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So, the new Tau has given me a hankering to build a couple of giant robots, my ability to weather etc has been getting a lot better recently and I feel I could do them justice, and they would be a nice change of pace.

Thing is, I've no idea where to start! I get the different scales, but what's all the different quality references about?

Anyone willing to give me a crash course, or point me in the direction of a good site?

A good UK-based or UK-friendly retailer would be great too!

Thanks in advance.

Hi there,

oh you have stumbled into the Gundam universe, welcome Ok I´ll try.

Gundam Kits are categorized in a few manners i.e. mainly by the anime series they appear in e.g. Gundam Wing, Gundam Seed,etc.

In each series bandai releases 1:144 and 1:100 scale models. 1:144 equals roughly about 14cm height for a model. 1/100 is alot bigger. Usually most gundams in a series are released in both scales.

Some kits get a "master grade" - upgrade, all of these MG kits are 1:100 scale and have many details like internal mechanic skeleton, Pilot figures etc. and are expensive but worth it.

HG means "high grade"-kits, compared to older models these HG kits have been improved in poseability and details. There is even a seperate range of HGUC kits available that feature assorted gundams from all Gundam series.

Perfect grade: Biggest kits available, in 1/60 i.e. FW titan scale.

And most important not all kits "are" gundams Only the good guys have gundams (ueber mechs), the bad guys have Zakus, Rick Doms, etc. etc. , the fancy evil stuff. And all kits are poseablebecause of the vinyl cap articulation in the limbs and can be assembled without glue. Though glueing helps alot

Hope this helps a bit.

Oh and a link to an international seller: www.hlj.com

Cheers
invivos

If you're talking Gundam specifically I can shed some light on that.

I'm assuming by quality references you're referring to High Grade, Master Grade, etc.

In general these correspond with the model's scale, but the grade more specifically refers to the level of articulation and detail.

Non-grade/First Grade: Dirt cheap ($3-5). You get what you pay for. The ones I've seen had almost no articulation, often leaving the legs, head, and torso as a single piece, with the arms only being able to rotate. The plastic colors are limited, most details come from stickers (not decals, regular stickers).

High Grade/HGUC: Normally 1/144 scale. Reasonably priced ($8-50), and has articulation in most joints, but mostly hollow inside. Has the most variety of kits available.

Master Grade: 1/100 scale. ($20-120). Master grade models normally have more internal details than HG models. Newer master grade kits are generally better articulated than the older ones, and several of the oldest and most popular kits have been updated to take advantage of advancements in technology. A typical master grade model already comes molded in the correct colors, and just inking the panel lines will bring the model to a presentable state (although painting and weathering would make them truly shine). A master grade model will take about a day worth of effort to assemble, not counting painting.

Perfect Grade: 1/60 scale. Huge. Expensive ($120-330, plus you'll pay a fortune in shipping alone). A very limited selection, basically only the main character's mobile suit from each series gets the perfect grade treatment. Has a full internal structure, opening panels, and hatches, possibly even clear alternate outer armor to show off the paint job on the inner structure (if you can find a limited edition version). Not for the faint of heart or wallet.

Bandai uses a similar system for the few non-gundam models they've produced.

Ok, that helps a lot guy, thank you.

So I guess for one or two suits to build and paint on a whim for an experienced modeller, master grade would be the ones to look at?

Dont forget ther RG. Real grades are awesome. HG scale but MG detail and flexability.

I've had a quick scout around now I know what I'm looking for, and is there anything in the same sort of concept as the Gundam suits, but perhaps more gritty and 'real world' than the suits? Forgive me if I offend anyone, but a lot of the kits are a little toy like, I like some of them, don't get me wrong, but they're not quite what I'd like to build (although I think some will scratch the itch)

 azreal13 wrote:
I've had a quick scout around now I know what I'm looking for, and is there anything in the same sort of concept as the Gundam suits, but perhaps more gritty and 'real world' than the suits? Forgive me if I offend anyone, but a lot of the kits are a little toy like, I like some of them, don't get me wrong, but they're not quite what I'd like to build (although I think some will scratch the itch)

Your options for grittier are few and far between. I've seen gundam models done in a giritty style before and the effect is very nice looking (some 08th MS team dioramas come to mind), but not taking into account the rainbow colored ridiculousness that most of the alternate universe gundam series contain, gundam is on the grittier end of giant robot models.

