super Deformed non-scale
Not based on any particular scale, the super-deformed style features comically-proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their 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.
There is a separate thread for this series which can be found here.
Speed Grade 1:200 scale
Bandai put the First "Speed Grade" Gundam Model kits into production in 2007. They are packaged in a bag, and come with minimal, pre-colored and painted pieces and a display stand. The kits are in the 1:200 scale. The Speed Grade series of kits are made in China, not Japan with lower quality. Only two waves of kits were produced; the first (RX-78-2 Gundam and Wing Gundam) were sold in foil bags whilst the second (Zeta Gundam and God Gundam) were sold in thin cardboard boxes. This series has been discontinued.
No Grade 1:144 scale
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).
First Grade 1:144 scale
Introduced in 1999, these kits feature plastic internal joints that do not use polycaps. Initially only three model kits were produced (RX-78-2 Gundam, MS-06 Zaku II Mass-Production Type, and MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type Char Aznable custom); however this line was reintroduced in mid-2007 to accommodate the four Gundams from Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (and later GN-000 0 Gundam). The first FGs are all colored in their pre-dominant color (painting is required), while the latest models are multi-colored and include polycaps, and do not require cutters to remove parts from their specific gates.
High Grade 1:144 scale
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, provides better range of motion, and utilized the molding technique known as System Injection, wherein multiple colors would be cast on the same part.
These kits have since been produced from the mid-90s onward and feature better quality plastic and details as well as snap-fit assembly. While the practice of applying multiple colors to a single part did not continue due to quality control issues, parts from this line onwards were molded in multiple colors, even if they are on one sprue or frame.
It would later lend its name to the more advanced High Grade Universal Century, and more recently High Grade Gundam 00.
This line has grown in complexity and detail, with some kits boasting full internal skeletons similar to those previously found only in higher-grade models. The vast majority of these kits require only the tools needed to remove parts from the runners. Gluing and painting is not necessary, although many model builders continue do so.
Real Grade 1:144 scale
Introduced 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.
No Grade 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. 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.
High Grade 1:100 scale
Much like their 1:144 counterpart, these models offer much more detail than a "regular" 1:100 scale kit. These model kits can be identified by the HG logo at the box to differentiate them from other 1:100 scale model kits.
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. This series has been discontinued.
Master Grade 1:100 scale
1:100 kits, 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.
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.
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 it is. Some require screws and usually come with decals.
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.
High Grade EX 1:60 scale
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 scale
1:60 kits based on designs seen in the Gundam SEED, Gundam SEED Destiny and the 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.
Perfect Grade 1:60 scale
Upon releasing the Master Grade line, 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 are unmatched in sheer quality, but are extremely limited in range, and usually only highly popular kits are serialized in PG 1/60. 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) and the 0-Raiser(from Gundam 00) are the only non-humanoid mobile weapons in this line, while the 0-Raiser is treated as the component of 00-Raiser, the Skygrasper had sold on its own as well as a set with the Strike Rouge.
In addition, most of the guide books in Perfect Grade models usually given a lot of data behind the designs of mecha of working concepts in reference to animation settings. Most of them are unexplained in animation or in official data books.
HY2M "Glorious Series" 1:60 scale
1:60 kits from the MS of the Zeon Faction. These kits include multiple embedded LED lighting located on various parts on the body. The only kits released so far are the 1:60 scale of MS-07B Gouf, MS-09R Rick-Dom, and MS-09RS Rick-Dom Commander Type (Char Aznable custom).
Mega Size Model 1:48 scale
Released in 2010, the 1:48 Mega Size model RX-78-2 Gundam is the largest Gunpla model kit by Bandai. The kit is essentially a scaled-up version of the 1:144 HGUC Gundam with more parts, but a simpler assembly with no need for cutters to remove the parts from the sprues. Some sprues are also designed to snap together for faster assembly. The next model to be released is Char Aznable's Zaku II.
Gundam Collection 1:400 scale
This scale of model 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 mobile armour needs assembly and can be counted in this line.
This line includes the Big-Zam from Mobile Suit Gundam, RX-78GP03D Gundam GP03 'Dendrobium', AMA-002 Neue Ziel (both mobile armor in a boxset) in Gundam 0083, NZ-000 Quin Mantha in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, and NZ-333 Alpha Azieru in Char's Counterattack.
However, the three semi-assembled battleship in Gundam Collection Line, which are the White Base and Musai from Mobile Suit Gundam, and Ptolemaios from Mobile Suit Gundam 00, are usually not counted.
High Grade Mechanics 1:550
This line was reserved for huge mobile units, as their size in the fiction is such that normal Gundam model scaling would leave them too big for conventional display. As an example, one of the units in this line is the RX-78GP03D Gundam GP03 'Dendrobium', whose 1:144 HGUC counterpart has a gross length of over 1 m. This line's only models are the aforementioned Dendrobium , the AMX-002 Neue Ziel and the MA-06 Val-Walo , all of which are come from the Gundam 0083 production. The series would later be succeeded by the Gundam Collection series.
UC HardGraph 1:35 scale
Unlike most of the other lines mentioned, 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.
