Hobby to Try: Gunpla Building

Gunpla, short for Gundam plastic models, are model kits that have been a beloved hobby for many since they started popping up in the 1980s. The origin of these amazing model kits can be traced back to the popular anime series, Mobile Suit Gundam, which began in 1979. The series quickly gained a massive following in Japan and eventually worldwide, leading to the creation of various merchandise, including the Gunpla model kits.

Today, Gunpla building and collecting have become a significant part of the Gundam fandom and hobbyists in general, with enthusiasts all over the world joining in the fun. In this article, we explore why many consider it to be a great outlet for relaxation, its satisfaction, and why it’s a great hobby for everyone to try out.

Starting is cheap
Gunpla kits are available for less than PHP1000 for the “High Grade” models, which is the entry-level lineup offered. The kits are relatively easy to build, with no glue needed. Everything snaps into place. You’ll only need nippers to cut out the parts needed, which are marked for identification with respect to the assembly instruction manual. Once you build one, however, a blink of an eye and your first kit might suddenly be 10 or 15 kits, since it’s so addictive.

It’s a great stress reliever
Building Gunpla is a great form of relaxation. After work or school, one could just spend a quiet couple of hours, focused on snapping every part of the kit in total serenity. It lets you focus on one thing in a world that has so many distractions. It’s like a puzzle in 3D form, where you find the exact part that goes with another part.

Building Gunpla is therapeutic, to the point where it has helped people cope with depression and Post-traumatic stress disorder.

It adds a dimension to a boring room
After building a Gunpla kit, one could have it do so many poses as most Gunpla has great articulation. It can do action poses, some can even change form from a robot to a jet. It also adds a nice touch to a room, where visitors or even yourself could marvel at a collection of colorful, plastic robots that have different poses.

They have a lineup for every kind of hobbyist at different price ranges.
When it comes to Gunplas, there are several different grades available for builders of all skill levels. These grades refer to the level of detail, complexity, and articulation that each model offers, with each grade having its own unique features and characteristics.

The most basic grade is the High Grade (HG) line, which features smaller models with simpler designs and fewer parts. These models are great for beginners or those who want to quickly build a collection without investing too much time or money as it is the cheapest line.

The Real Grade (RG) line offers more detail and articulation than the HG line, with smaller parts that allow for greater possibility and movement. The models in this line are more challenging to build but provide a more realistic and detailed finished product.

Moving up to Master Grade (MG) line, builders can expect even more detail, larger models, and greater complexity. These models feature intricate inner frames that allow for more dynamic posing and greater customization options, making them a favorite among experienced builders.

The Perfect Grade (PG) line offers the most advanced and detailed models, with the largest sizes and most intricate designs. These models feature extensive inner frames and a massive number of parts, providing builders with the ultimate challenge and a truly impressive finished product.

Gunpla building is a fantastic hobby that offers many benefits to enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. From its affordable entry-level kits to its highly detailed and intricate models, Gunpla provides a challenge that is both rewarding and relaxing. It also helps people relax and other mental health conditions, providing an escape from the daily grind.

Moreover, the finished models make for a great addition to any room, adding a touch of color and creativity to an otherwise dull space. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced builder, there is a Gunpla kit out there for you to enjoy. So why not give it a try with a High-Grade kit and see what all the hype is about? (GFB)