First comment:

Please upvote this by default so it stays towards the top. I'm still learning how2reddit

So I am NOT an artistic person so this is especially anxious for me. But, I needed something to keep my hands busy that wasn't masturbating, so here we are.

I have probably over studied techniques and materials, and I want this post to be a "documentary" if you will. Where someone who has no business painting is going to be doing just that.

So, I'll be documenting my pitfalls and approaches to everything here. With all of you lovely people, it'll also hopefully be a central location for someone like me or just wants to get into 40k can refer to.

Disclaimer: I'll be at work until 5pm EST. But my job is pretty cushy so I'll be adding planning details throughout the day

Tools and Such

Well, I probably overspent here. Only because I'm lazy and didn't want to make the drive to harbor freights. But then again, paying the premium to help support my local game shop is going to give me some karma in the long run. Here's the list of things that I ended up picking up:

• Wire Cutters
  
  • The game shop charged me $16 for them lmao. I hate myself. But they're used to cut the pieces out of the sprues. I was using a box cutter at first, and in no time I nicked myself pretty badly. Just buy them. Again, Harbor Freights.
    
• Box Cutter / Exacto Knife
  
  • I used it to trim off the excess from the sprues. The box cutter worked, but the exacto knife was a bit better because of the handle and the gradual width in the blade helps with control when you need it, or the finer point when you need to get into smaller areas.
    
• Paint Brushes
  
  • So, I spent a lot on one pair and then minimal on another. The A Lot pair was from the game stop ($16 for three types), I figured these would be much higher quality when dealing with the tiny pieces. I went to walmart and bought a set of 8 as well for $5. I'm intending to use these on things like terrain because they're larger in size and hiding issues from crappy brushes is going to be easier on terrain than it will be on a mini the size of 6 quarters.
    
• Filing tools
  
  • Honestly I'm not sure why these are needed. I thought it'd help get rid of the excess sprue on the models but it leaves a scratchy texture. I'm pissed about that. Unless someone here will tell me otherwise, just use your exacto knife
    
• PAAAINNTT
  
  • THIS IS THE BIGGEST THING I'LL FIRMLY PUT MY FOOT DOWN ON
    
  • If you're just starting out, DO NOT GO BUY THEM INDIVIDUALLY. Its too expensive. My local shop sells them for nearly $5-$8 a bottle. Buy THIS. Its a ton of typical colors and drops the individual price down to $2.80.
    
  • Paint sets are always going to be your best friend, from what I've found. Citadel paints for example are really expensive at my local shop (like $5-$7 each expensive) But something like this is a huge savor., bringing the unit price down to $3,63.
    
  • Shading seems to overhaul the look into something more professional, so you will want to buy two separately. My buddy suggested two different ones, Black and Brown.
    
• Wet Pallette
  
  • I am yet to have this conversation without the other person talking to me like they're running for president. Wet Pallettes are a necessity. They ensure you do not waste paint, keeps your paint consistently viable while using it, and helps with storing it. I've heard a couple of days, others say months. Who knows. I'm yet to start painting, but I'm just going to say don't even mess around and just get/build one.
    
  • Tabletop Minions has a great video to show you how to make one for the lo-lo.
    
• Mini Painting Holder
  
  • If you're not looking risk smudging the paint when you're holding your mini, then this is for you. Bonus points for reducing your chances of arthritis.
    
  • You COULD get something like THIS. But I feel that because it holds onto the sides, you can't really use it to paint the base.
    
  • What I ended up doing was buying 3 bottles of champagne, cutting off the top of one of them, and then gluing & duct taping it all together. I haven't tested out its balance yet but odds are, I'm going to have to do something so its stable and I can rest it on the table standing up without worry. Bonus, I was pretty drunk for a bit.
    
    

    Theory is Great and All (11.13.19)
    

    
    So here are my updates from actually painting.
    
    

• Mini Painting Holder
  
  • LOL. Welp. didn't turn out as expected. Glue didn't stick and I had to use so much duct tape that it looks like a toxic sushi roll. Yum. We'll see how it works when I get to the actually mini painting.
    
  • https://imgur.com/sU1bqxE
    
• Paaaaaint
  
  • Welp. I'm pretty sure I added too much water. I also definitely did not mix enough of it. I'm going for a deep green metallic look and only mixed enough for one coat..... lmao. Thankfully its just the 1st so I'm hoping when I mix a boatload of it, even if the hue is different, it won't matter much.
    
  • Wet pallete: Definitely worked out. Do it.
    
  • Because of the paint being too watery, you can see some spots where it pooled. Again, gonna take it easier on the water the second time around and hope it covers up the bad stuff
    
  • In being careful with the finer details, I didn't care too much. Some paint here and there won't change much and should be unnoticeable after a few more careful coats of the actual color I want to use, when I get there.
    
  • https://imgur.com/jiNNc1A
    
    

    Life Sucks and I haven't gotten much done (11/15/19)
    

    
    So I was only able to apply a second coat of to what I've already done. But honestly, not too shabby! Apparently I didn't water down the paint too much.
    
    https://imgur.com/gallery/lA9LV1N
    
    Also, I recently switched to a different cell phone carrier, and got a $200 prepaid card.... So I'm getting these.
    
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004INERK4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3TMLEXVMVIW94&psc=1
    
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JLVM5U/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A1Y3PCPH3CY53X&psc=1
    
    There's a blog that I found (will have to find it again later) that recommended these.

Bandai is (IMO) the top of the Japanese heap, model-wise - well-engineered, complex but not fiddly. Their Eva offerings are OK, but where they really shine is the Gundam stuff. Currently, they're available as 1/144 HG (no inner frames, decent articulation and detail), 1/144 RG (inner frames and high detail) 1/100 Re/100 (no inner frames, decent external detail, 'niche' MS) 1/100 MG (current ones have internal frames and high detail; older ones, not so much), 1/60 PG (big scale, high detail inside and out), and some 1/144, 1/100 and other 'No Grade' (older, low-articulation, low color separation kits), and some non-Gundam stuff like VOTOMS (we'll get there in a bit). Like everything else, newer kits will have better parts layouts than older kits. You can check Dalong.net, for visual reviews, parts counts, scale comparisons, and so forth.

In HG, most of the kits from Char's Counterattack, Unicorn, Build Fighters/Try and Iron Blooded Orphans on are excellent kits, with prices running from £6 up to £35

In RG, (IMO) the best kit, in terms of detail, design, and durability is the RG Gundam Mk II AEUG, priced at a very reasonable £15.

MG run from £16.75 up (Ball is love; Ball is life) up to the mind-blowing, £95 Sazabi ver.Ka. Yes, it's pricey, but it's one of the best-engineered models you'll ever build. 37 runners of multicolored, snap-fit glory.

PGs are well out of your price range, all well over the £100 mark.

Outside the Gundamverse, Bandai also does 1/20 VOTOMS; but slightly over your cap at £65 They also do Macross kits (the current series is Delta; kits are just now being released), but their transforming requirements make them a little explodey. They also do Yamato and other spacecraft; I don't have a lot of experience with them.

Past Bandai, Kotobukiya does some excellent Armored Core (among other properties) kits; they are a little finickier fit wise, and a little pricier, coming in at around £45 and up. They work best for experienced modelers who aren't afraid of complex painting jobs. Hasegawa does non-transforming Valkyries; they will need glue and paint to look good. Hasegawa also does the love-to-get-grubby, need-glue-and-paint-and-patience Maschinen Krieger line.

Beyond that, you start getting into smaller makers, and resin kits, and imports direct from Asia, and probably out of your area of interest.

This hobby is a huge money/time sink if you want to do realistic models. To learn all the skill required takes years, and a lot of materials are used in the process.