Thanks, I've dug yet still further and I think I was a little hasty, there's definitely a lot to see.

Of course, all the ones I like are the most expensive, but..meh.

Or take a quick look at the Patlabor series. HLJ in particular do some (IMO) very fine 1:35 scale MG models of both the patrol labors and some of the others.

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN905273/Sci

For the currently available patrol labor, or

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN912824/Sci

for the Griffon flight type.

Don't forget the Yen is unusually weak at the moment so each of them are around £20 plus postage currently.

If Patlabor is not your thing, how about

http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN982338/Sci

For a model from Macross. It's the only HG they have at the moment, and even then it's not out until June.

I'm sure there is something out there, not necessarily from HLJ but I find them a good place to start looking and if you find something that interests you, look for that item elsewhere, that will spark your interest.

I just pray you are not another of those people who think it is OK to build a Patlabor model, slap some Tau guns on one arm and call it a "Tau Titan"

If you snoop around HLJ there are various giant robot mecha kits available such as the Mode Lock series and Armored Core.

http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYAS-004/Sci
I have 12 of these for conversion into the new Broadsides. The kit is very cheap because all the limb sections are cast in a single piece and have a void rather than a second piece to cover it. I am not sure if I am explaining that well. What I mean is you have to fill the inside with putty for the best effect to make it a solid piece.

http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYVI-069/Sci

If you want models for playing with rather than specifically to build, there are the action figure type including Revoltech which are a good source of ready made poseable suits.

Sadly all the best ones are discontinued but they pop up on eBay from private sales or China/Hing Kong.

http://www.hlj.com/product/KYD01076/Sci
http://www.hlj.com/product/KYD01162/Sci
http://www.hlj.com/product/KYD01072/Sci

I feel like I finally found the place I belong. Just stumbled on this thread and I like the advice. I have been looking into a gundam/anime style tau army. HLJ is a great site for all of the mech stuff.

Ah! A Gundam thread! Welcome to the wonderful, expensive, and habit forming world of plamo!

I see you guys have left out a scale. You're forgetting about the 1/48 scale MEGA SIZE Gundam kits. THOSE are the biggest.
http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN975321/Gun
http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN962027/Gun

Something I would recommend is to check out other robot series beyond just Gundam. You may have a bit of difficulty tracking them down, like Bandai's Gasaraki kits or Takara's VOTOMS Actic Gear toys, but I think for the purposes of wargaming, they might suit you better and they'll be closer to 28mm.

I would recommend those Takara Actic Gear VOTOMS toys though if you can find them. They made a bunch of them, including vehicles. Since they're 1/48 scale, they're already pretty much in-scale with 40k and similar games. Unfortunately, they're long out of production, but if you know where to look, you can find them for reasonable prices. Here's the only one HLJ still has in stock.
http://www.hlj.com/product/TKT72813/Sci
The poorly named Fatty is an especially good choice, if you ask me. Just, good luck finding them.
http://www.hlj.com/product/TAK14139/Act
http://www.hlj.com/product/TKT14144/Act
http://www.hlj.com/product/TKT14143/Act
http://www.hlj.com/product/TKT78336/Act
But, like I said, this is a pretty extensive line with helicopters and transport trailer trucks.

I have to say, Killkrazy has nailed it with the Armored Core suggestion, just have to track down one I like, but the aesthetic is a lot more what I wanted.

Internet cookie for you, thanks!



Have taken the plunge on this, not expected back in stock for 4 to 6 weeks, but I'm queued up with modelling until at least then anyway.

If you're looking for more the Tau aesthetic, might I recommend the Tellus?
http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYVI-040/Sci
It has a lot more of the sleek, smooth lines on it rather than the angular, pointy Alliyah you've got posted there.

