Model building virgin

i n c u b u s

So I would like some advice on model building, specifically Gundams. I've never built anything of this sort before and I'd like to start with something that isn't going to take a whole year to complete, in fact the small details and what not (aka little black marks and battle damage etc) aren't that important to me. My goal is to build a decent size model of Gundam Exia that isn't extremely complicated. So I need advice on the following:
-What model to buy (I guess there are grades? I'm not sure how this system works)
-What I will need to build it
-Links and stores where to get it would be amazing.
-Any general advice on this sort of model building if you've done it before.

Like it is implied above I'm not looking to get hardcore into model building but I may build a few if I enjoy this first one. Thanks a bunch in advance H/A!

leaf

I would suggest head over to the crit failures forum and look at the Model and 40k thread, along with the warmachine threads.

Look at sites like www.brushthralls.com and even the basic www.games-workshop.com guides, along with http://flamesofwar.com/

Even though they are tailored for their specific games, the same basic techniques can be applied throughout model scales and ranges. You'll need razor blades, plastic cement and super glue (arguments on pros/cons abound for either), spraypaint to basecoat, some model paints (citadel or vallejo are still the best in my opinion).

Also model train websites are a huge wealth of terrain making ideas and tips, if you're wanting to make a diorama. Not sure if you're going that way or just a free-standing model.

J

http://dalong.net/

Have a look at this site. It has stock build pictures of most kits available. Even showing all the parts and things inside the box. This should give you an idea of how complex the diffirent kits are, as well as how it will look out the box. He does line the panels with a pen, but thats the lot.

The model grades are good guide to how complex they are. As well as expensive!

I don't actually think there are higher than HG Exia's available, so you should be good with those. Beyond that are MG/PG, master/perfect grade. These have increasing numbers of parts and gizmos. Think more articulated, opening panels etc. they are also larger, with MG models coming in at 1/100 and PG models at 1/60th.

For building you will need a decent pair of snips, to clip the parts off the runners, as well as a bit of fine sand paper to tidy it up after. Very rarely will you need any sort of glue for these. They are snap fit.

I imported all of my gundam models from a webstore called rainbowten. ( http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/ ) The site is incredibly basic. And you will need to email them you're order. But it is a mom/pop store in japan. They are incredibly efficient, and the prices are good compared to places like www.hlj.com, which I use to get the pictures/item names. I've always paid via paypal. But read the site. Keep in mind though I'm in the UK, and stores carrying these models are non existant. You may have better luck.

Only advice I can give is read the instructions, and don't force things if they don't seem to be fitting! At the end of the day, your model isnt going to look like those pictures they advertise with. But it will be a fun little posable doodad you can fiddle with to your hearts content.

Edit : Amazon stock various exia models. aaaand. The 1/100 scale Exia would be my choice. It seems to have the most articulation and detail. Here

MoSiAc

The one tip I can give is get a really fine tip pen. They have special "gundam" ones but any .5 or .3 size tip will do. You use this to draw in panel lines to give the model a bit more cartoon look. It completely changes the look after you draw in panel lines, but be careful not to go overboard. And keep a tissue around for when you go out of the lines. The ink will wipe off rather quick and as long as you are careful it will just set in the panel lines and really look nice.

HadjiQuest

J and Mosiac really covered it all. Modern Gundam kits are extremely friendly and easy-to-assemble, and the only real advice you may or may not need to carry over from other types of model building would be some slight painting/detailing knowledge (which, once again, isn't even mandatory).

HLJ is the biggest, oldest, and best-known website for buying mecha models from Japan. And, like J said, amazon has a small selection as well.

My own personal tip: I used a spare set of nail clippers with a file attached to deal with excess plastic bits left from breaking the parts off the runners.

Gah, I really miss these kits. Shame I don't have room for any new ones.

manji

these guys pretty much have it covered. the instructions will be in japanese, but its easy enough to follow the pictures. it might be worth looking up the kanji for left and right (and maybe up and down) on the net though.

i started out in 1/144, but 1/100 scale is much nicer.

i have PG eva 01 picked up in japan about 8 years ago now which my wife has agreed to help me build as as a wholesome romantic activity

i n c u b u s

Sounds good guys and I appreciate the input. I do think I will buy the 1/100 Exia model from the amazon link provided by J. Anyone know where I can find Gundam pens?

MoSiAc

Goto your local big store Wal-Mart, Target etc. They sell the same kind of pens in the stationary department. You just have to look for ones listed with .5 tip or .3 tip. They will look different than a ball point pen, and honestly I never could use them for anything but drawing on gundams.

I think you should totally get the 1/60 Gundam Freedom. I got that bad boy and put it together in about three days. Plus it's huge, looks great next to my 1/60 Wing

i n c u b u s

Ok awesome I'll pick it up when it comes next week, I ended up getting the 1/100 Exia just for starters but the Freedom looks pretty amazing as well! I appreciate your guys' help and one last question, is there anything on the manual that shows where to paint the lines or just go off of instinct?

MoSiAc

Not really, but once you finish the model youll see them. Also look at the pictures on the box cover it will show you some areas where black looks good.

Be careful though on sme models it is easy to go overboard with panel lines and it looks a bit tacky. If you find you really like making the models, your next step is to try painting the whole thing before you put it together to give it a less "shiney" look then some people add damage which I love. It takes a bit of skill but all you do is heat up a soldering iron and jab it in specific places and walah instant laser damage.

One step at a time though hehe.

i n c u b u s

Thanks a bunch Mosiac, I'm really psyched about this thing. I really wish they had some hobby stores where I can buy some of the paints around here but unfortunately I live in total hicksville, but thats what the internet is for right?

MoSiAc

yeah, and honestly most the tolls and what not you need you can fill with generic and cheaper versions. like the plastic removers, paint, pens, etc.

Oh I forgot about another level of detail you can do when you get really good. This part I suck at but you use putty to fill in spaces where pieces go together to make them look more realistic. some models do a good job of hiding these gaps but some others dont. Man now I'm gonna have to drive to the store and buy a model to put together.

thisisntwally

man. I totally misinterpreted the thread title. I was going to recommend not building models. or axe body spray.

Spunkyjoe

Just in case you need them on hand-

右- Right
左- Left
後ろ- Back/Behind
間- Between

If I missed any, let me know, it's been along time since I looked at the instructions.

i n c u b u s

Thanks a bunch to everyone who helped me out, I wouldn't have been able to know where to start with out your help. So here is the final product! (Minus some black detailing) Any suggestions as to what I should build next?