Model robot

Model Robots is an area of modeling with its origin in the fictional Japanese anime genre of mecha. They are usually marketed in 1:100 and 1:144 scales, although 1:60 scale models exist. The majority of model robots are produced by Bandai and are based on the Mobile Suit Gundam anime metaseries. This has given rise to the hobby's common name in Japan, Gunpla (a portmanteau of "Gundam" and "plastic model").

Construction

Bandai models are generally color-injection plastic with snap-together construction. Thus, they do not require glue or paint, although the use of them will greatly enhance the model's appearance. Articulation is accomplished by the use of polycaps; Master Grade and high models use durable ABS plastic to allow many different poses without wearing out.

Scales

Bandai's Gundam model line uses the following scales:

• Perfect Grade
  • Scale: 1:60
  • The highest grade of models, with an enormous level of detail and articulation. Full transformable modes and electronic lighting systems are common.
  • Price: around 20000 yen.
• Master Grade
  • Scale: 1:100 (1:35 for Patalabor, 1:72 for Dunbine)
  • Very detailed, although not as elaborate as Perfect. Features internal frames and numerous accesories. Master Grades are much more numerous than Perfect.
  • Price: around 3500 yen. Large size Master Grade priced at around 7000 yen
• High Grade
  • Scale: 1:144, 1:100, 1:60
  • Generally external only, with no frames (though there are exceptions such as the HGUC (High Grade Universal Century) line). May have seamlines on some of the older or cheaper models, and may not have color-separation. Thus, they may require more gluing and/or painting than higher grade models.
  • May or may not be able to duplicate transformations: some are capable of complete transformation (eg HGUC Gaplant, HGUC Psycho Gundam, HGUC Asshimar) that is a copy-by-copy of their anime counterpart's transformation. Some uses a simpler process (eg: HGUC Bawoo, HGGS Savior Gundam) which duplicate transformation with very minimal part swaps (such as taking off hands or heads). Some use part swaps, (eg: HGGS Gaia Gundam, HGGS Murasame), which involves swapping certain major parts for some transformation specific parts; alternatively, it may even involve taking out major parts altogether. Some instead provide "alternate mode" (eg: HGUC Zeta Gundam), which involves mounting the body parts onto a transformation frame. In general, HGUC models can achieve complete or near complete transformations, even the complex ones, while the older ones or alternate universe, if they involve complex transformations, will have part swaps involved.
  • Price:
    • less than 1000 yen for old version (about 2 years) of 1:144
    • 1500 yen for a typical modern 1:144
    • 2500 yen for 1:100 (and relatively large/complex HGUC, such as Gaplant and G-Armor)
    • 4000 yen for the 1:60.
    • Large sized 1:144 HG may go from 5000 yen (Psycho Gundam) to 8000 yen(METEOR) to even 20000+ yen for the GP03.
• Non-grade/Low-grade
  • Scale: Modern incarnations are usually 1:144. However, in the eighties, all models are at such non grade, and may be at 1:60 and 1:100 as well.
  • Usually very unarticulated; Good as a quick build, or as parts for Gunplas of other grades. In fact, Bandai released numerous Gundam SEED models in non-grade format (for example the Launcher Strike Gundam) that have components that can be mounted on its HG 1:144 counterparts with no or little modifications.
  • Price: around 500 yen
• Super Deformed
  • Scale: none. However, in series such as Superior Defender Gundam Force, scales can be estimated.
  • Most have very little articulation, as they are based on super deformed versions of the Gundam Mobile Suits, and the SD designs leave very little room for articulation.
  • Pricing: Small size: around 600 yen. Larger size, such as The-O: 1000 yen+. Multi-unit or limited edition kits: 1500-3000 yen.

Practice

Gunpla is a major hobby in Japan, with entire magazines dedicated to variations on Bandai models. As mecha are fictional humanoid objects, there is considerable leeway for custom models and "kitbashes." A large amount of artistry goes in to action poses and personalized variations on classic machines. There is also a market for custom resin kits which fill in gaps in the Bandai model line.

Gundam is not the only line of model robots. Neon Genesis Evangelion, Patlabor, Dunbine and L-Gaim, to name a few, are all represented by Bandai model lines.

The tradition of Gunpla is so important that Daisuke Enomoto, a 34-year-old Japanese man who is slated to be the world's 4th space tourist, planned to dress up as Char Aznable and build his favorite Gunpla on the ISS.