I'm not sure what's your budget, but I'd start with simple 1/35 single colored military vehicles. Tamiya has a great range of kits with older tooling, and they can be bought for 15-25 dollars. They are not the best quality wise, but they still hold their own, and better then lots of modern kits. Bang for buck they are the best IMO.

Few examples:

https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Models-Russian-T-34-Tank/dp/B000LFSIV2?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_8888336011

https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Models-Armored-Sdkfz-Model/dp/B000WN6SRE?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_8888336011

https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Models-Pzkfw-Ausf-Model/dp/B000WN5AF0

https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Models-A6M2-Fighter-Model/dp/B000QSBXHK

https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Models-Russian-T-62-Model/dp/B000WBBVX2

(You can find these everywhere, amazon is just an example)


If you select your kit, you can check the main colors in the handbook, or on scalemates.com. Buy them as you need them, you will have a good set of colors after a few kits, and be ready for most camo patterns if you choose carefully. Use water based acrylics, like Revell aqua or Vallejo model color, because you can thin them with water. Tamiya paints need thinner, so they are more expensive to start with.

I'd suggest soviet armor, or german ww2 armor, because green and grey/dark yellow are base colors you'll always need.

EDIT: For the other tools, you need to get 4 things at start. A hobby knife, a panel cutter, some brushes and some cement. Tamiya extra thin, or Revell contacta(this is included in their starter kits or can be bought seperately.) are both great.

The other things like pigments, washes etc can wait. Buy them as you get better, and master the most basic stuff, like using cement, thinning paint, brushing...

You wanna be the best fiance ever u/vickicamfield?

Get him one of these.

His neck will thank you, his hands will thank you, his precision will thank you. Probably the best purchase I've ever made for minis. You can snag em at most hobby shops.

​

Bonus, if he wants to do detail work I recommend a cheap set of reading glasses. He won't have to strain his eyes as much and they are a nice magnifying glass....es... you get the point lol.

​

PS: I recommend bright white light for better color recognition and more akin to natural light.

Edit: Also if he is thinning with water, get this. I find it works better than water and mixes with metallics!

Edit 2: For brush care, dont forget to get some brush cleaner and conditioner. Maybe a wet palette for longer paint sessions. For brushes, winsor and newton are always a solid choice.

Edit 3: Folks are asking for essentials. Here is a short list:Vallejo thinner
Masters brush conditioner
Wet palette
Kolinsky brushes
Mini holder
Liquid cement for plastics
Vallejo paints
Citadel paints
Warhammer TV
Cheap airbrush for prime/basecoat

I started without watching too. Super hooked now. Please help.

My starter suggestions:

• HG Revive RX-78-2 - This is the "Granddaddy" Gundam, and this recent version of it is cheap, easy, and super fun to play with.
  
  
• HG Origin Char's Zaku II - The classic antagonist, another excellent model. Whereas the Revive goes for a sleek and simple look, this guy instead goes for extra detail while still being rock solid.
  
  
• HG 00 Raiser - Holds a special place in my heart as the second model I put together when I was in the same position as you. Also excellent model.
  
  
• HG Gundam Fenice - Representing the Build Fighters line, which are stylistic, modified versions of other kits. I recommend watching the anime (both seasons available on YouTube) as well.
  
  
• MG Ball ver. Ka - A gentle introduction to the MG 1/100 scale. Bigger, more details. Lots of decals. Everyone on this sub loves the Ball for some reason.
  
  
• RG Astray Red Frame - Real Grades are the same size as High Grades, but with hella more detail and lots of tiny parts. You get a lot in a small package, for a low price. Tackle this once you're confident in your building abilities because they do require more patience and precision. Red Frame is one of the better ones IMO.
  
  Right now all of these are available at pretty good prices with Prime shipping from Amazon.
  
  Happy building!

Welcome to hobby!

First and foremost, if you've never built gunpla, or a model kit in general be sure to check the links on the side to get you started.

As for suggestions for a kit, I'd recommend getting an HG kit from your favorite series. You're bound to find your favorite suit in HG form. That being said; if you don't have one or still want suggestions I'd recommend:

• HGBF Build Strike Gundam Full Package(or its upgrade the Star Build Strike).
  
  
• HGCE Aile Strike Gundam(or the sisters version Strike Rouge).
  
  
• HGAC Wing Gundam.
  
  
• HG AGE Gundam Age-1 Normal.
  
  
• HG 00 - 00 Gundam(or any of its variations).
  
  All these are excellent kits in my opinion and have pretty good parts separation so they won't need a ton of panting(except the Build Strikes...their boosters need a lot of work). They're also relatively cheap. I used amazon as a general site since they have good prices generally and are even better if you have amazon prime. But you are free to find your stuff elsewhere.
  
  As for completion times from start to finish? Its hard to say since everyone builds at different paces and touch ups can range from just panel lining + stickers, to panel lining+painting all the details instead of stickers and painting those details not covered by stickers at all + topcoat. In my case a High Grade, assuming it doesn't need a ton of painting, will run me 6-7 hours. But I'll panel line line, omit the stickers and paint everything I can, then top coat. So I'd say be prepared to take at least 3-4 hours depending on your building pace and nub management. Add 1 or 2 hours for detailing.
  
  Hope this helps.

There was a fairly recent release of a High Grade Wing Gundam Zero kit, but it looks like he prefers MGs... I think there are a few variations of the Wing Gundam kit, such as the Proto Version, Wing Gundam(EW), Wing Zero(EW). or if you want to be the best friend ever there is the Perfect Grade Wing Gundam.

If he is a fan of the Gundam Wing series, it is worth considering Deathscyth, Deathscythe Hell, or Sandrock, which are other 'protagonist' mobile suits that fight sort-of along side the Wing Gundam.

There is also Epyon and Tallgeese, two 'bad guy' mobile suits from the same series.

If he is a fan of the original Gundam series, the RX-78 or a Zaku kit(there are many variations) would be good as well.

Also, be careful buying on Amazon if you want it to be delivered by the 10th (or shortly after). Quite a few of the sellers with good prices are based in Japan so it can take upwards of a month or more for the item to arrive if you buy it from them. It can be easy to miss that information if you're not paying attention.

My first ever kit: HG Barbatos ($13)
Other easy (and cheap) kits I'd recommend:
HGUC RX-78-2 ($11)
HG Gusion ($13)
HG Graze Kai ($11)

I'd start with those, and based on the suggested products, just go from there! Really, I just like to buy kits based on what I think looks coolest. The HG kits are all pretty beginner-friendly, so it's really up to you!! Hope this helps!! And if you haven't already, subscribe to r/gunpla. It can be a fickle-bitch-of-a-sub when it comes to upvotes (which can be discouraging for new posters), but more often than not people there are more than willing to offer helpful advice. And if you have any questions, feel free to PM me. That goes for anyone reading this who's interested in possibly getting into the hobby as well. Good luck and happy building!

Your best bet is to delete this and post it again on r/Gunpla. They have an incredibly friendly community and they'd love to help you choose a good model to start with, as well as give you some recommendations on beginner tools.


For a more immediate answerm there are three MG versions of the Wing The TV version, the EW Version, the EW Zero Version, and the Proto Zero. The Wing Zero EW is an older kit, but does have the angel-style wings if you're looking for those, and my personal preference is the Wing EW.


Also, while there's certainly nothing wrong with starting with an MG, I highly recommend with either the HG Wing, or the HG Wing Zero. They're both really modern HG's that look great out of the box, and are cheaper too.

At the end of the day, you should definitely check out r/Gunpla for any further questions, or even just to check out some builds you're interested in.