Not based on any particular scale, the super-deformed style features comically-proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their 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.
There is a separate thread for this series which can be found here.
Speed Grade 1:200 scale
Bandai put the First "Speed Grade" Gundam Model kits into production in 2007. They are packaged in a bag, and come with minimal, pre-colored and painted pieces and a display stand. The kits are in the 1:200 scale. The Speed Grade series of kits are made in China, not Japan with lower quality. Only two waves of kits were produced; the first (RX-78-2 Gundam and Wing Gundam) were sold in foil bags whilst the second (Zeta Gundam and God Gundam) were sold in thin cardboard boxes. This series has been discontinued.
No Grade 1:144 scale
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).
First Grade 1:144 scale
Introduced in 1999, these kits feature plastic internal joints that do not use polycaps. Initially only three model kits were produced (RX-78-2 Gundam, MS-06 Zaku II Mass-Production Type, and MS-06S Zaku II Commander Type Char Aznable custom); however this line was reintroduced in mid-2007 to accommodate the four Gundams from Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (and later GN-000 0 Gundam). The first FGs are all colored in their pre-dominant color (painting is required), while the latest models are multi-colored and include polycaps, and do not require cutters to remove parts from their specific gates.
High Grade 1:144 scale
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, provides better range of motion, and utilized the molding technique known as System Injection, wherein multiple colors would be cast on the same part.
These kits have since been produced from the mid-90s onward and feature better quality plastic and details as well as snap-fit assembly. While the practice of applying multiple colors to a single part did not continue due to quality control issues, parts from this line onwards were molded in multiple colors, even if they are on one sprue or frame.
It would later lend its name to the more advanced High Grade Universal Century, and more recently High Grade Gundam 00.
This line has grown in complexity and detail, with some kits boasting full internal skeletons similar to those previously found only in higher-grade models. The vast majority of these kits require only the tools needed to remove parts from the runners. Gluing and painting is not necessary, although many model builders continue do so.
Real Grade 1:144 scale
Introduced 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.
No Grade 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. 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.
High Grade 1:100 scale
Much like their 1:144 counterpart, these models offer much more detail than a "regular" 1:100 scale kit. These model kits can be identified by the HG logo at the box to differentiate them from other 1:100 scale model kits.
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. This series has been discontinued.
Master Grade 1:100 scale
1:100 kits, 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.
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.
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 it is. Some require screws and usually come with decals.
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.
High Grade EX 1:60 scale
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 scale
1:60 kits based on designs seen in the Gundam SEED, Gundam SEED Destiny and the 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.
Perfect Grade 1:60 scale
Upon releasing the Master Grade line, 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 are unmatched in sheer quality, but are extremely limited in range, and usually only highly popular kits are serialized in PG 1/60. 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) and the 0-Raiser(from Gundam 00) are the only non-humanoid mobile weapons in this line, while the 0-Raiser is treated as the component of 00-Raiser, the Skygrasper had sold on its own as well as a set with the Strike Rouge.
In addition, most of the guide books in Perfect Grade models usually given a lot of data behind the designs of mecha of working concepts in reference to animation settings. Most of them are unexplained in animation or in official data books.
HY2M "Glorious Series" 1:60 scale
1:60 kits from the MS of the Zeon Faction. These kits include multiple embedded LED lighting located on various parts on the body. The only kits released so far are the 1:60 scale of MS-07B Gouf, MS-09R Rick-Dom, and MS-09RS Rick-Dom Commander Type (Char Aznable custom).
Mega Size Model 1:48 scale
Released in 2010, the 1:48 Mega Size model RX-78-2 Gundam is the largest Gunpla model kit by Bandai. The kit is essentially a scaled-up version of the 1:144 HGUC Gundam with more parts, but a simpler assembly with no need for cutters to remove the parts from the sprues. Some sprues are also designed to snap together for faster assembly. The next model to be released is Char Aznable's Zaku II.
Gundam Collection 1:400 scale
This scale of model 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 mobile armour needs assembly and can be counted in this line.
This line includes the Big-Zam from Mobile Suit Gundam, RX-78GP03D Gundam GP03 'Dendrobium', AMA-002 Neue Ziel (both mobile armor in a boxset) in Gundam 0083, NZ-000 Quin Mantha in Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ, and NZ-333 Alpha Azieru in Char's Counterattack.
However, the three semi-assembled battleship in Gundam Collection Line, which are the White Base and Musai from Mobile Suit Gundam, and Ptolemaios from Mobile Suit Gundam 00, are usually not counted.
High Grade Mechanics 1:550
This line was reserved for huge mobile units, as their size in the fiction is such that normal Gundam model scaling would leave them too big for conventional display. As an example, one of the units in this line is the RX-78GP03D Gundam GP03 'Dendrobium', whose 1:144 HGUC counterpart has a gross length of over 1 m. This line's only models are the aforementioned Dendrobium , the AMX-002 Neue Ziel and the MA-06 Val-Walo , all of which are come from the Gundam 0083 production. The series would later be succeeded by the Gundam Collection series.
UC HardGraph 1:35 scale
Unlike most of the other lines mentioned, 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.
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