Bells
05-22-2010, 02:32 PM
Hey there everyone!
So, as a finally got around to make with an old old wish of mine, i manage to start a very small collection of Gunpla. Gundam Model Kits. So i decided to make a small thread about. Not just to share the process of buying and making them, but also to talk about it.
And of course, not just Gundam Model Kits, but any Hobby kits you guys might want to discuss.
I'll also put around a Butt load of pictures and a few links to shops and stores where i get my stuff, so if you or anybody gets curious or decides to check it out, you'll get straight to honest and decent shops and sellers.
So, Let's talk Shops and supplies.
The main thing for me is to know where to get your stuff. Now, for Tools and Hobby Supplies i prefer ebay. I usually get a cheaper price there, and more often than not i can skip the shipping costs.
But for kits, you need a decent store. Ebay selers don't sell them than much cheaper, and more than once i heard about people getting screwed over. Buying originals and getting fakes, or damaged, or pre-owned and so on...
HOBBY WORLD JAPAN
http://www.hwjapan.com/index.aspx
The very first shop you should take a look, is HWJ. They have a very nice Selection of itens and they usually give out a ton of discounts. Also there is a shop point system. It's not great, but if you buy a lot, you might accumulate some nice discounts.
HOBBY LINK JAPAN
http://www.hlj.com/index.html
HWJ direct competitor. Another excellent store. They have sales and Discounts running constantly. And it's not hard to spot a kit going for 40% to 70% less than regular price. Also great for pre orders.
AmiAmi
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english
AmiAmi requires some looking. They have the cheapest Shipping costs, and they have Shipping discounts from time to time. Usually they charge US$7 just for handling your order (so, extra cost) but right now they scrapped that out. And that made them one of the best. Cheap Shipping, lower prices and wide selection.
HOBBY SEARCH
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/gundam/
I don't like Hobby search. I think it's quite expensive. But a lot of people use it. They have a huge selection, specially for Figures and Statuettes. It's worth looking into if you are looking for a specific thing.
Popbuying.com
http://popbuying.com/products.pb/category.230
Now, Popbuying is a special case. You see... they offer Free Shipping. Worldwide. And the lowest prices anywhere. So... why aren't they the best? 2 reasons. 1- Their selection is small. Just 20 options right now. and 2- They don't sell original Kits. These are TT Hongli Kits. They are much cheapr and have about 70~90% the same quality as originals. But you get what you paid for. It's good for spare parts, cheap pratice, customization, or if you really just want to try making a kit to see if you like it.
And if you are in the USA or Canada, you have an excellent ace.
GUNDAM STORE AND MORE
http://www.gundamstoreandmore.com/
I love this shop, even though i can't buy there. Not only they have a fantastic selection, they offer a ton of stuff. Constant discounts, spare parts and this really great "GUNDAM CLUB". Basically, you pay a one-time membership and you get a slew of bonus and your cash back in merchandise. The most expensive membership is about US$100 and the cheapest one is about US$20. I mean, if you get the US$100 membership, you can get over 12 Model Kits just as a "Sign Up" Bonus... with free shipping.
If i could shop there, i would ONLY shop there. No doubt.
Now, you know the hot spots for kits. But we need to talk Shipping. Shipping can make or break your deal. These kits come from Japan, so shipping can take a LONG time or just be expensive.
Actually, this is the ONE thing that makes ebay better. If you find a Decent seller, you just might save yourself some money on shipping by buying locally.
But if you want to go Nipon with this, this is what you need to know.
There are 3 Basic shipping methods everyone use:
EMS: Really expensive, but with tracking. Reliable, somewhat fast (1 to 2 weeks). Good. It's not rare for the shipping to cost more than your order. Depending on the order, Double is not absurd.
SAL (registered): Really cheap. Has tracking. Slow (2 to 5 weeks). Decent. a 500g order can run you from US$10 to US$20
SAL (Unregistered): REALLY cheap. No tracking. Slow (2 to 5 weeks) It works. A 500g Order can run you from US$8 to US$15 in average.
I go with SAL Unregistered. Most people fear for the "Noooooo traaaacking" But i'm ok with it. I know there is SOME risk, but there is SOME risk in anything i buy from Japan... so, it's ok. I rather pay less than my order in Shipping.
