>
shop.seibertron.com amazon.seibertron.com Facebook Twitter X YouTube Pinterest Instagram Myspace LinkedIn Patreon Podcast RSS
This page runs on affiliate links — your clicks may earn us a few Shanix. Want the full transmission? Roll out to our Affiliate Disclosure.

American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Do you collect other toys besides Transformers? Maybe you've got a Masters of the Universe collection you'd like to show off, or maybe you like Thundercats, Voltron, G.I.Joe, Power Rangers, Star Wars, Wrestling, or any of the various comic book toy lines. Please keep the discussions here to non-Transformers toy lines.

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Convotron » Tue May 18, 2010 2:31 pm

Motto: "When in doubt, transform and roll out!"
Weapon: Saber Blade
Here are two photos from dalong.net showing the normal MG MKII v2.0 Titans beside the HD colour version:

Image

Image

The normal is on the left, the HD colour is on the right. The difference is the finish of the HD version, which has a glossy finish. The main problem with this kind of finish is that it leaves ugly nub marks when you separate the parts from the sprues.

I prefer normal versions because I intend to paint all of my model kits and if I want a glossy finish, I can achieve that through using a glossy topcoat/clear coat.

So the limited HD version is simply a glossy version of the normal model.
Toys for sale, S.H. Figuarts, Revoltech, Robot Damashii, Figma, and more!

Discounts for purchases of 3 items or more! See sales thread for details.


Image

Never forget the Oath Sworn Through Courage!
User avatar
Convotron
City Commander
Posts: 3399
News Credits: 2
Joined: Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:13 am
Location: Canadia
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 7
Endurance: 10+
Rank: 7
Courage: 10+
Firepower: 9
Skill: 10

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Dead Metal » Tue May 18, 2010 2:35 pm

Motto: "Don't do drugs, beer's cheaper anyway!"
Thanks, yea I'll go for the normal version, the glossy one doesn't look as good.
Image


Jeep! wrote:Why do I imagine Dead Metal sounding exactly like Arnie?
Intah-wib-buls?

Blurrz wrote:10/10

Leave it to Dead Metal to have the word 'Pronz' in his signature.
User avatar
Dead Metal
God Of Transformers
Posts: 13933
News Credits: 767
Joined: Tue May 01, 2007 6:18 am

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Blurrz » Thu May 20, 2010 1:32 am

Motto: "scream drive faster"
Weapon: Electro-Laser Cannon
A classic like this needs to be in my collection...

Image
Image
User avatar
Blurrz
God Of Transformers
Posts: 11085
News Credits: 1452
Joined: Wed May 09, 2007 1:31 am
Location: Canada
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 10
Endurance: 6
Rank: 7
Courage: 8
Firepower: 7
Skill: 5

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Aluus » Mon May 24, 2010 10:50 pm

1/100 Avalanche Exia arrived today. I must admit I am impressed for a non-MG kit. Are all the 00 kits like this? If so I'm definitely picking up Dynames next. That being said, I haven't painted a kit in a while. I was looking at Gundam Markers but was unsure of what I would need. Any advice? I'd sure appreciate it
Image
Aluus
Fuzor
Posts: 255
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:02 am

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Convotron » Tue May 25, 2010 5:50 am

Motto: "When in doubt, transform and roll out!"
Weapon: Saber Blade
Aluus wrote:1/100 Avalanche Exia arrived today. I must admit I am impressed for a non-MG kit. Are all the 00 kits like this? If so I'm definitely picking up Dynames next. That being said, I haven't painted a kit in a while. I was looking at Gundam Markers but was unsure of what I would need. Any advice? I'd sure appreciate it


All of the 1/100 NG 00 kits appear to be quite good. I would like to acquire all of the 2nd season Gundams. I just have the 1/100 Seravee(Designers Colors) right now.

To be honest, if you want to fully paint model kits, using solely Gundam Markers would be quite expensive. If you're looking to just detail certain parts, the markers are fine. If you wish to apply full paint jobs, I do suggest going the standard route of:

1) Properly clean all model parts of surface contaminants(mold release, oil residue from your skin, etc.).

2) Prime the model parts.

3) Paint the model parts.

