What Model Grade should I start with?

What model grade should I start with is often an opening question. As a general rule of thumb as you step up through the grades, they have more parts, they take longer to build, and they are more complex. Roughly speaking from simplest to most complex the grades go as follows.

Grades
HG (High Grade)
RG (Real Grade)
MG (Master Grade)
PG (Perfect Grade)

What is your starting point. What experience do you have?

I have been building war-game models since they were pretty much available. I started with the solid cast lead models, and then the larger multi pieces like dragons etc. As time went on the materials changed but a lot of the techniques remained the same.

As a side note some people refer to sprues but in Gunpla they refer to them as runners. I would describe them both as just a plastic frame with the model parts attached.

Model Grade for someone with no experience

Ok so you have 0 experience and you are wondering what model grade you should begin with. There are entry grade models available but I will be honest and say I’ve never built one and in most cases it shouldn’t be necessary. I would go for one of the HG kits. There are a huge number so do some research. You want to find one that you like, but that is also not going to have any known issues. My very first build was the GX-9901-DX GUNDAM DOUBLE X Satellite System Loading Mobile Suit. (HG After War – 163). I have just cut out the pieces, sanded them down a bit and clicked them together. I am very happy with how this came out. The instructions were easy to follow (ignore the textual descriptions and use the diagrams).

Model grade for someone with previous model building experience

OK so you are used to building models. That may be planes, boats, or war-games. In essence the methods and techniques are normally fairly transferable. Cut out pieces attach pieces. The big bonus here is that unless you get a very old kit (always double check) you shouldn’t need any glue for a standard build. That means none of those “I can’t detach my thumb and index finger” moments. I would probably still recommend going for a HG model or two to get the feel for the models. I find they are relatively inexpensive compared to the other ranges, and still offer some beautiful looking models with no customisation’s necessary. However based on my massive experience (of 1 and a 1/2 builds so far both HG builds) I would say that if you are competent and confident and want to try something a little more challenging then the RG models shouldn’t be outside of your ability.

Model grade for someone with a lot of model building experience

OK so you are a massively experienced builder. You are looking for a challenge and something that maybe can take centre stage on your display cabinet or shelf. Straight off the bat, as with the other levels of experience, I would say trying a HG model will let you get a feel for whether this is going to be for you or not. However if you are really looking to push yourself then you will want to look at the PG models. Note that you also need deeper pockets for these. Many people build the HG or RG models as well as performing various customisation’s etc to make the builds more challenging, more fun, for themselves, and to stretch themselves and get the end result they are specifically looking for.

Conclusion

Ultimately you get to choose what you are going to go for. Personally I tend to pick models I just like the look of. The newer HG kits still offer decent colour separation, along with decent detail. My second build is taking me forever as I try different customisation techniques. However ultimately whatever you choose as always take your time and enjoy the build.