If you're talking about the World of Tanks line of 1:35 model tanks, it's an iffy decision, unless you've got some model building under your belt. The kits are pretty old italeri molds which mean that they're not as accurate as some newer kits, but they're good enough. The worst part of the World of Tanks model kits are the tracks. They are god awful and will break when you try to put them on your tank, leaving you with a disappointing result. Yeah, you get some gold and some nice in game bonuses, but in my opinion, unless you have some spare tracks lying around that are better than the in-box italeri tracks, I'd probably buy a good old Tamiya kit. Easy to build, good tracks, little to no fuss, your just have to buy some Tamiya extra thin cement.

I just finished my AMX-30B from MENG, and while the tracks and suspension on the kit actually function, it's for advanced modellers and has a really hefty price tag. The tracks were the most painful part as you had to assemble each link (made of multiple parts) by hand 160 times.


Some really easy and cheap and good looking 1/35 builds from Tamiya are:

Panzer II , Walker bulldog ($12-15)

M4 Sherman ($30)

T-34 , Panzer Iv ($20)

Prices are estimates.

PM me if you'd like to chat, and come by /r/modelmakers if you're interested!

I believe I have finally decided on my first Gunpla, the HG Age II Magnum and want to make sure the items I have added to my Amazon cart are ideal or not for a beginner/future use for HG and MG kits. The list is as follows:

• Gundam Model Builder's Cutting Mat 12"x9"
  
• Findfly 9Pcs Gundam Model Tool Kit
  
• Gundam Marker Value Set
  
• Mr. Super Clear Flat Spray
  
• Bamboo Skewers
  
• Alligator Clips
  
• ScotchBlue Painter's Tape
  
• Styrofoam Blocks
  
  I know that this sub has a list of tools and tutorials, but because I'm trying to budget, I was thinking no more than $100 would be ideal for me to start with. Since I'm beginning with HG models, I don't think I need a full set of Gundam markers, but if it's needed/required/highly suggested, I might pick them up as well.
  
  So I have read and seen that top coating and panel lining are essential for MG models to make them pop. Are they just as essential for HG model kits? Looking at pictures of the Age II Magnum I'm planning on getting from Amazon, it doesn't seem to have a lot of indents for panel lining. Of course, I could be wrong and be blind as a bat. If I don't do any sort of panel lining, is it still a good idea to add a top coat regardless?
  
  Also, how soon can one get into MG kits? I was originally going to jump straight into either the MG GM Sniper II or the RX-78-2 Ver 3.0 but after doing some research over the past few days, I've decided I'll be doing a few HG's to begin with as I haven't built model kits since I was like 7 or 8 with my dad. I'm thinking after the Age II Magnum, I was thinking about getting either the HG Double O Diver or the HG 00 Shia Qan[T]. Maybe after I complete the 3 HG's I've listed, is it possible to jump to the the GM Sniper II?
  
  TL;DR:
  
  

• Are the items I have listed a good starting point?
  
  
• Is a full set of Gundam Markers a necessity for HG/beginners?
  
  
• Are panel lining and top coatings important for HG model kits?
  
  
• Is it okay to use top coat on an HG model if no panel lining is used?
  
  
• Edit Do people usually top coat the accessories? I can't seem to find any info on that.
  
  
• What color panel lining pens do people normally use based on different parts of Gunpla's?
  
  
• What level of skill should one be at before getting into MG model kits?
  
  

Oh man, uh... one that looked... cool? Just a sec

Okay,RG #07 Gundam MK II Titans is what it says on the box! And it looks really neat and that's all I know about it! I'm not familiar with Gundam but I got a little one like 9 years ago that I really liked building, so when I was at Otakon the other weekend I decided to indulge in another, nicer one! Spent like 20 minutes at the Gundam table picking something that looked cool, and I'm definitely satisfied with it. So far I have built: leg bones.

Welcome to the hobby!

Important terms you should know :)

HG: High Grade 1/144 scale. This is usually where beginners start

MG: Master Grade 1/100 scale. More advanced kit, usually comes with an inner frame.

RG: Real Grade 1/144 scale model but has the complexity of a MG model.

The HG Build Fighters line is a perfect place to start, espessally with the Fenice and Star Build Strike. For tools, I would suggest checking this baby out It comes with pretty much all the stuff you will need. I actually just use an x-acto knife and some really high grit sandpaper to get rid of nubs left after cutting the pieces off the gates.

As far as buying kits goes, Amazon has really good prices (especially if you have Amazon Prime). Here's the HG Fenice from Amazon.

If you don't want to buy from Amazon, I would suggest purchasing from Gundam Planet or from Hobby Link Japan Hobby Link Japan also has a ton of videos on Youtube on gunpla showing tutorials, and all stuff gundam related.

Hope this helps!

As a few others have mentioned, the MG Sazabi Ver. Ka is the companion kit to the Nu Ver. Ka. Right now it is $85 on amazon, which is $15 above your price range. However, $85 is a great price for the kit considering the lowest price it has been on amazon was $74. As a side note, I have to say the Sazabi Ver Ka is one of the best kits I have ever built.

Another option is the Hi-Nu Ver. Ka. It is an alternate version of the Nu Gundam (the one that you linked). From what I understand, the Hi-Nu is an amazing kit, and is currently $73 on amazon.

Keeping in the same set of kits, you can get several SD kits. They are smaller cuter versions of the full kits and are much cheaper and easier to build. Plus getting three of them will cost about $40. Here are the links:

Nu Gundam SD

Sazabi SD

Hi-Nu Gundam SD

I hope this helped. If you can find out more about which series they like, we can offer more suggestions.

This forum is great and has talented people.

Keep in mind two things about this forums popular suggestions:
1.) They love grunt suits. So don't let them bully you into a grunt suit unless that is what you want.
2.) MG Ball Ver Ka seems to be a favorite on here, don't let that influence you unless you like the ball.

My personal recommendation is the new MG Freedom Gundam 2.0

Build the suit you like!

I will be getting the 1/100th grimgerde

I started building gunpla early this year and have done about 30 kits, so no expert but I have some experience to stand on. That being said, the HGUC RX-78-2 Revive was my first kit and I'd recommend that to anyone. The kit is forgiving (white doesn't show nub-marks/stress marks as much as dark colors), it doesn't require too much from the builder, and the end result is very stable and articulate. It's what cemented my new hobby. And it's relatively cheap at ~$14 US.

For a lengthier and more complicated build (though I would argue not really more difficult) I'd suggest the RG Gundam Mark II. Again, the kit succeeds in being stable, articulate, and the build progresses rather seamlessly. It also looks really awesome when completed.

There are a few other builds that for me stand out as being just very satisfying-- the HG Gerbera Tetra, the RG Char's Z'Gok- but the two I've singled out above are superlative in my opinion.

dude. you need to try at least one real grade. I used to be exclusively MG like you, but my experiences with the RG Zaku and Strike totally changed my mind.

Plus if you enjoy placing decals and working with tweezers, then it is pure heaven. If you decide to get one, I'd recommend avoiding the "winged" kits since they are just a hair more frustrating -- for example, my strike freedom is definitely harder to pose than the Aile strike.

Amazon sells RG's for awesome prices. If you have amazon prime, you can get an RG zaku for $33.51 or an RX-178 for $32.37

This would be interesting, though I wonder what the best way of reducing the scope would be.

One thought might be to explain the internal combustion engine itself. For example, an animation like this can give you a pretty good intuitive understanding of how they work. Taking it a step further, you can just buy a $40 kit on Amazon to go and actually build your own.

Stuff like that will go a long way toward taking the magic out of "gas goes in, car goes forward" but it won't do much to help you understand the mysterious language spoken by the people who work in a real auto repair shop. I'm a very far cry from a car expert, but I do have some friends that know quite a bit, and I've done some medium-sized repair tasks with their help. In my opinion, if you compare an engine to everything in the car except the engine, it's the "everything else" that is so much more opaque and difficult to understand.