4) Apply clear/top coat to the model parts.

As for step 3, you can go with hand painting, spray painting, or air brushing for the majority of the paint work. Hand painting will still be required for detail work. If you want to have painted/coloured panel lines, you could use a pen/marker but if you're going to fully paint a model kit, a paint wash or using the capillary method of filling in paint lines would garner better results.

A benefit of hand painting is that you just need the paint and a brush. However, you will need to properly thin the paint and incorporate a retardant or self leveler in the paint mix in order to avoid leaving brush marks when the paint dries.

The benefit of air brush or spray paint is that you can achieve an even coat of paint if you know how to apply the paint(you don't have to deal with brush marks from hand painting). However, there is the problem with waste in that there is going to be a degree of paint that doesn't make it onto the model parts. You should also have proper ventilation when using propelled paint, especially if it's enamel or lacquer paint. Air brushing tends to be cheaper as you can control how the paint is propelled and thus have less waste of paint.
Toys for sale, S.H. Figuarts, Revoltech, Robot Damashii, Figma, and more!

Discounts for purchases of 3 items or more! See sales thread for details.


Image

Never forget the Oath Sworn Through Courage!
User avatar
Convotron
City Commander
Posts: 3399
News Credits: 2
Joined: Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:13 am
Location: Canadia
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 7
Endurance: 10+
Rank: 7
Courage: 10+
Firepower: 9
Skill: 10

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby pt206 » Wed May 26, 2010 2:26 pm

Great post Convotron.

Gundam markers are the devil...really. Panel line washes are simplistic and much cheaper. Just make sure you use a different paint type than your base coat. I airbrush enamel and wash acrylic. My wash ratio is 1:7 paint to thinner. I use windex as my acrylic thinner.

For hand brushing I use 1:1 paint to thinner ratio. I buy mr. color paints from hobby wave for hand brushing details and for SD Gundams.

If you build a decent number of kits, and have the room for a paint booth, airbrushing is the way to go. The control an airbrush gives you is worth ever penny. It also allows you to mix virtually any color you can imagine.

I would add some to your list and revise #4.

4) Apply gloss top coat. It is much easier to apply water slides and transfers to a gloss coat.

5) Apply water slides and transfers.

6) Apply final top coat of choice.

If anyone has any more paint tips or ideas please post them.
pt206
Micromaster
Posts: 69
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:53 pm

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Aluus » Thu May 27, 2010 1:41 pm

I'll be honest. I'm a very casual modeler. I am lazy about painting my kits. I prefer to just detail them or recolor certain parts that weren't molded in the right color. Hell, the main reason i started buying master grades was more often than not they were molded more accurately colorwise. Anyway, I also find I have better control with a paint marker than a paint brush. That being said, for panel lining what marker would be best? Also, which gray and blue should i use for Exia?

Regarding the kit itself, it was a fun build. I may post some pictures once I finish, though I'm sure it won't be up to the standards of some of this sites other modelers. I am definitely looking forward to getting Dynames now. I thought about getting kits from the second season, but to be honest? I just don't like the designs as much as season one. Well, that and Lockon Stratos I > Lockon Stratos II
Image
Aluus
Fuzor
Posts: 255
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:02 am

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Blurrz » Fri May 28, 2010 4:01 am

Motto: "scream drive faster"
Weapon: Electro-Laser Cannon
I'll vouch for you and say that the 00 S2 kits are phenomenal. You might not think that a couple years does anything, but it sure does.
Image
User avatar
Blurrz
God Of Transformers
Posts: 11085
News Credits: 1452
Joined: Wed May 09, 2007 1:31 am
Location: Canada
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 10
Endurance: 6
Rank: 7
Courage: 8
Firepower: 7
Skill: 5

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby pt206 » Fri May 28, 2010 9:08 am

Aluus wrote:I'll be honest. I'm a very casual modeler. I am lazy about painting my kits. I prefer to just detail them or recolor certain parts that weren't molded in the right color. Hell, the main reason i started buying master grades was more often than not they were molded more accurately colorwise. Anyway, I also find I have better control with a paint marker than a paint brush. That being said, for panel lining what marker would be best? Also, which gray and blue should i use for Exia?


