What Kit to Pick?

Gunpla collectors have different preferences on what kit to collect. Some base it on grades and scales that they prefer, or could be on series that they like. So if you're going to start collecting model kits, you would maybe ask "what would be the best to collect?" Well the answer is simply "it depends on what you like" To explain it further here is a guide on the different grades that gunplas offer.

• Super Deformed (SD) - A Whole New World of GUNPLA. Striking a keen balance between cute and cool, this tyke-sized series is easy to assemble and easy on the wallet. It is non-scale and stands about 8cm.
• High Grade (HG) - A Vast Lineup of Collectables. A collectable series featuring a broad lineup of easy-to-assemble kits from star-level item refinements to models not previously released as kits. It is 1:144 scale and stands about 13cm.
• Real Grade (RG) - The Enthusiasm over Building Mobile Suit at Your Fingertips in 1:144 Scale. Rich coloration, lifelike movements, expressive texture and a pre-built inner frame: It is like a 1:144 kit with articulations and characteristics of a perfect grade (PG) kit. That's why this series makes it real.
• Neo Grade (NG) - It is just like a high grade (HG) kit...but in a larger scale of 1:100.
• Master Grade (MG) - Innovative Inner Mechanics and Gimmicks. Bandai's most promoted series packs in movement and gimmicks over innovative inner mechanics. It is in 1:100 scale and stands about 18cm.
• Perfect Grade (PG) - The Ultimate GUNPLA Packed with The Latest Technology. The highest end of Gunpla, this series of ultimate avatars always packs in the latest technology to seamlessly scale down your model. It stands around 30cm and in 1:60 scale.

source: bandai-hobby.net

example of size comparison (image credit to gundamer.com)

I started collecting first grade (FG) model kits. These are 1:144 scale kits with very limited articulation and colors compare to high grade kits. After my 13th FG kit, it was then I decided to buy my first HG kit - the Freedom gundam. Currently I'm focusing more on collecting MGs. I hope someday I could afford to buy a PG. lol

I'm also more of a Gundam Seed and Gundam Wing fan that's why most of my collections are from those series. Other series include Universal Century, Gundam 00 (which I also have), Gundam Age (currently being aired) etc.

In the end it is still up to the hobbyist on what kit he choose to build and collect. The important thing is that he is enjoying what he is doing. So what are you waiting for....start building your own gunpla now!  ^__^

MG Sandrock (painted build)

Here is the outcome of my painted master grade Sandrock. It took me a while to finish it, but it was all worth it. Though I encountered some problems and errors during while working on it..I learned a lot of things that I can use to enhance and improve my upcoming projects. :-)

Here are some of its details and modifications that I made.

Sandrock gundam posing with its beam machine gun.

Beam machine gun can also placed behind the body when not in use.

Gundam Sandrock using the heat shotel.

Heat shotel and shield combined forming an awesome weapon!

Sandrock's weapon being heated (I like it's red color)

Unboxing MG Heavyarms

Finally I got my Master Grade Heavyarms that I ordered from my trusted supplier - Coldfire. MG Heavyarms is the fifth and final master grade kit from gundam wing EW. I gues Bandai really save the best for last. lol

Just by the box art itself..I can say that this is an awesome kit! It displays lots of missiles coming from all over its body.

Side portion of the box shows the front and rear view of the finished kit plus other information like weapons and markings.

Other sides of the box shows the up close look of MG Heavyarms.

Upon opening the kit, I was surprised with it's runners (runners are where the parts of model kits are attached) It was fully loaded!

Below are the runners taken from their plastics as well as the manual. It's centerfold shows the different scenes taken from the series, it's data, and it's poses together with the other four gundams.

Here is the closer look of all the runners included in the kit. It composed mostly of gray parts but orange and yellow parts makes this kit look better.

I'm gonna post the outcome of this kit once I finished assembling it. Stay tuned for it! :-)