Also, a word of warning. If you've never built an Armored Core kit before, be prepared for A LOT of sprues with a lot of small, pointy, sharp pieces. I've built a lot of Kotobukiya's kits now and while they are snap together kits, I would recommend using glue to build it. A lot of the smaller pieces have a habit of popping out. At least you won't need to actually paint it if you don't want to since because it has so many small pieces, they're all molded in the final colors.

 azreal13 wrote:
I've had a quick scout around now I know what I'm looking for, and is there anything in the same sort of concept as the Gundam suits, but perhaps more gritty and 'real world' than the suits? Forgive me if I offend anyone, but a lot of the kits are a little toy like, I like some of them, don't get me wrong, but they're not quite what I'd like to build (although I think some will scratch the itch)

Some good options for grittier have been floated. Also, check out the MAK line, and though they are oop and a bit hard to find, the "Gasaraki" mechs have a more hard edge to them.

Other lines that might interest you are:
"Robogear " Russian toy/model mechs, look on Ebay.

Macross/Robotech: Lots of options there.

I like the Fatty Votoms, but 1/48 with 3.5" height is damn small. Has there ever been a 1/35 model?

Here some suggestions by me:

Z'Gok 1/144 (should be around 12cm):


OOP Gundam 1/60 (pre coloured in Sa'cea colours) counting as Eldar Titan:


Gundam Zamel, currently counting as Eldar Cobra, until there is a Riptide Broadside :

I dug up some of my old 1/144 scale Gundam models from my childhood. Here's a few side by side comparisons with an incomplete Riptide model.









If you do proxy Gundam Models as riptide, do note not all 1/144 scale models perfectly match Riptide's height.

Most of my 1/144 scale models is pretty cheap and not good quality. Anyone who's considering of using a 1/144 scale model as a stand-in for Riptide should consider Real or Master Grade.

Is that Gundam Wing HG? If my memory serves correctly it should a little bit more detailed than that. Or am I wrong?

 heartserenade wrote:
Is that Gundam Wing HG? If my memory serves correctly it should a little bit more detailed than that. Or am I wrong?

First pic is Gundam Wing - Wing Gundam 0 1/144 Scale Model Kit WF-09

Second pic is Bandai Hobby EW-04 Serpent Custom Endless Waltz 1/144 High Grade Fighting Action Kit

Third pic is Gundam MSA-0011 S-Gundam HGUC 1/144 Scale

Fourth pic is Gundam MSN-02 Zeong HGUC 1/144 Scale

That Wing Zero model is from, like 1995 or '96. It's old. From a time when HG was only attached to 1/100 scale kits. So yeah, it's a no-grade. I believe it was around the time that Endless Waltz came around, like about '98 or so they started shifting the HG line to 1/144 scale.

And good Lord, hat Riptide is damn TINY! I thought the thing would be bigger than that. That is absolutely not worth over $50. Especially not when $50 can get me a nearly 6" tall, highly detailed, pre-colored, fully articulated Armored Core model.

@ Kroothawk- Unfortunately, Takara never showed the Fatties any love back when they did their original model line for VOTOMS. I think the Actic Gear toys were the first plastic incarnations of them, and those only came out a few years ago. Takara did make some 1/35 scale kits though for VOTOMS back in the day, and they have been reissued. Only problem is that they're kind of crap. But, considering the amount of customizing people in this hobby do, it probably isn't too difficult to make one presentable. Now, while it may not be 1/35, how does a 1/20 scaled Land Fatty from Bandai sound?
http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN955524/Sci
I hear that these things are supposed to be at least MG quality if not PG.

Something else that might be of interest to the OP would be Kotobukiya's Frame Arms line. They're all original robot designs with a fair bit of variety. They're about 1/100 scale and based around a modular frame. There's also been some spin off kits based on a video game called Border Break using the same frames. Here's some Frame Arms kits.
Type 32, Zenrai (newest kit) http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYFA-023/Sci
Hresvelgr http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYFA-017/Sci
Baselard http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYFA-013/Sci
Type 48 http://www.hlj.com/product/KBYFA016/Sci
I have the Baselard, it's actually a pretty nice looking mech in person.