Enjoying your hobby is all that matters. I have a friend that only panel lines and applies dry transfers.

Fine point gundam marker or a technical pen is what you are looking for for panel lines if you don't want to paint. I think the gundam markers come in black, grey, and brown.

http://www.gundamstoreandmore.com/gunmargunbla.html

You should use the blue and grey you prefer for your Exia. There was a 00 Gundam paint marker set, but I'm not sure if you can still buy it retail.

http://cgi.ebay.com/BANDAI-Gundam-Marker-GMS119-00-OO-Color-SET-6-pcs-/260497290815?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ca6d9363f
pt206
Micromaster
Posts: 69
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:53 pm

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Aluus » Sat May 29, 2010 4:40 pm

Thanks for the link. I picked up the Gundam 00 marker set. In my search i found 2 different marker sets for 00, one with Exia on it, the other with 00. Ironically? They're the same colors. The Gundam 00 marker sets do not come with any of Virtue/Seravee's, Dynames/Cherudim' or Kyrios/Arios' unique colors.

@Blurrz

It's not that I doubt the design of the second season kits, I simply dislike the Gundam designs as compared to the first season. They just seem like a step back to me for reasons I can't quite put my finger on.
Image
Aluus
Fuzor
Posts: 255
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:02 am

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Convotron » Mon May 31, 2010 5:28 pm

Motto: "When in doubt, transform and roll out!"
Weapon: Saber Blade
My latest finished builds: HGUC AMS-129 Geara Zulu, HGUC RGM-89 Jegan, and SD RX-0 Unicorn Gundam.

Image

No stickers, panel lining, or paint has been applied as I plan to paint the models and use wet transfer decals.

The Geara Zulu is a very cool HGUC kit, with the ability to stow both grenades and sturm faust as well as the beam hawk, on a harness/belt/rig that attaches to the back skirt armour. The Jegan has the ability to store a beam saber hilt in one side skirt and a trio of grenades in the other side skirt. Both kits are taller than the average 1/144 Mobile Suit kit as the Geara Zulu is 20.0 meters tall and the Jegan is 20.4 meters tall.

The SD Unicorn Gundam is a neat SD kit. It's my second SD kit and I'm growing quite fond of the SD line of models. I've recently ordered a few SD Sangokuden kits.
Toys for sale, S.H. Figuarts, Revoltech, Robot Damashii, Figma, and more!

Discounts for purchases of 3 items or more! See sales thread for details.


Image

Never forget the Oath Sworn Through Courage!
User avatar
Convotron
City Commander
Posts: 3399
News Credits: 2
Joined: Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:13 am
Location: Canadia
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 7
Endurance: 10+
Rank: 7
Courage: 10+
Firepower: 9
Skill: 10

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Blurrz » Tue Jun 01, 2010 7:15 pm

Motto: "scream drive faster"
Weapon: Electro-Laser Cannon
Reports coming in that every mobile suit from Gundam Wing will have a MG kit

AWESOME
Image
User avatar
Blurrz
God Of Transformers
Posts: 11085
News Credits: 1452
Joined: Wed May 09, 2007 1:31 am
Location: Canada
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 10
Endurance: 6
Rank: 7
Courage: 8
Firepower: 7
Skill: 5

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Roadbuster » Tue Jun 01, 2010 9:20 pm

I'll believe that when I start seeing them. However, I am convinsed we'll see MG Wing Zero (anime) before the year is out. The Wing Zero is one that could go for quite a few improvements over it's 1/100 HG, proportions being at the top.

Edit: Okay I just came across this, so I stand somewhat corrected.

http://www.happinetonline.com/NASApp/mnas/MxMProduct?Action=prd_detail&SHOP_ID=1&DISPCATEGORY=000001100001&Class=2&KIND=0&PRODUCT_ID=4543112645647

MG Deathscythe Gundam EW version.
Roadbuster
Headmaster
Posts: 1025
News Credits: 7
Joined: Tue Oct 01, 2002 9:23 pm

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby pt206 » Thu Jun 03, 2010 9:11 am

Nice kits convotron. I enjoyed the Geara Zulu as well. It's a nice addition to the mono eye army.
pt206
Micromaster
Posts: 69
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:53 pm

