Model robot

Model robot, which may alternatively called Gunpla, arised from the marketing schemes for Gundam and numerous model anime (Indeed, some hardcore mecha show fans complained modern mecha shows is nothing more than 20 minutes of model commercial) Usually, they are marketed in scales 1:100 and 1:144, like model aircrafts, which seems strange to some westerners as they believe that they are best displayed in scenes crashing against houses, and thus should use natural model railway gauges instead. Still, as there are 1:144 model railways, in Japan itself this do not matter much; and numerous after market accesories for mecha models (as well as scratch building, whch is what makes this hobby fun) render this "strange" scaling matter little.

Currently, Bandai is the main producer of mecha models, commonly called Gunpla, as most of them are models for Gundam. In general, they are release in the following scales:

• 1:60 Perfect Grade, with very detail frames and other details, such as fully articulated fingers. Priced at around 28000 yen.
• 1:100 Master Grade, with quite detailed frames and outbody, though not as elaborate as perfect grade; usually lack a detail head and articulated fingers. Priced at around 3500 yen
• High Grade are generally shown with external only, with no frames. (though some have exception, such as HGUC, high grade-universal century). They come in all 3 scales (1:60, 1:100 and 1:144). However, some of the 1:144 are actuallyt models of very large mobile suits, which makes them reaching equivalent height to a 1:100 or even 1:60, with elaborate frames and details. Priced at around 1400 yen for 1:144, 2500 yen for 1:100, and 4000 yen for the 1:60.
• Non-grade/Low-grade models: They are usually very unarticulated, though priced at 500 yen are good as a quick build, or as parts for Gunplas of other grades.
• Super Deformed, non scale: They are no too articulate, due to their deformed size. Just like their 2D origins, their head are quite large compared to the rest of the body.

Usually, they do not require glue or paint (snapped together), though when they are used will greatly enhance the look of the model.

Due to the fact that mechas are not real objects, and is humanoid, aside from aiming at realism, it may also aim for pure creativity, either on creating an entire new look of the model, or strike artistic poses. Thus, scratchbuilding for Gunpla is actually quite common.