Know your "grades". There are basically 7 "grades" of Gundam models according to most experts. Some, but not all, of these are official categorizations by BANDAI Japan, the company that makes the kits.
The seven grades of Gundam models are:
(1). "Classic grade". These are a wastebasket category of all the old kits that came out from about 1979 to 1986, which were ordered based on their respective TV series rather than their quality (which is pretty low). They usually need glue, paint, and LOTS of sanding and puttying to look decent and stand up straight. Thought they are old, BANDAI still makes them in small numbers due to demand from hard-core modelers who like to experiment with modifying the older kits. They tend to be on the cheap side due to their low quality (less than $15.00)
(2). First Grade - these are very small, simple, quick kits that, as the name suggests, even a first grade child could assemble without any trouble. Of course, they have almost NO poseability, very little detail, and bad color quality. The upside? They are INSANELY CHEAP. Less than $5.00 in some cases.
(3). "Basic Grade" - these kits have no official "grade" designation, but since 1987 they have been the basic beginner-level kits that Bandai predominantly makes. The newest ones are of much better quality than the early ones in 1987. They are ALL small-scale (1/144 scale) kits, and though generally better than the "classic grade" kits, they still need a lot of paint and sanding to even out the plastic surfaces, and pieces can sometimes be misaligned. They are about $10.00 or less.
(4). High Grade - The high grades are for more serious modelers who still like to have fun with their kits. They have more detail and better molding than basic grades (though like basic grades, their quality varies depending on their age). High grades come in three sizes: small (1/144 scale), big (1/100 scale), and HUGE (1/60 scale).
(5). Master Grade - Okay, THESE are the Big Boys. Master Grade kits are SERIOUS models, not toys. They are ALL big (1/100 scale) and most have internal skeletons and removable armor. They also feature more weapons and lots of cool gimmicks like mesh tubes, metal parts, clear eyes, and opening cockpits with a little pilot figure inside.
(6). Perfect Grades - these are HUGE 1/60 scale kits with tons of parts, metal screws, fully removable armor, LED lights, and lots of electrical wiring. They are meant to replicate the real thing as closely as
The seven grades of Gundam models are:
(1). "Classic grade". These are a wastebasket category of all the old kits that came out from about 1979 to 1986, which were ordered based on their respective TV series rather than their quality (which is pretty low). They usually need glue, paint, and LOTS of sanding and puttying to look decent and stand up straight. Thought they are old, BANDAI still makes them in small numbers due to demand from hard-core modelers who like to experiment with modifying the older kits. They tend to be on the cheap side due to their low quality (less than $15.00)
(2). First Grade - these are very small, simple, quick kits that, as the name suggests, even a first grade child could assemble without any trouble. Of course, they have almost NO poseability, very little detail, and bad color quality. The upside? They are INSANELY CHEAP. Less than $5.00 in some cases.
(3). "Basic Grade" - these kits have no official "grade" designation, but since 1987 they have been the basic beginner-level kits that Bandai predominantly makes. The newest ones are of much better quality than the early ones in 1987. They are ALL small-scale (1/144 scale) kits, and though generally better than the "classic grade" kits, they still need a lot of paint and sanding to even out the plastic surfaces, and pieces can sometimes be misaligned. They are about $10.00 or less.
(4). High Grade - The high grades are for more serious modelers who still like to have fun with their kits. They have more detail and better molding than basic grades (though like basic grades, their quality varies depending on their age). High grades come in three sizes: small (1/144 scale), big (1/100 scale), and HUGE (1/60 scale).
(5). Master Grade - Okay, THESE are the Big Boys. Master Grade kits are SERIOUS models, not toys. They are ALL big (1/100 scale) and most have internal skeletons and removable armor. They also feature more weapons and lots of cool gimmicks like mesh tubes, metal parts, clear eyes, and opening cockpits with a little pilot figure inside.
(6). Perfect Grades - these are HUGE 1/60 scale kits with tons of parts, metal screws, fully removable armor, LED lights, and lots of electrical wiring. They are meant to replicate the real thing as closely as