What's even more interesting to me is the advent of the electric car. Compared to traditional gasoline or diesel engines, an electric motor is stupidly simple. I built my first electric motor in elementary school science class, and all the students needed was a length of copper wire, a fridge magnet, a plastic cup, and a small battery.

But if you take a car mechanic who's worked on gasoline-powered cars for decades and put them in front of a Tesla, they're not going to see a lot of familiar systems. No engine means no transmission, exhaust, or (traditional) coolant systems, and I'm sure many other things would be "missing" or completely redesigned to accommodate for and take advantage of the giant battery and electric motor.

So what's the equivalent of this video series for cars? It could be something like those animations or that DIY kit for the gasoline engine, but maybe the most helpful thing would be tutorial videos made by remote-controlled car enthusiasts who build miniaturized but fully-functional cars, both electric and gasoline. Then again, those might not be super helpful if those tiny cars use designs that only work for tiny cars which don't carry people or generate massive quantities of heat.

Comparing cars to computers is difficult though. The "magic" of a car might be the engine itself, or maybe all of that impenetrable jargon, but at some point you're just talking about "things you don't deeply understand" and not magic.

Computers, on the other hand, are just so much more complicated than cars. And when you combine computer hardware with software and the internet, it just becomes too much for any one person to understand.

Imagine a challenge where you have access to whatever heavy manufacturing equipment, tools, raw materials, and helping hands you need, but no reference books or internet. I bet there are people out there who could create a completely functional and mostly modern car within a day or two, because they understand the entire system from one end to the other, and the only thing that stops them from doing it is the physical and monetary hurdles. But if the goal was to build a computer from scratch that a random person can use to browse memes and post on Reddit, there's not a person in the world who could do it.

Any car built in the last 30 years has a computer in it that controls the engine and probably other stuff, so that's a catch. But fully functional cars existed long before computers, so in my mind it would't be mandatory to build that component.

The Gundam brand is owned by Bandai, so they are the only ones who make kits. There are some knockoffs of dubious quality which are best ignored.

Bandai kits are snap together and molded in correct colors, so glue and paint are not needed.

As /u/SonuNova said, start with an HG kit. They usually run about $20. Most have pretty good color separation and newer ones use very few stickers. Pick your favorite. If you want suggestions start with the Build Strike or 00 Gundam.

The only tools you'll need are a hobby knife (read: xacto) and some side cutters.

A panel line marker or wash (enamel paint + lighter fluid) and some flat top coat (e.g. flat clear coat) are useful for detailing and finishing to make the kit look less toy-like.

The expense of the hobby comes from the gotta-catch-em-all mentality. Some of the larger MG kits can run upwards of $100, and Perfect Grade kits three times [faster] than that.

You definitely have better options

With 10-20 bucks, you can get a great HG kit. HG (high Grade) kits are much more fun and are generally much better in quality. May i suggest one of these:


----: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IAGUS7G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=354ZD0WDE1CHP&coliid=IKLBTEST96E20


----: http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Amazing-Model-Scale/dp/B00E3JH52K/ref=sr_1_2?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1420200253&sr=1-2&keywords=hg+zaku


----: http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Fenice-Action/dp/B00FKL6E4K/ref=pd_sim_t_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=04P9J2F778V4ZT3CWPWB



Also, it's a really good idea to check online reviews.

That strike is shit quality and no i don't mean your craftsmanship, looks good in that regard. Get yourself the better HG Strike, much better detail and part separation, the grey frame parts on the body arms and legs are their own parts that don't require stickers, the shield has proper yellow bits as well and the overall quality and joint strength is better too. The Perfect Strike pack is 100% compatible with it, i'm using it with mine.

Edit: I was wrong about the model i linked being a Revive kit, it is still a much better kit than the original strike that comes with the Perfect Strike though.

The essentials kit comes with 1 brush, clippers, glue, and 13 three ml pots of paint. That's a good variety of colors and some useful tools, but the pots are very small and may not last very long. A standard Citadel Colour paint pots are 12ml each. If you're just dipping your toe in, and you're not 100% sure that you want to paint as a hobby, it's a good way to get the materials necessary to try painting out. On the other hand, if you are sure that you want to paint, you'll end up replacing the paint very quickly and the Citadel Base Paint Set may be a better choice. Or a set from another manufacturer.

It's not the size of the 1/144 scale, its the size of the pieces - once again, its not inherently hard, it just can be tricky.

Since you're thinking of ordering RG Freedom and Strike Freedom, might I suggest HGCE Aile Strike or any of the variations.

• HGCE Aile Strike
  
• HGCE Strike Rouge
  
• HGBF Build Strike FP
  
• HGBF Star Build Strike
  
  All of these kits are based on a new mold created in 2014 (as opposed to the original HG SEED Aile Strike made 2002). They're all definitely great for beginners and are at a good price point.
  
  I could also suggest the Build Burning, as /u/Mirarii already has, though you'd be trading play options for 2 sets of effect parts (blue and orange) - Build Burning Gundam has zero weapons (which may not be a problem for you).
  ***
  I noticed your updated list has an Action Base 1. Those are typically for 1/100 scale.
  
  You had the Action Base 2 before which is for 1/144 scale: you should switch it back.

In our Wiki we have a list of retailers listed under "Shopping". As a general suggestion from me, Amazon (with Prime shipping, otherwise it might come from Japan, taking a few weeks to a month to arrive) is usually the easiest way to get your first kit. Figure out international shipping once you get into the hobby.

As a beginner, it would be a good idea to check out the rest of the wiki for some useful info before you start.

Also, the PG is considered pretty bad. The MG and RG kits are fairly well regarded. The old HG is outdated but not too bad, might be your best bet for a first kit.

Another option is the SDEX if you like chibi proportions.

Total noob here about to dive in scared on my first-ever build with a Master Grade kit. Just had to have this love at first sight.

Is a tool set like this a smart buy over getting the main essential ones separately?

If not, could you guys kindly recommend a list of half-decent quality tools that would fit a budget of $20-30 (or possibly for a bit more if absolutely necessary for a quality build)?

Thanks guys.

Here is the MG Freedom 2.0- Bandai Hobby MG Freedom Gundam Version 2.0 "Gundam Seed" Building Kit (1/100 Scale) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BD3NJ8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_E9lAzbHWFDMMV

Here is the MG Strike Freedom kit in the photo- Bandai Hobby Strike Freedom Gundam Seed Destiny Mobile Suit Model Kit (1/100 Scale) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JCES5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.-lAzb6Q0GKQJ

[I'd throw in the HG Titus as well] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JABVFO/ref=s9_simh_gw_p21_d0_i5?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0W7K6S9HK2VJ6V1XGHBH&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1970559082&pf_rd_i=desktop)

[Also, if you want a bit of a challenge and want to spend about $5 more I'd suggest buying the MG Ball. The kit is wonderful, has great part separation, is straight forward, and looks great when fully built.] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0006TNAIO/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new)

I just don't know what to make of Gundams on Amazon. On the one hand, I could get the RG Mk II Titan for $30 with longer (but free) shipping, but on the other hand, the seller name is 'canada post office is delayed extra 15-30days'. But on the other, other hand, it's got 826 ratings over the last 12 months, most of them very positive.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Version-Counterattack/dp/B0091O17LM I'm planning on putting the LED in this guy once I get him (He's on his way) because the lit up eyes would just look great on him. I love gunpla just because the designs are cool and it's a step closer to the reality (Besides the 1:1 scale) To where I can believe that it's possible for gundam to exist in the near future. Also it gives a personal touch to you figures instead of saying "I bought it and now it's posed here" I can say "I built this and look how great it looks and how much time and effort I put into this."

