Tools for GunPla

Tools used in GunPla

In this article we will discuss the different tools need for GunPla hobby. Here are the quick list. 


Basic tools 

Side Cutters - This tool is used to cut the parts from the Runners. Side cutters are one of the essential tool in this hobby. The alternative for this one are nail nippers, scissors, cutters. But I'm not recommending using this alternatives because using those alternatives will leave stress marks in the plastic and the kit will not look good. If you want to have a neat kit use side cutters. I am using Plato brand for the side cutters, I bought is around 250 pesos here in the Philippines.  And there are also good brands aside from Plato.

(Side Cutter I'm using Plato Brand)

Hobby Knife - This tool is use for primarily for cleaning the excess nubs on parts left by side cutters. This is also used in cleaning extra plastic flashes and hairlines left from manufacturing. Also used for cutting / slicing Plaplates for custom use.  This is also one of the essential tools for the hobby. For this one I'm using Creston Brand but my blade is from X-Acto Brand and I'm using #11.

(Hobby Knife with X-Acto #11 blades)

Sanding Sponge / Sticks - This is used to clean the remaining nub on the part left by hobby knife. If you plan to have a clean build you have to use this. If you cant find any sanding sponge / sticks you can use Sand Papers with high Grits. I'm using 600, 1200, 2000 grit of Sand paper using it gradually to have a better finish.  



 

(My DIY Sanding Sticks, Sand Papers glued in Popsicle stick for easy handling)

Tweezers - This is used for easy handling and application of stickers / decals on the kit. This can be also used to pick up tiny parts that your hands can't. I'm using the kind of tweezers used in electronics bought in any electronic shops. But there are also hobby grade brands but its just the same for me.

(Generic Straight Tweezers used for Electronics)

Cutting Mat - This is basically placed on the top of your table used to protect your table from scratching when using hobby knife in slicing. This also prolong the lifespan of your hobby knife blades. I'm using generic cutting mat bought from school supplies store.

(Generic Cutting Mat)

Gundam Markers - Gundam Markers are usually used for detailing of you model kit. It is the easy way of detailing than painting it. It also used in covering up those discolored stress marks from cleaning nubs.

(Gundam Marker Set used for SEED Series)

Gundam Panel Line Markers - Panel line markers are used for panel lining your model kit to highlight the details in the panel lines, edges and etc. There is also good alternative for panel line markers are the pigment pens fine tip 0.1 or 0.05 that could be bought in school supplies section which is cheaper that Gundam Panel Line Markers.

(Gundam Panel Lining Markers)

(Uni Pin 0.1 brand alternative for Gundam Panel Lining Marker)

Paints - This is used for painting in your model kit. For detailing and recoloring of model kits. There are bottled paints that can be used for hand brushing and  also used for air brushing. There is also spray paints. Hobby grade spray can such as Mr. Hobby, Tamiya and Etc. and you can also use some industrial spray can like Bosny, Nikkon and Etc. Some of the hobbyist they take the paint out of the can and used  for air brushing. The process is called decanting.

(Tamiya Bottled Paints)

Others

Cotton Swabs - This is used for cleaning for excess panel line. It is also used in the technique reverse wash. 


Lighter Fluid - This is used for cleaning for excess panel line. It is also used in the technique reverse wash. 

Alligator Clips on Sticks -  This is used to hold Parts for spray paining or air brush painting. 

Masking Tape -  Used to mask the area you don't want to be painted. 

Eraser - Also used for cleaning excess panel line. 

Thank you for visiting my blog. Hope it help you.

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What is Plastic Model (PlaMo) and Gundam Plastic Model(GunPla)

 

(RG 1:144 RX-78-2 Gundam)

What is PlaMo?
Basic information about PlaMo short for Plastic Model. PlaMo is a plastic scale model made as a kit and being assembled. A plastic model kit is represents different subject such as military armors, cars, motor bikes, gundams and etc. Plastic  Models differs its difficulty  by their scales. It often to be snapped built out of the box. And then paints details for realistic look.

(One of my build 1:144 HG Barbatos from IBO Series)

What is GunPla? 
GunPla are model kits made of plastic that represents various Mobile Suit and even characters from the fictional Gundam universe. Gundam is a popular mech anime / novel made by Bandai. GunPla begun its popularity in early 1980s in Japan and other asian countries and 1990s in parts of America and Europe.