Shipping price is not exact. That's why all these shops will confirm the shipping costs with you before charging the full price.
So, now you know where to get and have a decent idea of how long it takes for it to get to you, and what it could cost. But what do you need to actually work on the models?
Well, you need a Hobby Knife set. These really sharp, small and precise cutting tools will help you BIG time on scrapping extra plastic or just fixing or molding your stuff right.
I got myself one of these
http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_13524_1.jpg
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13524
For just US$5, it's a great deal. Free shipping too! Works like a charm.
But if you want to go even cheaper, you can get one of these:
http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_19922_1.jpg
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19922
for US$1,80. Can't beat that price. And it's the same as the other one, sans the extra handles and case.
Or if you are Bonkers and needs a little overkill
http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_4563_1.jpg
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4563
This one will run you about US$22, but it certainly has everything and then some.
And Now...
Also, you will need some Hobby Cement Glue. You might think you can just handle this with Super Glue, but i would be careful. Certain adhesives can melt the plastic. Or leave a sticky, thick and shiny layer over your parts. It can also mess your painting later one.
The tool of choice here is Tamiya Hobby Cement. (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=Tamiya+cement&_sacat=See-All-Categories). US$5 + Shipping and you are set. These last a LONG time if you use them right, they are easier to apply and made just for these Kits. So it's just worth the extra cash. Unless you find our something better.
Now, Most new kits don't "need" painting, but will look better with it. Older kits need lots of painting. So, unless you have the cash for fork over a Airbrush set, you're set with Markers and Brushes. So let's talk about that.
Simply put, for brushes, i got myself a 15 Set REALLY cheap. US$3 with shipping! (http://cgi.ebay.com/15-x-ARTISTS-PAINT-BRUSHES-SET-OIL-ACRILIC-WATERCOLOUR-/180498798227?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&hash=item2a06911693). Sure, it's not any fancy special brush or anything... but you don't really need those. So it's all good.
About Painting and Ink... These kits are plastic. So, any good Paint and Primer for that should work. So it's really a matter of how much you want to expend and how well you know your way around paint and thiner. The Brands of choice are Tamiya Color and Mr Hobby. Both Acrylic and Oil Based. They have a great range of colors and they are made so it won't ruin your kits. It's a sure bet. But you can use anything else you know it works.
As for ink... or markers. For Gunpla, you use Gundam Markers. Sure you might just use a basic CD marker for that, but GUndam markers are made FOR gundam Kits. They have the proper size, color and tip for those kits. So it just might save you a ton of Trouble. Also, their colors are made using the exact same range as the TV shows and Mangas, so it will always match.
So, now we've covered the basics. Other stuff like Pliers and Clippers and Masking tape are also very important. But for that stuff i rather suggest you go with what works best for you. What feels comfortable.
Now you know where to get the kits and how to work on them... so let's talk about the kits.
As a small sample of what's out there, before i show you mine, let me show some of the awesome stuff i found out there, Not just Gundam, Mechs and Gunpla, but just awesome stuff i got to see. Maybe something in here works for you. All prices are without shipping costs.
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/101/FIG-MOE-1726.jpg
This Kickass figure of Momohime from Oboro Muramasa on the Wii at AmiAmi for about US$62
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-MOE-1726&template=default/product/e_display.html
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/081/TOY-RBT-0220.jpg
This armored Core Figure goes for about US$40 ,and yes, you have to put it aaaaaall together.
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-RBT-0220&template=default/product/e_display.html
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/102/TOY-GDM-1197.jpg
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-GDM-1197&template=default/product/e_display.html
This is the brand new God/Burning Gundam released Recently (last week actually) this would run about US$15
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/101/TOY-RBT-1100.jpg
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-RBT-1100&template=default/product/e_display.html
The PTX unit from Lost Planet, runs for about US$40 with 150mm of height and over 20 points of articulation
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/101/TOY-RBT-1118.jpg
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-RBT-1118&template=default/product/e_display.html
If you like Code Geass, this Lancelot Albion will run for about US$40.