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Freedom-Gundam-Real-Grade/dp/B005JABU82/ref=sr_1_1?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&ie=UTF8&qid=1421787866&sr=8-1&keywords=gundam&pebp=1421787872393&peasin=B005JABU82

Dunno if this helps you, but <24 for an RG Freedom. Can add $11 worth of stuff on Amazon to get free shipping too.

That is a good recommendation above, but the best bang for your buck would be this tool set.

http://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-74016-Basic-Tool-Set/dp/B000BMYWXI/

It's got cutters, a knife and a file, along with some screwdrivers if you ever build Action Bases.

As for starter MG's, I'd suggest the MG Aile Strike Ver RM.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Strike-Gundam-Action/dp/B00C0NRVKW/

It comes with its own stand and usually sells for around 40-50$.

If you're not a seed fan then you can't go wrong with the RX-78-2 version 3.0.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-RX-78-2-Action/dp/B00CRSXK4Q/

It doesn't come with an action base but its still one of the best MG's out there.

If you're not into painting - the first bundle is fine if you're willing to put the money into it, the other bundles are too much for a beginner IMO

Something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Miniatures-Highlighting-Miniature-Army-Painter/dp/B01MTXRU2L/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1518146756&sr=8-4&keywords=army+painter+kit

Is a cheaper entry point - look for something in the same category as this, the primary colours + a few extras, a shade and a standard sized paint brush

This way you can try out painting and if you enjoy it, you can add to it from there, while not investing as heavily as the suggested bundles in the link are asking


Another option ~

https://www.amazon.com/Games-Workshop-60-22-Base-Paint/dp/B00KOCXDT4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1518147023&sr=8-2&keywords=citadel+paint+kit

Any paints from Army painter/Citadel/Vallejo are great places to start, just get whatever's got the best deal on at the time.

Only other suggestion would be to get a spray undercoat such as

https://www.amazon.com/Army-Painter-CP3001-Base-Primer/dp/B005WH3LVG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518147186&sr=8-1&keywords=miniature+undercoat+spray

Undercoat sprays make painting a mini MUCH easier and MUCH quicker, however, if you are only painting the bases and not any detail on the mini, you can get away with no undercoat spray
(You can get cheaper sprays but I find when you're new, picking one model paint brand and sticking to it to start with makes things easier to manage)

I've just grabbed links from Amazon, but you can find these products all over the place

Without knowing your boyfriend's taste in gunpla, this newly released MG 1/100 Freedom Gundam 2.0 kit is pretty popular. It has also been praised by gunpla reviewers for its quality and poseability.

The best quality brand that I've ever used is called Citadel. But they're a bit more on the expensive side. Which means that if you don't have the exact right shade, you might have wasted some cash. The other thing is that they're only sold in gaming shops in the Warhammer/D&D section. If you don't have one of those nearby, it's hard to bring your piece to a store and correctly match the colors.

So instead I've been going with much cheaper brands that you can find at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or even Walmart. DecoArt is a fine brand and costs about $2 a bottle. Another brand that I use is called Folk Art. It's also very cheap - looks like Michael's is selling them for 57 cents!

You definitely want to use acrylic paint, not enamel. Other than that it's up to you if you prefer a glossy, satin, or matte finish. Every color usually comes in each of those options.

When it comes to actual painting, the great thing about acrylics is that you can mix water with them to get just the right thickness (which avoids globbing). I've never actually measured the amount of paint that I squirt out of the bottle. But I always add a couple droplets of water to it to slightly thin it out.

I use paper plates for a palette (the wax coated kind) and just chuck out when I'm done. You'll also need a bright desk lamp right over what you're painting so you can see into every nook and cranny of the piece. Nothing worse than thinking you've completely painted something, only to see a spot you missed show up on camera later.

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Wing-Gundam-Version/dp/B0004EAFWK/ref=pd_lpo_21_tr_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Z7C2JSX8Y465QD7G8Q0X
Your love of wing is as great as mine this is a solid and beautiful rendition of the Wing Zero so I would recommend this or this
https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-GUNDAM-VER-Ka-Master-Action/dp/B00030EUTY

I'm gonna assume that you ONLY have that $28 and can't purchase the $35 needed for free shipping, so I'll go with a HG kit.

Fenice Rinascita most of the sellers are in Japan and might take forever to get here, but there's one I see from Canada that JUST fits your budget.

Build Burning Gundam Just makes your budget buying from Amazon with Standard Shipping.

Age-FX For this one You'd have to buy from Japan, but I think it's a good kit and an underrated suit because it's from AGE.

Star Build Strike Plavsky Wing Not technically a SEED kit. lol

Age-1 Normal I've heard nothing but good things about this kit, and it's REALLY cheap.

And Lastly I'll suggest the 0 Gundam. This version isn't very colorful, but it comes with some cool wing effect parts. But there's a colored version that's cheaper that doesn't come with the wings here.

i geussed it was probably on the box but i was hoping there was a way to check before hand so i dont need to wait for the kit and check then buy it and have to wait for days for the paint but im getting this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamiya-35-PzKfw-Ausf-35096/dp/B000WN5AF0?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1#customerReviews also note the product detail "contains 3 boy faces" lol

MG Jesta. Amazing articulation, can use an LED, Just an all around amazing grunt suit kit. Also Amazon has it on sale with Prime for only $47. This really is a no brainier :D

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Jesta-Model-Kit/dp/B00B596V6W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405955484&sr=8-1&keywords=mg+jesta

Or if you want a great upgrade to an old school kit, get RX-78-2 MG 3.0, $45 with prime.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-RX-78-2-Action/dp/B00CRSXK4Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1405955604&sr=8-3&keywords=mg+jesta

This kit looks great, and it IS great! I have it on my shelf, and it's really solid, although it doesn't stand out much.

I think Jobby's torso issue is only his kit, or at least I haven't heard about it until now- That part is incredibly solid on my kit.

You can get this kit on Amazon!

Chill, anti-social, likes moderate mind-fucking (but not deep into mind-fucking), and is loving, especially whenever they make a bond with someone.

MG Freedom 2.0 or the MG Wing Fenice Rinascita

This is a second to the first post I made. Here's some examples of the specials I was talking about that pop up.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Gundam-Unicorn-Banshee-Master/dp/B0071QGXHU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1380737796&sr=8-5&keywords=wing+gundam+ver+ka

http://www.amazon.com/XXXG-01W-Gundam-scale-Model-JAPAN/dp/B004KJ41F2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1380737796&sr=8-2&keywords=wing+gundam+ver+ka

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Gundam-Sandrock-Master-Grade/dp/B005ED3PAU/ref=pd_bxgy_t_img_y

The shipping times are AWESOME, and FREE with prime!

Hi there! Great gift idea. My gf actually picked out my first kit for me recently and chose a HG Barbatos model for my studio. Definitely would recommend that. http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Orphans-Barbatos-Iron-Blooded/dp/B0129DW0WG

From a pure aesthetic perspective, the MG Shin Musha Gundam is fucking DOPE! Nothin screams wifey material more than buying yo man a robot samurai lol... Def next on my buy list. http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-BAN153804-Shin-Musha-Gundam/dp/B0018P09QQ

collecting robot action figures. Cheapest way to get into it is buying kits you put together yourself, most of which are models from the Gundam sci-fi universe. There are a lot of factors that go into collecting including articulation, color accuracy, stability, materials, and price point, but that's not terribly relevant in the beginning!

if you want to try it out, all you need is a pair of wire cutters or an xacto knife! I'd recommend the high grade Gundam Barbatos or the high grade Burning Gundam. High grade means smallish and easy to put together in an afternoon, so for less than the cost of snacks and a movie you can put together your own little shelf buddy.

I can relate to that. I've never really had a SAL package go missing or get damaged, but its worth the peace of mind to go for the more expensive options on more valuable purchases.

