Gundams are the iconic build-it-yourself figurines from Japan, available in many designs and complexity levels. If you’re curious about building your own high-powered robot model, check out these tips to start your project like a pro.
Enhance your Gundam with add-ons
Gundams aren’t just about the building process. Half of the fun of gundam-building is displaying them afterward. Extras like Gundam LED lights from Evan Designs can make a Gundam far more impressive and realistic, especially if you plan to showcase it in a darker area. These figures make the perfect hobby and conversation starter in one if you choose to showcase them in your home.
Look at your options
There are a lot of Gundams on the market. Some are premium even at the entry level, such as the Master Grade 2.0 version of the Freedom Gundam, but there’s not much point in building a model you don’t prefer. Take a look at your options and see what designs you like the most before picking a model to build.
Get a good pair of clippers
Gundam kits are plastic poured into intricate and complex molds, so you have to separate the parts for the Gundam from the sheet holding them. The best way to do that is with a pair of clippers that provide a smooth cut in the plastic. Make sure you get a small clipper for both the added control and ensure it can fit everywhere you need it.
Do not remove the pieces from their sheet by hand unless you have no other choice. While this is possible for many parts, you risk snapping fragile components and ruining the model.
Remove extra plastic
Using a good pair of clippers will eliminate most of the excess plastic on your model. However, there may be times when you find some leftovers sticking out. Carefully remove any excess, but double-check the guide to ensure it’s trash and not something you’re supposed to keep.
Gundams are highly intricate figures, and there’s often not much room for error. Plastic that’s sticking out can stop the model from fitting together correctly.
Know where to get replacement parts
Sometimes the worst happens, and you break or lose a piece. This damage isn’t always devastating, but it’s best to get a replacement if it’s a prominent piece. Fortunately, there are several ways to acquire replacement parts. Save that guide in case you need it for reference.
Apply stickers with tweezers
Tweezers, like clippers, are a great tool to have on hand when you’re building a Gundam. These tiny grabbers are excellent for working with stickers, which can be hard to apply precisely on some models. There’s almost no room for error when using stickers, but the good news is that you can usually push them a short distance into place if need be.
Final thoughts
Gundam has a long history, earning its spot as one of the most iconic Japanese franchises of all time. Its models have similar support, with robust design processes that they’ve refined over decades to produce consistently high-quality products. Gundams are beginner-friendly, especially introductory models, so find one you like and have fun building it.