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby vegetacron » Thu Jun 03, 2010 8:45 pm

Weapon: Spinning Augers
Can anyone identify this gundam:
Image
Image
User avatar
vegetacron
Vehicon
Posts: 359
News Credits: 1
Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 8:57 am
Strength: 10
Intelligence: 5
Speed: 4
Endurance: 9
Rank: 4
Courage: 6
Firepower: 1
Skill: 7

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Aluus » Thu Jun 03, 2010 10:34 pm

SD Destroy from Gundam SEED Destiny. Basically think that show's psycho gundam
Image
Aluus
Fuzor
Posts: 255
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:02 am

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby vegetacron » Fri Jun 04, 2010 3:38 am

Weapon: Spinning Augers
Aluus wrote:SD Destroy from Gundam SEED Destiny. Basically think that show's psycho gundam

Awesome. Thank you!
Image
User avatar
vegetacron
Vehicon
Posts: 359
News Credits: 1
Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 8:57 am
Strength: 10
Intelligence: 5
Speed: 4
Endurance: 9
Rank: 4
Courage: 6
Firepower: 1
Skill: 7

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Aluus » Fri Jun 04, 2010 3:58 pm

Roadbuster wrote:I'll believe that when I start seeing them. However, I am convinsed we'll see MG Wing Zero (anime) before the year is out. The Wing Zero is one that could go for quite a few improvements over it's 1/100 HG, proportions being at the top.

Edit: Okay I just came across this, so I stand somewhat corrected.

http://www.happinetonline.com/NASApp/mnas/MxMProduct?Action=prd_detail&SHOP_ID=1&DISPCATEGORY=000001100001&Class=2&KIND=0&PRODUCT_ID=4543112645647

MG Deathscythe Gundam EW version.


People keep calling this the endless waltz deathscythe. it's not. It's the hajime katoki version from the manga. Perhaps after this is out we'll see an anime accurate version a few years later like we did with Wing Gundam
Image
Aluus
Fuzor
Posts: 255
Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:02 am

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Blurrz » Sat Jun 05, 2010 3:18 am

Motto: "scream drive faster"
Weapon: Electro-Laser Cannon
Hehe, love the signature Vegetacron.

I don't really have an opinion if the Gundam Wing kits will be from EW or the Manga, as long as there are figures for all of the Mobile Suits... 90's Gundam Technology compared to 2010 Gundam Technology.. practically a joke.
Image
User avatar
Blurrz
God Of Transformers
Posts: 11085
News Credits: 1452
Joined: Wed May 09, 2007 1:31 am
Location: Canada
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 8
Speed: 10
Endurance: 6
Rank: 7
Courage: 8
Firepower: 7
Skill: 5

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Convotron » Sat Jun 05, 2010 1:45 pm

Motto: "When in doubt, transform and roll out!"
Weapon: Saber Blade
I imagine that even though we get the MG ver. Ka of Deathscythe for the time being, resin conversion kit companies are probably already working on EW conversion kits for it.
Toys for sale, S.H. Figuarts, Revoltech, Robot Damashii, Figma, and more!

Discounts for purchases of 3 items or more! See sales thread for details.


Image

Never forget the Oath Sworn Through Courage!
User avatar
Convotron
City Commander
Posts: 3399
News Credits: 2
Joined: Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:13 am
Location: Canadia
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 7
Endurance: 10+
Rank: 7
Courage: 10+
Firepower: 9
Skill: 10

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby pt206 » Mon Jun 07, 2010 7:43 am

Speaking of resin, G-System is raising the price on the 1/35 Ex-S 2.0 on Friday. Is there a better looking kit in existence? I'm not sure I have the skills to build this thing when it arrives.

http://www.g-system-shop.com/product_info.php?scale_id=9&products_id=110
pt206
Micromaster
Posts: 69
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:53 pm

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby pt206 » Tue Jun 08, 2010 8:57 am

HLJ has free EMS shipping, when using paypal agreement, through Friday. In stock items only.
pt206
Micromaster
Posts: 69
Joined: Thu Aug 23, 2007 2:53 pm

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby chuckdawg1999 » Fri Jun 11, 2010 9:20 pm