I actually purchased my Sazabi Ver Ka locally (even though it was 60$ more expensive) because I was mortified that the box would get dinged up due to its sheer size, so I wanted it to travel as small a distance as possible.

I don't know anything about these models- can they be played with at all, or are they only for display? Thinking as a gift for my 9 year old, who will want to play with it.

Referring to models like: https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Freedom-Version-Building/dp/B01BD3NJ8C/ref=sr_1_23?keywords=gunpla+kit&link_code=qs&qid=1570492231&sourceid=Mozilla-search&sr=8-23

Not gonna lie I don't know the model number. I am not the biggest Gundam guy, I just like the way this one looked and it was fun to build. I will link the amazon page for it though :)
https://www.amazon.ca/Bandai-Gundam-Astray-Customize-MBF-PO2KAI/dp/B0042VJ018/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487129988&sr=8-1&keywords=gundam+red

It's not necessarily beefy, but what about the Gran-Daddy gundam himself? RX-78-2 http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-RX-78-2-Action/dp/B00CRSXK4Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417067802&sr=8-2&keywords=Gundam+MG

Or try the Sandrock http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Gundam-Sandrock-Master-Grade/dp/B005ED3PAU/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1417067871&sr=8-24&keywords=Gundam+MG

Good luck in choosing your kit!

Looks good, man! If you're looking to get an HG, most of the HGBF (the kits from the Build Figther series) are really fun to build. I would highly recommend the Wing Gundam Fenice. I had a blast building that kit.

1. 24 minutes, a crossover of shows I really like
   
   
2. Homer Simpson his antics make me feel a little bit smarter
   
   
3. Link If link is removed surprise me.
   
   
4. If you need me, I'll be in the refrigerator.
   
   Thanks for the contest

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-RX-78-2-Action/dp/B00CRSXK4Q

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Master-Action/dp/B002BRUGI6/ref=sr_1_5?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1485290673&sr=1-5&keywords=master+grade+gundams

these are just my personals as they are fairly light weight in terms of armor and weapons but they do great. i especially recommend the 3.0 but its abit fragile but it poses, articulates and has alot of movies pieces.

I'd recommend the Sinanju OVA Ver. or the Nu Gundam Ver. KA because I've heard they both look really good and are fun to put together.

Well, good news, you can get them in HG! :)

​

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Orphans-Barbatos-Iron-Blooded/dp/B0129DW0WG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=hg+barbatos&qid=1555211105&s=gateway&sr=8-1

​

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Barbatos-Blooded-Orphans/dp/B018TGV2TE/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=hg+barbatos&qid=1555211105&s=gateway&sr=8-9

If you are looking at kits, here are two versions of the original Gundam:

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-RX-78-2-Action/dp/B00CRSXK4Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=rx-78-2+gundam&qid=1575079694&sprefix=rx-78-2&sr=8-6

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-RX-78-2-Gundam-Real-Grade/dp/B003KX5OXW/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=rx-78-2+gundam&qid=1575079764&sprefix=rx-78-2&sr=8-2

The MG is larger and more complex, the HG is smaller. Both are good, detailed kits! And those are just the Gundam itself - there are lots of other kits from the original series, too! For instance, the Zaku I And Zaku II, Gouf, Gelgoog, GM, and more. If you want some more suggestions, you might try the r/gunpla subreddit, too.

Edit: You could also just look for kits labeled HGUC - that means High Grade Universal Century. High Grade is a type of model, Universal Century is sort of the “main” Gundam series - so, the original series and its sequels.

Wow. Actually I'm building a similar one, the 05 Freedom
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JABU82/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details

The 1/60 looks so much more ornate - I'd be all over that if I knew what I was doing.

Usualy Toy Shop Japan Hobbyone are great to order from if you don't mind ordering straight from Japan. They usually have the cheapest prices on Amazon, have a lot of things stocked regularly, and they ship registered SAL (has tracking info) which most others who sell from Japan don't. I have been using them for awhile now, and they ship fairly fast too considering it's from Japan. I usually get things at the two week mark here in California.

If you're looking to order straight from the states then you're going to have to pay a bit more than you would from Japan.

Hope this helped =)

Hey folks, I just recently found out about these amazing looking mecha's.

I've never built anything like this before, but I'd really like to get into it.

Also would prefer to paint my own,

been looking at this
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10319728

or this

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Model-Astray/dp/B0042VJ018/ref=pd_sim_21_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51BH3GVlTfL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR108%2C160_&refRID=0YS2GXRZNKXKJW85BV0Q

What would I have to do to paint on top of the factory paint?

The unboxing videoes I've seen online make it look really complicated, tons of small parts etc. Is this just something I need to learn through trial and error or?

Tools ?

Sorry about all the questions lol

There have been some great DVD / Blu-Ray releases by RightStuf in NA. I might recommend those because once they are out of print, it may be a long time before someone releases them again. There is also the absolutely superb "Mobile Suit Gundam: Origin" graphic novels on amazon for very reasonable prices.

If you are dead set on a model, I would recommend getting either a Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin HG Model or an RG model. But it's difficult to say which one to get, because which suit to get varies a lot from person to person.

However, one alternative option would be: https://www.amazon.com/Gundam-RB-79-Ball-Ver-Scale/dp/B0006TNAIO

If you reply to this comment I can give you more suggestions.

Get a Haynes Build Your Own Internal Combustion Engine and put it together. Then buy an old Honda Civic, get the Haynes manual for it, a good set of cheap tools (subscribe to their mailing list, they go on sale for $159 just about every holiday weekend) and go to town. By the time your ready to drive you'll know your Civic (and, by extension, all cars) inside and out.

The HG Age 1 Normal is just in your budget and is considered to have one of the best articulation. It's a good kit for beginners.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-AGE-1-Normal/dp/B0058KSCU2

That's an amazing kit to get for a first one. Elegant build and tons of articulation

Some are typical sales, others are actually pretty good. All have available free shipping. There's still more too.

HG Gafran

HG V2

HG Strike Full package

HG Aile Strike

HG Genoace II

HG Gundam AGE 1

HG Star Build Strike

HG Ez8

HG Zedas

HG Build mkII

HG GM Custom

HG Baqto

HG Shaldoll

HG Gundam Kryios Trans-Am Mode

HG Sengoku Astray

HG Banshee

HG Gold Frame Astray

HG Gundam Airmaster

HG Zaku II

HG Red Frame Astray

HG GM III

HG GM Sniper II

HG Gundam Age 3 Orbital

HG Banshee

HG Jegan

HG Strike Freedom

HG Doven Wolf

HG Banshee Destroy mode

HG Delta Plus

RG Justice

RG Freedom

HG Miss Sazabi

RG Aile Strike

HG Burning Gundam

HG Rozen Zulu

Basically, things sold by Toy shop japan hobbyone tend to be a little cheaper with good shipping. They do have an issue with a few things that appear to not be HGs listed as HGs though.

Got it!

I used to do all my own repairs.

Now my six year old handles most of it. Takes ten times as long, but so worth it.

Your oldest boy is four. That is the age when my little guy help with replacing light fixtures, replacing light switches and assembling a ceiling fan for his room.

For my guy, it started off with a fascination of all things rotational, which transmogrified into an obsession with ceiling fan assembly and a model engine (It has tons of screws that required lots of screwing and unscrewing in a rotational manner.)

I think getting a couple master grades would be better than a single perfect grade.