GunPla model kits composed  of several  parts or what they call "runners". The parts are being cut using different tool such as side cutter and hobby knife and snapping all the parts based on the instructions of its manual. Some of the hobbyist after the kit is built they have to panel line the kit to emboss its details. We will further discuss panel line on my next blog.


GunPla differs its difficulty through its Scales and Grades. Scales and determine the size of the kit based on its ratio of the Mobile Suite in the anime or manga. GunPla has different scales range from 1:144 which is the most famous that has Grades such as HG (High Grade), RG (Real Grade) and etc. There is also 1:100 wich is bigger than 1:144 that has Grades such as NG (Non-Grade) or RE/100 (Reborn-One Hundred) and the MG (Master Grade). And There is also 1:60 which is even bigger than 1:100 and has also a Grade on NG(Non-Grade) and PG(Perfect Grade).

Common Scales and Grades

1:144 Scales 

(HG 1:144 Barbatos)

High Grade 1:144 (HG) - Most of the Gundam has a HG it is the most common grade of Gunpla this grade mostly . These are appropriate for intermediate gunpla builders and the most common among the other scales. This grade of kits feature easy snap-fit construction, decent intrinsic detailing on parts (which is rapidly improving with technology), foil stickers and/or realistic decals for markings and a generous complement of weapons, beam sabers molded in clear plastic as well as other spare parts.  

(RG 1:144 Aile Strike Gundam)

Real Grade  1:144 (RG) - This is a new scale that was released last 2010. This 1:44 scale has the most detailed. RG has inner frame and features a more detail and articulation which is somehow can be compare to Master Grades. Not like HG 1:144 use foil stickers this grade has a lot more runner color separation is also achieved primarily through color-molded components and parts. RG kits has the widest range of motion with each joint due to Advanced MS Joint technology, with inner frame parts molded onto a single runner for ease of construction.

 1:100 Scales

(MG 1:100 Freedom Gundam 2.0)

Master Grade 1:100 - MG is definitely bigger and better than the HG. Offers more articulation and features. There's also the addition of the inner frame to make it more detailed. This is suitable for advanced gunpla builders. Master Grade kits differ from other 1/100 Non scale Gunpla with their level of detail, articulation, and proportions second only to the Perfect Grade line. A majority of the kits feature a skeletal inner frame with working hydraulics; some also accommodate Gunpla LED Units for light-up gimmicks.

(1:100 Gundam Dynames Pic from Google)

Non Grade  1:100 (NG) - Non grades 1:100 are basically HGs in different scales. Most newer HGs are restricted to 1/144 scale so when Bandai wants to release a model of a different scale with detail and articulation similar to HG, they usually are given no grade. They could also be used to refer to older kits that were manufactured before the grading system was put into place.

(RE/100 MSK-008 Dijeh Pic from Google)

Reborn-One Hundred (RE/100) - RE/100 is a line of Gunpla established in 2014, designed to featured certain mobile suits in 1/100 scale but separate from the Master Grade line. Unlike the MG line, these kits are not as complex. While they share the same level of detail on outward appearance, most of the RE/100 kits do not have a a full inner frame. Those that do, however, feature only a very simplified one.






1:60 Scales

(PG 1:60 RX-78-2 pic from Google)

Perfect Grade 1:60 (PG) - The pinnacle of Bandai model kit technology, PG kits come only in the big 1/60 scale. These are massive sets that boast huge packaging boxes, hundreds of parts and plenty of stickers/decals for markings to add on to already impressively-detailed parts. The quality of plastic used is much higher than any other Grade, and certain kits come with metal components, wiring for LEDs as well as other construction gimmicks.





 
Non Scale

(SD Nightingale)

Super Deformed (SD) - Not based on any particular scale, the super-deformed style features comically proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their very large heads. Super Deformed Gundam kits are often very easy to construct but offer very limited articulation and require paint and detailing to truly "finish" the kit. The most famous line is the BB Senshi (or "SD GUNDAM BB Warriors" in English). There are also separate product lines: for instance, Superior Defender Gundam Force and Ganso SD Gundam (discontinued in the 1990s). Most kits of this line are from the Musha Gundam series and the Knight Gundam series.

 

Thank you for reading my first blog I will discuss the different tools being used in GunPla building and the alternative of each tools.

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