Motto: "The man, the myth, the legend... yeah right."
Weapon: Saber Blade
Hi guys I need some help. I recently got into Gundam 00 and have been trying to find the Robot Damashii versions of the main four mechs. At first I was staying away from the model kits since I thought they would involve gluing, painting; ya know work. Anyway I found out that the kits are snap tight and after watching a few videos on You Tube are exactly what I'm looking for. Here's my problem; as it is right now I can find the models in two sizes 1/100 and 1/144. I know that 1/100 is bigger but the 1/144 are considered HG, which ones are better? I really can't go whole hog into a new line and really want the best I can get. Thanks so much.
Image
User avatar
chuckdawg1999
Matrix Keeper
Posts: 8838
News Credits: 331
Joined: Wed May 26, 2004 4:51 pm
Location: New York
Watch chuckdawg1999 on YouTube
Buy from chuckdawg1999 on eBay
Strength: 10
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 10
Endurance: 10
Rank: 10
Courage: 10
Firepower: 10
Skill: 10

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby Convotron » Sat Jun 12, 2010 5:36 am

Motto: "When in doubt, transform and roll out!"
Weapon: Saber Blade
To answer your question about which is better, chuckdawg1999, it depends on a few factors. Currently, there are many more 1/144 Gundam 00 model kits than 1/100 so the 1/144 scale has more variety. However, the 1/100 Gundam 00 kits, especially the Master Grade Exia and GN-X are pretty darn good. The more recently produced model kits, 1/144 or 1/100, are all very nice snap assembly model kits so it just comes down to what designs you like and what is available at this time.

Off the top of my head, I'll mention the 1/144 HG 00 Gundam model kit, which is a very nice kit that is inexpensive and offers a crazy range of articulation.

If you have any favoured mecha designs from Gundam 00, let us know and we'll be able to offer some more information on what to look for or what to avoid.

For a more verbose read on more information about the 1/144, 1/100, and "grades" of Gundam model kits, read on...

There are two main scales for Gundam model kits as you've discovered. 1/144 and 1/100. However, there are also "grades" or basically classes of model kits. Generally, 1/144 kits are either non grade or no grade(NG) or High Grade(HG). There is also First Grade(FG), which is similar to NG. NG and FG are kits you probably want to stay away from because their designs are for quick builds and lack complexity you've likely seen in the 1/144 kits reviewed on Youtube, which were likely HG kits.

As far as 1/100 kits, there are 1/100 NG kits as well as 1/100 HG kits, and the most common being 1/100 Master Grade(MG) kits. From NG to HG to MG, they're listed in ascending order of complexity and price.

HG kits are most often 1/144 scale. The HG kits produced in the last 5 years offer a good level of engineering and design complexity, often showing design elements taken from MG engineering. They are usually in colours accurate to the lineart or animation model but often require extra detailing work via stickers, which are included with the kits. There are also a few spots that may need some paint but they're usually quite minor.

HG kits also come in a variety, depending on the continuity/universe of Gundam the mecha is from. For example, HGUC is for High Grade Universal Century, which is from the base continuity of the Gundam history of fiction. There's also HG SEED, HG 00, HGAW, HGFC, and just plain HG. Don't let the HGxx denominations mess you up, just understand that any HG marked kit is simply HG, regardless of the letters that follow the HG.

Now as far as 1/100 kits, again, you can have NG, HG, and MG kits in this scale range. The 1/100 NG and HG kits have a level of complexity similar to 1/144 HG kits, however, the 1/144 HG kits do seem to have greater complexity than the 1/100 HG kits these days.

So for the most common 1/100 kits, the MG class, these are likely the most bang for your buck with respect to Gundam model kits. They range from $25 to over $100(the upcoming MG "The O" model kit is the most expensive MG yet but it's a special case). The average MG price is around $35 but depending on where you buy it, you can find discounts or you may find the prices are marked up due to import fees.

The most recognized feature of MG kits is likely the "inner frame" concept, which is a mechanical structure, basically a skeleton, that you build first and then build armour components on top of, which results in a more extensive build process. Now the older MG kits don't have extensive inner frames but the more current ones usually have a full inner frame. Inner frames can be great for display, especially if you want to show a Gundam model kit like a mechanical anatomy display piece. However, in some cases, inner frames actually detract from stability of the model kit such as the MG F91 kits as well as some other model kits of Gundam designs that are transformable such as the recently released MG V Gundam.