The "HG Sengoku Astray" is based on the Astray Red Frame, which you can get in MG here: http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Model-Astray/dp/B0042VJ018/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1411528820&sr=1-1&keywords=mg+red+frame

the BF hasn't posted here in a while so maybe you can get him non-gundam related items with the leftover money, unless you know he wants to really get into the hobby

http://www.amazon.co.uk/German-20mm-Flakvierling-38-MITSd-Ah52/dp/B00061HJ9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426191226&sr=8-1&keywords=tamiya+flak+38

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Military-Minatures-German-Hanomag-Sd-kfz/dp/B000WN8AHA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426191248&sr=8-1&keywords=tamiya+hanomag

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TAMIYA-Military-Kit-Panzer-Campaign/dp/B004LVOUZU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426191263&sr=8-2&keywords=tamiya+panzer+III

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panzer-Kampfwagen-IV-Ausf-D-Military/dp/B000WN5AF0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426191287&sr=8-1&keywords=tamiya+panzer+IV

http://www.amazon.co.uk/German-75mm-Anti-tank-Gun-Military/dp/B000WN8AQG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426191306&sr=8-1&keywords=tamiya+PAK+40

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tamiya-3-7cm-Anti-Tank-Gun/dp/B000WN5A0K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426191322&sr=8-1&keywords=tamiya+PAK+36

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ITALERI-Military-Vehicle-320-Commando/dp/B00061HLHI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426191346&sr=8-1&keywords=italeri+commando+car

Beware. Many of the retailers I see on here ship out of East Asia. That means it will take a long time to get the product. Search for the SKUs or model numbers among local shops and you'll probably pay a bit more, but save yourself some aggravation.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jeep-Willys-MB-Military-Tamiya/dp/B000WN6QAI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1426191424&sr=8-2&keywords=tamiya+jeep

http://camelcamelcamel.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Model-Astray/product/B0042VJ018

I bought the used one on Amazon warehouse for $41, but I figured I'd share the rest with anyone else looking to pick up a Gundam with a greatsword / bow (anyone else play Monster Hunter? :p)

Thanks just ordered it and it will be my first ver ka. It’s like $40 off on amazon

Bandai Hobby Nu Gundam Version Ka "Char's Counterattack" 1/100 - Master Grade https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0091O17LM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4i1ACbD041P6Y

Just ordered this too


Bandai Hobby MG 1/100 Sinanju Stein Ver. Ka Model Kit Action Figure https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00APB7930/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ln1ACbZY5DJ48

OP what have you done to me

My little guy loved this:

http://www.amazon.com/Haynes-Build-Internal-Combustion-Engine/dp/B006H4JEQO/

Same age as yours. Most of it I had to assemble, which was sometimes difficult for him to understand. He loved the crank shaft/ piston assembly and the end result.

I use it in combination with some youtube videos that show the animated assembly of a standard inline 4.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Sazabi-Version-Model/dp/B00EOEBG2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417304074&sr=8-1&keywords=sazabi+ver+ka

Here you go :D well it's not really a store but better than nothin :D

The HG Perfect Strike might take a little longer because of the extra backpack and shoulder equipment but a standard HG usually takes me one day and by that i mean about 10 hours. Also the Strike that comes with the HG Perfect Strike kit is shit, get yourself the Newer HG Strike and attach the Perfect Striker gear to that.

Barbatos (HG 1/144)

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Orphans-Barbatos-Iron-Blooded/dp/B0129DW0WG

I did paint the sword and the red marks rather than use stickers as well as the gold accents and panel lines and did the usual matte top coat.

Almost finished with my G Self as well just need the top coat.

I think these might be more of a challenge. Hope the links work. http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Sazabi-Version-Model/dp/B00EOEBG2Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005374&sr=8-1&keywords=sazabi+ver+ka http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Unicorn-Gundam-Ver-Ka-Master/dp/B005QKF860/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005374&sr=8-9&keywords=sazabi+ver+ka http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Sengoku-Astray-Gundam/dp/B00HD4ILWK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005701&sr=8-2&keywords=Sengoku+Astray+Gundamhttp://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Model-Astray/dp/B0042VJ018/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1449005374&sr=8-12&keywords=sazabi+ver+ka

Sure, maybe check out this one: Bandai Hobby Wing Gundam Zero Version EW 1/100 - Master Grade https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0004EAFWK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6KmCCb1YYNJAD

I think it would look really nice with a glossy look.

Researching the best possible colors of paint for my Nu Gundam Ver. Ka..

Bandai Hobby MG Freedom Gundam (Ver. 2.0) "Gundam Seed 1/100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BD3NJ8C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BhIQCbZ8XC978

This one?

The Astray is $51.49 right now if you have prime- ordinarily it's $65. I haven't built one myself, but I've never heard anything bad about it. People generally rave about its flexibility, if anything.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Model-Astray/dp/B0042VJ018/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397012446&sr=8-1&keywords=mg+astray

MG Sazabi is a beast of a kit, and it's just barely under $100 on Amazon at the moment.

Any version of the Unicorn Gundam is a good pick, though I'm not sure on Prime availability.

HG Kshatriya with Prime is ~$60.

Maybe a variation on the Sinanju? Stein, Ver. Ka, or Animation Color

Don't be sorry man. I'm feeling just like you. It had been years since I had build the 1/144 models I got from toys r us as a kid.

it's the master grade wing zero kit. I got it from a local store but I've seen it on Amazon and Gundam USA store.

Usa Gundam store :
https://www.usagundamstore.com/products/bandai-hobby-wing-gundam-zero-version-ew-1-100-master-grade

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Wing-Gundam-Version/dp/B0004EAFWK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=master+grade+wing+zero&qid=1575140321&sr=8-1

Legos are great for fostering creativity. You can never have enough. If you're looking for different ideas, though, you can get small working combustion engines to assemble yourself. Although I guess that might be a little advanced for a 3 year-old, but you can go through it with him slowly as his attention span allows. There's a v8 one too.

Not to my knowledge but they do make plastic model kits. At the end of the day it's all the same thing. They use similar materials and similar processes to make a similar product. Banpresto, Tamiya, Testors, GW all make plastic model kits. Sure, in GW's case the models are used differently but that doesn't matter from a manufacturing standpoint. Their shit is over priced. When Banpresto can sell me a model that has far more parts and is far larger for less money, you know GW is fucking you.

If they still made their figures out of pewter that would be different but it's the same shit as anyone else and Banpresto has colored parts that are more accurate with detail and require less cleanup before assembly. Like I said, they have likely the most advanced model kits on the market.

Take their real grade gunpla kits for example. They have an extreme parts count, a great deal of poseability and detail and you can buy them for $20 online. Physically they are around the size of the vehicle kits GW puts out but a fraction of the cost.

Here's the Amazon price tracker page for proof. I can't get this myself due to no money syndrome, but I hope you guys get this if you haven't already!

I reccomended cool gunplas that familiar like this

Finally got a useful "spam" email from Amazon, here are some of the kits that appear to be on sale.

MG Sandrock - $42.64

MG Heavyarms - $42.40

MG Deathscythe Hell - $48.90

MG Wing Zero Custom - $43.66

MG Shenlong - $41.49

MG Deathscythe - $41.79

MG Wing Ver.Ka - $47.95

MG Wing - $44.29

MG Buster - $47.50

MG Nu Ver.Ka - $72.07

Although it says ages 12 and up, this could be fun project!

http://www.amazon.com/Haynes-Build-Internal-Combustion-Engine/dp/B006H4JEQO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1416151280&sr=8-4&keywords=engine+v8

Those are some good ones. When you step up to RG kits, a couple of my favorites are the RX-178 Mk II Titans Ver and the Astray Red Frame. I've pretty much gone 1/100 scale and up for Gunpla because the parts for HG and RG kits kill my fingers with how tiny they are.

Bandai's non-Gundam kits are great too, especially their Star Wars ones.

Which models? I own this gunpla, though I don't have it with me at the moment. Gunpla are fun.

I got this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0004EAFWK/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

and this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006N149M/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

my two favorites 15 years ago

Hey everyone!

