Gunpla List
Gunpla a portmanteau of “Gundam plastic model”, is the common name for plastic model kits depicting the vehicles and characters of the fictional Gundam universe by Bandai. These kits have become popular among mecha anime fans and model enthusiasts in Japan and in other nearby Asian countries since the 1980s. Gundam modeling spread in the 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga.
High Grade (HG)
After FG, the quality of the molding of plastic was improved and HG (High Grade) level kits were introduced in 1990, providing greater posability. These models are mostly in 1:144 scale, though some older kits are in 1:100 scale. It is important to note that the SEED and SEED DESTINY 1:100 scale models do not have HG listed anywhere on the box or manual, but they are considered HG in terms of quality.
Real Grade (RG)
In July 2010, Bandai introduced the 1:144 Real Grade (RG) line as part of the “Gundam 30th Anniversary”, which takes design elements from the Master Grade and Perfect Grade line such as an inner skeletal frame. This Gunpla line achieves the largest range of motion in each joint.
Master Grade (MG)
The next level is designated as Master Grade (MG), which was introduced in 1995, and are only offered in 1:100 scale. These kits are manufactured using higher quality plastic and the resulting molds are of a greater standard. However, the model is more expensive, complicated and takes longer to construct. The finished models offer a superior range of motion compared to the lower level kits to provide for an even wider range of poses, thanks to an inner frame. Some of them actually include specially designed stands for added display ability. Master Grade kits are very presentable assembled straight from the box, but adding paint and detailing can greatly improve the appearance of the finished model.
Super-Deformed (SD)
Also offered is an expanding line of small plastic kits labelled SD Gundam (Super-Deformed Gundam) which are not presented in a particular scale. “SD” Gundams are comedic renditions of the various Gundam mecha designs featuring a disproportionately large “head.” These kits are often much easier to construct but offer very limited possibility and require paint and detailing to truly “finish” the kit. The most famous line is the BB Senshi (known as SD GUNDAM BB Warriors in Bandai’s English page). Depending on popularity of series, SD units may also be sold in separate product line (e.g.: Superior Defender Gundam Force).
Perfect Grade (PG)
The highest quality kits are known as Perfect Grade (PG), introduced in 1998 (originally in 1997 with the release of the Perfect Grade Evangelion Unit-01). These 1:60 scale models are made of even higher quality plastic and metal components. These kits include parts that have to be secured with screws, and often require some minor wiring for small LEDs. The market for the Perfect Grade level of models is limited due to the higher cost, often costing between $100 to $300. Perfect Grade models are a true challenge and their construction can take days, or even weeks.
In September 2014, Bandai introduced the Reborn-One Hundred (RE/100) line. This 1:100 scale line consists of models that are too large, too obscure, or too costly to produce into the MG line. As such, the kits lack the inner frame and detail level of MG, but offer articulation levels equal to or better than 1:144 scale HG kits.
A large-sized Gunpla line in the 1:48 scale, it was introduced on March 6, 2010 as part of the Gundam 30th Anniversary. The Mega Size Model RX-78-2 Gundam is based on the Green Tokyo Gundam Project (Gundam Front) 1/1 full-size model.
Entry Grade, or EG, is a line of 1/144 scale model kits, or Gunpla, of the Mobile Suits from the Gundam meta series. Introduced in 2011 and made in China, the line was marketed to emerging markets in Asia. EG kits are similar to First Grade or No Grade 1/144 series Gunpla kits, wherein they contain no polycaps and are molded in only three colors.
The original First Grade line, or FG, was part of the Gundam 20th Anniversary Big Bang Project in 1999 as a modern remake of the original 1980 1/144 kits. As such, the kits were molded in one color and contained no polycaps, but featured the snap-fit assembly of current kits. The three Gunpla in this line used designs based on their Perfect Grade counterparts.
The Hi-Resolution Model (HiRM) series is a line of 1/100 scale Gunpla kits of the Mobile Suits in the Gundam meta series. Each kit consists of a pre-assembled skeletal inner frame made from ABS and POM plastic, as well as runners of the armor pieces with a glossy or metallic finish. The inner frame is made in China while the outer armor pieces are made in Japan. Some of the kits features diecast metal parts.