Another feature of MG kits that many people like is that there are more parts that come coloured in the correct colours so there is far less touch up and detailing work you have to do to get the colours right.

If you haven't found it yet, you may want to check out http://www.dalong.net, which has an extensive gallery of pictorial reviews of various Gundam model kits as well as model kits from companies other than Bandai.

You may have some questions about the size of Gundam model kits. Seeing as these models use a scale system, the size of model kits varies depending on the fictional dimensions of these mecha(Mobile Suits). The first Gundam, the RX-78-2, in 1/144 scale is about 5" tall. In 1/100 scale, it's about 7.5" tall. I must emphasize "about" because some variations of these models may be off somewhat in terms of height. The NG or HG 1/100 kits, for example, seem to be less accurate in scale than the MG 1/100 kits, which are usually spot on for height accuracy.
Toys for sale, S.H. Figuarts, Revoltech, Robot Damashii, Figma, and more!

Discounts for purchases of 3 items or more! See sales thread for details.


Image

Never forget the Oath Sworn Through Courage!
User avatar
Convotron
City Commander
Posts: 3399
News Credits: 2
Joined: Sat Jul 25, 2009 12:13 am
Location: Canadia
Strength: 7
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 7
Endurance: 10+
Rank: 7
Courage: 10+
Firepower: 9
Skill: 10

Re: American Era Gundam Toy Discussion

Postby chuckdawg1999 » Sat Jun 12, 2010 3:21 pm

Motto: "The man, the myth, the legend... yeah right."
Weapon: Saber Blade
Convotron wrote:To answer your question about which is better, chuckdawg1999, it depends on a few factors. Currently, there are many more 1/144 Gundam 00 model kits than 1/100 so the 1/144 scale has more variety. However, the 1/100 Gundam 00 kits, especially the Master Grade Exia and GN-X are pretty darn good. The more recently produced model kits, 1/144 or 1/100, are all very nice snap assembly model kits so it just comes down to what designs you like and what is available at this time.

Off the top of my head, I'll mention the 1/144 HG 00 Gundam model kit, which is a very nice kit that is inexpensive and offers a crazy range of articulation.

If you have any favoured mecha designs from Gundam 00, let us know and we'll be able to offer some more information on what to look for or what to avoid.

For a more verbose read on more information about the 1/144, 1/100, and "grades" of Gundam model kits, read on...

There are two main scales for Gundam model kits as you've discovered. 1/144 and 1/100. However, there are also "grades" or basically classes of model kits. Generally, 1/144 kits are either non grade or no grade(NG) or High Grade(HG). There is also First Grade(FG), which is similar to NG. NG and FG are kits you probably want to stay away from because their designs are for quick builds and lack complexity you've likely seen in the 1/144 kits reviewed on Youtube, which were likely HG kits.

As far as 1/100 kits, there are 1/100 NG kits as well as 1/100 HG kits, and the most common being 1/100 Master Grade(MG) kits. From NG to HG to MG, they're listed in ascending order of complexity and price.

HG kits are most often 1/144 scale. The HG kits produced in the last 5 years offer a good level of engineering and design complexity, often showing design elements taken from MG engineering. They are usually in colours accurate to the lineart or animation model but often require extra detailing work via stickers, which are included with the kits. There are also a few spots that may need some paint but they're usually quite minor.

HG kits also come in a variety, depending on the continuity/universe of Gundam the mecha is from. For example, HGUC is for High Grade Universal Century, which is from the base continuity of the Gundam history of fiction. There's also HG SEED, HG 00, HGAW, HGFC, and just plain HG. Don't let the HGxx denominations mess you up, just understand that any HG marked kit is simply HG, regardless of the letters that follow the HG.

Now as far as 1/100 kits, again, you can have NG, HG, and MG kits in this scale range. The 1/100 NG and HG kits have a level of complexity similar to 1/144 HG kits, however, the 1/144 HG kits do seem to have greater complexity than the 1/100 HG kits these days.