Yeah, I think my mind has been playing tricks on me. Maybe I just remember it was cooler with lots of details back then because I was a kid.

I figure since everyone else is showing pictures of their toys, I should show some of mine, especially since this way you can get a better sense of just how big these kits are.
Here are 3 Kotobukiya kits in 3 different scales.

There's a GW Cadian there for comparison. The one of the left is an Armored Core model. A lightweight type which is 1/72 scale. In the middle on the flight stand is the ART-1 from Super Robot Wars and it is 1/144 scale. On the right is the Baselard I mentioned from Frame Arms. It is 1/100. No painting was done on any of these btw, other than some detailing on the ART-1.

Here's another image so you can get a better sense of how big those Armored Core kits can be.

This is the Uranus. He is standing immediately behind the platform the Cadian is standing on.

Lastly, how about some Gundam?

Both kits are actually 1/144. The one in the back is just really huge. It's the Psyco Gundam from Zeta Gundam and a pretty sweet kit if you can find one for a reasonable price. They're cheaper than Perfect Grades, Jumbo Grade, at any rate. Plus, it can transform. If you ask me, the Psyco can make a much better Titan than a Perfect Grade can.

Wow, the Psyco Gundam scales well to the guardsman. I'm curious how it will measures up to a Warhound titan.

 Barzam wrote:
Now, while it may not be 1/35, how does a 1/20 scaled Land Fatty from Bandai sound?
http://www.hlj.com/product/BAN955524/Sci
I hear that these things are supposed to be at least MG quality if not PG.

Problem is the size, if you want a riptide alternative. 1/48 is 3/4 the correct size (3.5"), 1/35 should do, 1/20 is double the correct size:
http://anymoon.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Votoms-AT-Comparison-1.jpg

For fun the lesser mentioned SD scale.


And some 1:144 to a wraithlord.

The Overflag's (black one far left) head should be nice on the Riptide as well.


And now to dust this off again.

Border break and Front mission are also nice realistic mecha, as about any Mecha show has models released. the sky is the limit! And off course the Retro Macross would do nicely there is where GW stole their suits heads from!

The Border Break models are pretty big aren't they?

I considered buying one last time I was in Japan but decided against it because the wife would have blamed me.

I've had a hankering to do a 1/35 G-Systems RX78-2 (Original Gundam) for a long, long time. Damn expensive though. :-)

With these, there's a lot of scope; some people paint very clean, but I've seen some awesome weathering jobs too. In particular I saw someone do an MG Zaku using Mr Surfacer 600 primer stippled on to make some of the armour look like pitted cast iron. Superb trick.

Edit: It was the 1/35 G-Systems one I wanted. With the LED lighting kit... Squeeeee.

 SabrX wrote:
I dug up some of my old 1/144 scale Gundam models from my childhood. Here's a few side by side comparisons with an incomplete Riptide model.
IMAGES

If you do proxy Gundam Models as riptide, do note not all 1/144 scale models perfectly match Riptide's height.

Most of my 1/144 scale models is pretty cheap and not good quality. Anyone who's considering of using a 1/144 scale model as a stand-in for Riptide should consider Real or Master Grade.

Wow I didn't realize the riptide was so small. It seems to be a bit closer in size to the smaller size used in later Gundam series (~16m in-scale), that the older mobile suit designs (~18m). Then again, the EX-S Gundam and Zeong are pretty beastly in size so it's not exactly a fair comparison.

In any case, I'm reconsidering buying a riptide for the time being. I could buy 6-8 HG Gundam models and have them shipped to my house for less.

 Kilkrazy wrote:
The Border Break models are pretty big aren't they?

I considered buying one last time I was in Japan but decided against it because the wife would have blamed me.

Mine are at my parents' house still, but they're the same size as the Frame Arms and Armored Core. They really are just pretty much Frame Arms kits. The Zebra from Border Break would probably make a pretty nice Riptide equivalent.