I'm as new as it gets. So, I made a shopping list after doing some research on everything that I think I need to start. I'll place the links to all the items in the lines below. Everything is on Amazon because... well why not?

Gundam

Glue

Marker

Tweezers

Knife

Cutters

Mat

More Markers!

*Krylon Matte Finish

Am I missing anything?

If I remember it right, ver. EW kits are Katoki's redesigns based on Endless Waltz manga, not the OVA/movie. I guess they're very close to original anime designs there.

EW movie versions usually have 'Custom' or 'Kai' suffix.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-AGE-1-Normal/dp/B0058KSCU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381629672&sr=8-1&keywords=gundam+age

Its at 15 right now, and one of the better HG kits in terms of engineering and complexity.

lol my bad.yeah i mixed up the wing zero with the wing.i meant the mg wing gundam.

this kit:
http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Action-Figure/dp/B004KJ41F2/ref=pd_sim_21_12?ie=UTF8&dpID=41Bxuo7BQBL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1NSFW98PCKPTNXK80Y4C

It's currently at $90 on Amazon.

As for the Gatling Guns, those are a third party add on. Made by Playwright

ohh ok that makes more sense and is much more reasonable. I was thinking something more along the lines of this

Just grab a Barbatos and a Graze. I think I'm going to start another graze now myself =P

Or if you want to apreciate how far bandai has come with the kits, grab a Barbatos and The old HGUC Gun Cannon or RGM-79 kit

You're right! Thanks for the warning I found it from another source for about $13 CDN

Here

Has a 93% positive rating as a source

EDIT: Rip I forgot about shipping, since it's less then 20 I have to pay for shipping :(

It's on Amazon for around $20. Here's the link

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GT6XLYQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The biggest part of japanese culture for me growing up (Other than cars) has been Gundams! So I submit one of my favourites: The Freedom

He is only like $35 on Amazon and is Prime also, not bad at all right now. It wasn't that fun of a kit, the shield and shoulder pieces were the only thing that was "unique." Although you have to put on mega decals lol (the shoulders in particular have a stupid amount of decal on them as you can see in my pictures lol).

both of them are RG, and I picked them up on Amazon, as there aren't any local dealers near me Freedom here, and
Exia here

It would be this one if you buy from Amazon.

I shit you not I bought a Craftsman see thru plastic engine kit made for children when I was 20 to better understand how everything works. Honestly it really helped me understand the inner workings.

Edit edit: I know it's not Craftsman but this may have been it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006H4JEQO/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

I wanted one of these when I was a kid. Might be a little above the ability of an 8 year old, most reviews say their 11/12 year old children built it without any help.

Personally I think the MG Nu ver Ka is an excellent kit that anyone would be excited as hell to get.

I've got this guy waiting on me for when I get home! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0129DW0WG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JICfAb21FM6G1

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-RX-78-2-Action/dp/B00CRSXK4Q

Is this the new Nu in question?

Is there a difference in quaility?

I was thinking of getting one of these

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Astray-Action/dp/B00YGEKDLW/ref=pd_sim_21_82?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00YGEKDLW&pd_rd_r=WPRNSE268G5FJB4SEV0W&pd_rd_w=aGLQu&pd_rd_wg=eSvL4&psc=1&refRID=WPRNSE268G5FJB4SEV0W

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Freedom-Gundam-Real-Grade/dp/B005JABU82/ref=pd_sim_21_62?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005JABU82&pd_rd_r=WPRNSE268G5FJB4SEV0W&pd_rd_w=aGLQu&pd_rd_wg=eSvL4&psc=1&refRID=WPRNSE268G5FJB4SEV0W

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Destiny-Gundam-Model/dp/B00B596VB2/ref=pd_sim_21_36?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00B596VB2&pd_rd_r=WPRNSE268G5FJB4SEV0W&pd_rd_w=aGLQu&pd_rd_wg=eSvL4&psc=1&refRID=WPRNSE268G5FJB4SEV0W

https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-UNICORN-GUNDAM-Destroy/dp/B002NE795A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493257506&sr=8-3&keywords=gundam+unicorn

mg ball ver ka is a 20-25$ kit + shipping.....depending on where you go

GP for 23$
USAgundam 20$
Ebay 23$
Amazon 25$

I think this matches better

The Sazabi on my shelf is the MG Sazabi Ver. Ka

Is it this one? https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Version-Counterattack/dp/B0091O17LM

Should be this one!
https://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Gundam-Model-Astray/dp/B0042VJ018

Besides the price is there any difference between this and this? One of them says Kai and the other one says Revise.

Bandai Hobby MG Gundam Kai Model Kit (1/100 Scale), Astray Red Frame https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042VJ018

I don't. If it's any consolation, Amazon has them listed for even less than what I parted with mine for:

You could also go with a model engine just ti get the idea of how things work. Saves space and is quite cheap. Haynes Build Your Own Internal Combustion Engine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006H4JEQO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8hVVDbSHC4PQ3

Bandai Hobby MG Sazabi Version Ka Model Kit (1/100 Scale) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EOEBG2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AM1NAb889NPRG

Update: its now almost $90

So could you explain the difference between these two versions?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KJ41F2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_dUbHwbVC5A09C

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00030EUTY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_wXbHwbGT0ES4S

It was purchased as New http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FKL6E4K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That was easy.

I ended up going with this guy! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EOEBG2Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here ya go: https://amzn.com/B006H4JEQO

Also here's the V8 one: https://amzn.com/B00GJYE0S4

Sorry, I meant to say MG (Master Grade):

Bandai Hobby MG Sazabi Version Ka Model Kit (1/100 Scale) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EOEBG2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-GOPDbSXK9MWN

The PG looks to be the Strike Freedom

Second from left is the Sazabi Ver. Ka

Far right is one of the Unicorns, maybe Full Armor? Not sure about far left or second from right.

I'm also planning on buying one and from what I looked into, first image is an earlier version, around 2004.

bigger image You can see the year if you zoom in.

and the 2nd image is a newer version, maybe 2010+ since the other ew are at around 2012.

There's a review in amazon about it that lists the difference, not sure if this is true or accurate though.

I'll see if anyone else says anything about this as I want to know too if there are any major differences in each but that's what I know about these 2 for now.

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Version-Sinanju-Animation/dp/B00B596V26?ie=UTF8&keywords=sinanju&qid=1465330289&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-Freedom-Version-Building/dp/B01BD3NJ8C?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&redirect=true&ref_=s9_simh_gw_g21_i1_r

http://www.amazon.com/Bandai-Hobby-RX-93-2-Gundam-Counterattack/dp/B00KRVJBFW?ie=UTF8&keywords=hi%20nu%20ver%20ka&qid=1465330281&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

there is 3 suggestions. 2nd comes out Friday. Price range is about 50 - 75 dollars.

or hell, if you can sneak a few pictures of kits he already has (to give us an idea on what type of kits he might like). if that is above your desired price range lemme know, I can go into the lower price tier of model kit.

I think I'm somewhere between your taste and mechanized flaming eagle wings. This first one is especially a blend between spacecraft aesthetic and medieval armor, but it doesn't exactly fit the bill as being a realistic war machine.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00APB7930?colid=3RMXBH3PKYJGI&coliid=I1O66RJ8F39X9C&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008KZ5B2E?colid=3RMXBH3PKYJGI&coliid=ISV2S0P4G7A8P&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pd_S_ttl

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0091O17LM?colid=3RMXBH3PKYJGI&coliid=I34HD7IS9IX5AA&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl

First kit I ever did was a HG Epyon. Being the dumb kid I was, I just broke the pieces off the runner and then chewed the nubs off. ....I know.

I ordered this guy as well as this little dude.

MG Epyon is next, followed by Deathscythe Hell then Tallgeese III, and of course SD versions of all.