Gundam Collection
I love gundam models. I am especially a little bit obsessed about Master Grade models. I don’t have all of them, but I have a lot of them.
To me they are the right size to model and have relatively good amount of detail and articulation. I started watching Gundam when I was growing up. Back in the early 80′s, when the original Mobile Suit Gundam was aired, I watched every single episode. I used to get Gundam magazines, books, models and toys whenever I can save the money. It was an addiction, and till today, it has a lot of influence on me.
I still love the design of the original Gundam. It was a good feeling to visit Odaiba earlier this year when the real size Gundam was displayed.
Found this PS2 Gundam Game “機動戦士ガンダム めぐりあい宇宙” video. It is rather interesting.
And part two if the video.
And part three.
Apart from the original Mobile Suit Gundam, I am also a big fan of Zeta Gundam series and the mobile suits featured in that animation and movie series. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago when I first watched the anime (about 15 years after it was originally released). It is still one of my favourites.
Also The 08th MS Team OVA is also on my favourite list of Gundam animation. Considering when it was created (1996) and the technology available during that time, it was a very well made OVA.
I am also a fan of the Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny series. These are relatively recent animes (2004 to 2006). Initially I didn’t like the design that much. But I think the Master Grade models really bring out the essence of the design, or maybe even perfected the original design.
Some of the special edition Gundam Models are a bit on the expensive side. I don’t think I like collecting the special editions mainly because of the cost.
Apart from the Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny series, I am starting to get into the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn design. Can’t wait to watch the OVA later this year.
I bought a lot of these models from stores in Vancouver. However, every time I went to Tokyo, I would also bring back a few Gundam models. Speaking of which, Gundam models are sold for a lot less in Japan than here in North America. Often you will find discount prices in local stores there like Yodobashi Camera in Akiba. We are literally paying double easily here. :(
Do you like the mono-eye mobile suits like Sazabi? Or are you a Gundam fan? I think Mobile Suit Gundam pioneered the design of these mono-eye mechas.
I also have some High Grade models as well. I collect them usually because the same model does not exist in Master Grade format, or the High Grade model has very good value (price to enjoyment).
Sometimes Hobby magazines bundle spare parts for modifying the models. Most of the parts are for High Grade models though.
I have been told that I don’t actually love the Gundam models. Instead I love the box art of the Gundam models. I think it is true that I really like the box art. It really completes the experience. Usually the box art would have an artist’s rendition of a famous scene of the mobile suit in the anime. Do you have any favourite box art from your Gundam models?
Since I don’t have a lot of time to make Gundam models anymore, I started to look at Gundam toys. I have not been able to justify buying the regular Gundam Fix Figuration because of the lack of details. Then Bandai released the Metal Composite series…
So far I collected 3 GFF Metal Composite. With the amount of details, I can totally justify spending on them. Also they are a lot bigger than the regular GFF and feels a lot heavier. The mass feels good!
So, after Master Grade, High Grade, GFF Metal Composite, I also have a few Perfect Grade models. I don’t believe Perfect Grade models are the best in proportion. The earlier Perfect Grade models are not very attractive. And usually Bandai only releases a new Perfect Grade once every two to three years.
I am pretty cost conscious when it comes to Perfect Grade because they are typically 3 to 4 times more expensive than the Master Grade models. Also I can imagine they will take a considerable amount of extra time to complete one of these.
So I only have a few of them. I have not tried the method Danny Choo wrote about. I think given I have so many models available, I can be brave and try what Danny recommended!
Do you make Gundam models? I would love to hear about your tips and tricks.
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tim ferriss
October 24th, 2009 at 04:23
that’s a lot of gundams! o_O
I only have 3 and I never painted them…
I’m really looking forward to MG blue frame releasing this month!
will start painting as well following a bit of Danny’s style but using even lazier methods xD
October 25th, 2009 at 20:53
ya, i am ashamed that I keep buying and not making them…. Everyone around me has already noticed that, too… hahahaa
October 29th, 2009 at 01:10
Oh no worries, you’re not alone XD I’ve got so many that’s not even started ^^;
I’ve got one I stopped midway just because I lost interest >.>
lightningsabre´s last blog ..Otaku Around the House
November 5th, 2009 at 00:31
I have to admit when Gundam Workshop was still in town, I had more motivation to make models as they displays some very nicely made models in their shop. And there are some fellow modellers who hung out there as well. Kinda miss those days :)
October 25th, 2009 at 19:37
I am also a gunpla and other model kit fan. I am more of an HG scale collector than MGs but recently I’ve been too lazy to build model kits. Am thinking of getting the recent ones like Hoihoi-san, Shin-mazingerZ, HGUC FA Gundam 7th unit, etc. bah.. too lazy to build already.
October 25th, 2009 at 20:55
I like some HGUCs as well. But MG is still my priority. I think HG models are great as they take much less time to make. Maybe I should start with my HGs. I am too busy with other stuff that I left my Gundam models still in boxes. That’s why I started getting GFF Metal Composites.
October 29th, 2009 at 09:39
I only see boxes… where are the models?! ^^. I must confess. I too have 3 master grade gundams still in their boxes. freedom, strike freedom and wing. i used to have high grade models, but gave them all away due to lack of display space. ^^.
November 5th, 2009 at 00:32
I don’t have any display space yet for my own gundams…. maybe I will set some up once we settled down in our new place.
November 4th, 2009 at 22:52
Have you read about this bar in Kobe?
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/photojournal/graph/photojournal/7.html
IchiBaru´s last blog ..SPC09: Status Bar and Notification APIs
November 5th, 2009 at 00:34
No, that is very cool. Thanks for the heads up. Have you been to Kobe? We would like to visit Kyoto next time we go to Japan.
November 6th, 2009 at 07:42
No, haven’t been there yet. So many places to go and see still. Depending on the time of year, we’ll probably head to either Hokkaido or Okinawa.
I’d like to go visit Kyoto again, so I’m sure we’ll go to Kobe and Osaka as well when we do.
IchiBaru´s last blog ..SPC09: Status Bar and Notification APIs
November 9th, 2009 at 00:07
I totally agree, there is so much to see in Japan. Hokkaido and Okinawa are also some of the destinations I would like to see as well. Got to save $$ for all these trips.
November 15th, 2009 at 04:49
Darn, that is a lot of Gundam! Then again I think back to the boxes of Gundams stored at my parent’s house back in the US. I hope they haven’t thrown them out…
Joshua Zimmerman´s last blog ..Fuji Highland Park Pictures
November 16th, 2009 at 01:37
That would be a bummer if they did…. but if they did, then that gives you extra reasons to stay in Japan as you will have to find the replacements! Love the photos on your blog!
December 25th, 2009 at 00:03
[...] year I am again getting some Gundams for Christmas for myself. As you probably know that I have a big appetite for almost anything master grade, it is only a matter of time before I break down and get more [...]