So for the most common 1/100 kits, the MG class, these are likely the most bang for your buck with respect to Gundam model kits. They range from $25 to over $100(the upcoming MG "The O" model kit is the most expensive MG yet but it's a special case). The average MG price is around $35 but depending on where you buy it, you can find discounts or you may find the prices are marked up due to import fees.

The most recognized feature of MG kits is likely the "inner frame" concept, which is a mechanical structure, basically a skeleton, that you build first and then build armour components on top of, which results in a more extensive build process. Now the older MG kits don't have extensive inner frames but the more current ones usually have a full inner frame. Inner frames can be great for display, especially if you want to show a Gundam model kit like a mechanical anatomy display piece. However, in some cases, inner frames actually detract from stability of the model kit such as the MG F91 kits as well as some other model kits of Gundam designs that are transformable such as the recently released MG V Gundam.

Another feature of MG kits that many people like is that there are more parts that come coloured in the correct colours so there is far less touch up and detailing work you have to do to get the colours right.


Right now all I'm looking for are kits for Dynamas, Kyrios, and Virtue. I've seen 1/100 reviews for Dynamas and Kyrios and they look really, really good; they're also my top two choices. I just don't want to get one and find out there's one that's so much better.
Image
User avatar
chuckdawg1999
Matrix Keeper
Posts: 8838
News Credits: 331
Joined: Wed May 26, 2004 4:51 pm
Location: New York
Watch chuckdawg1999 on YouTube
Buy from chuckdawg1999 on eBay
Strength: 10
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 10
Endurance: 10
Rank: 10
Courage: 10
Firepower: 10
Skill: 10

PreviousNext

Return to Non-Transformers Toy Discussion


[ Incoming message. Source unknown. ] No Signal - Please Stand By [ Click to attempt signal recovery... ]


Transformers and More @ The Seibertron Store

Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BUG WARS #5 Cvr A Image Comics 2025 0425IM317 5A (CA) Asrar + Wilson (W) Aaron"
BUG WARS #5 Cvr A ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr C Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON596 1C (CA) Mason"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BUG WARS #5 Cvr B Image Comics 2025 0425IM318 5B (CA) Stokoe (W) Aaron"
BUG WARS #5 Cvr B ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr G 1:20 Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON600 1G (CA) Kano"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr F 1:10 Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON599 1F (CA) Ryp"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BUG WARS #1 3rd ptg Image Comics 2025 1224IM970 (CA) Momoko (W) Aaron"
BUG WARS #1 3rd pt ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BUG WARS #4 Cvr B Image Comics 2025 0325IM281 4B (CA) Corona (W) Aaron"
BUG WARS #4 Cvr B ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr D Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON597 1D (CA) Mason"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BUG WARS #3 2nd ptg Image Comics 2025 0225IM946 (CA) Asrar + Wilson (W) Aaron"
BUG WARS #3 2nd pt ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr I 1:100 Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON602 1I Bisley"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr B Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON595 1B (CA) Kerschl"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr E Foil Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON598 1E Kerschl"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr H 1:50 Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON601 1H (CA)Bisley"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
Visit shop.seibertron.com to buy "BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1 Cvr A Oni Press Comics 2025 0425ON594 1A (CA) Weaver"
BIKER MICE FROM MA ...
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission.
Details subject to change. See listing for latest price and availability.

Featured Products on Amazon.com

Buy "Transformers Titans Return Arcee Action Figure Set" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Authentics Megatron" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Voyager Class Grimlock" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Leader Evolution Rodimus Prime" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Titans Return Deluxe Windblade and Scorchfire" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Studio Series 12 Voyager Class Movie 1 Decepticon Brawl" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: Generations Power of The Primes Voyager Terrorcon Hun-Gurrr" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Power of The Primes Deluxe Class Blackwing" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Generations Legends Class Thundercracker Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Studio Series 02 Deluxe Class Movie 3 Decepticon Stinger" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers Attacker 20 Costanza Action Figure" on AMAZON
Buy "Transformers: The Last Knight Premier Edition Deluxe Bumblebee" on AMAZON
These are affiliate links. We may earn a commission.
Details subject to change. See listing for latest price and availability.