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/102/FIG-IPN-1223.jpg
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-IPN-1223&template=default/product/e_display.html
Now, this one i LOVE it just looks super Cool, and it's brand new! Just got released. You can find it for just under US$25 ( US$ 20 if you look around )
http://www.1999.co.jp/itbig11/10117367.jpg
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10117367
This is the RX 78 -2 the very first Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam TV show. And this is the brand new RG (real Grade) 1/144 model. It's based on the design of the 1/1 Giant Gundam they built in Japan, and it's just insane in the amount of detail. It has an inner frame (most 1/144 don't) and just a HUGE amount if pieces and mobility. Yours for just US$22,22. This is one Kit i want to buy as soon as possible.
So, this is just a small rundown of what to expect from this Hobby, i could go on but this post is already big enough. I apologize for it in advance, but i'll have to double post to avoid an EXTRA mess. i'll make a second post about my own kits and keep that updated.
So, please, use this thread to talk about the Hobby, and if you have any questions, i'll try to help as best as possible. :dance:
So, as a finally got around to make with an old old wish of mine, i manage to start a very small collection of Gunpla. Gundam Model Kits. So i decided to make a small thread about. Not just to share the process of buying and making them, but also to talk about it.
And of course, not just Gundam Model Kits, but any Hobby kits you guys might want to discuss.
I'll also put around a Butt load of pictures and a few links to shops and stores where i get my stuff, so if you or anybody gets curious or decides to check it out, you'll get straight to honest and decent shops and sellers.
So, Let's talk Shops and supplies.
The main thing for me is to know where to get your stuff. Now, for Tools and Hobby Supplies i prefer ebay. I usually get a cheaper price there, and more often than not i can skip the shipping costs.
But for kits, you need a decent store. Ebay selers don't sell them than much cheaper, and more than once i heard about people getting screwed over. Buying originals and getting fakes, or damaged, or pre-owned and so on...
HOBBY WORLD JAPAN
http://www.hwjapan.com/index.aspx
The very first shop you should take a look, is HWJ. They have a very nice Selection of itens and they usually give out a ton of discounts. Also there is a shop point system. It's not great, but if you buy a lot, you might accumulate some nice discounts.
HOBBY LINK JAPAN
http://www.hlj.com/index.html
HWJ direct competitor. Another excellent store. They have sales and Discounts running constantly. And it's not hard to spot a kit going for 40% to 70% less than regular price. Also great for pre orders.
AmiAmi
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english
AmiAmi requires some looking. They have the cheapest Shipping costs, and they have Shipping discounts from time to time. Usually they charge US$7 just for handling your order (so, extra cost) but right now they scrapped that out. And that made them one of the best. Cheap Shipping, lower prices and wide selection.
HOBBY SEARCH
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/gundam/
I don't like Hobby search. I think it's quite expensive. But a lot of people use it. They have a huge selection, specially for Figures and Statuettes. It's worth looking into if you are looking for a specific thing.
Popbuying.com
http://popbuying.com/products.pb/category.230
Now, Popbuying is a special case. You see... they offer Free Shipping. Worldwide. And the lowest prices anywhere. So... why aren't they the best? 2 reasons. 1- Their selection is small. Just 20 options right now. and 2- They don't sell original Kits. These are TT Hongli Kits. They are much cheapr and have about 70~90% the same quality as originals. But you get what you paid for. It's good for spare parts, cheap pratice, customization, or if you really just want to try making a kit to see if you like it.
And if you are in the USA or Canada, you have an excellent ace.
GUNDAM STORE AND MORE
http://www.gundamstoreandmore.com/
I love this shop, even though i can't buy there. Not only they have a fantastic selection, they offer a ton of stuff. Constant discounts, spare parts and this really great "GUNDAM CLUB". Basically, you pay a one-time membership and you get a slew of bonus and your cash back in merchandise. The most expensive membership is about US$100 and the cheapest one is about US$20. I mean, if you get the US$100 membership, you can get over 12 Model Kits just as a "Sign Up" Bonus... with free shipping.
If i could shop there, i would ONLY shop there. No doubt.
Now, you know the hot spots for kits. But we need to talk Shipping. Shipping can make or break your deal. These kits come from Japan, so shipping can take a LONG time or just be expensive.
Actually, this is the ONE thing that makes ebay better. If you find a Decent seller, you just might save yourself some money on shipping by buying locally.
But if you want to go Nipon with this, this is what you need to know.
There are 3 Basic shipping methods everyone use:
EMS: Really expensive, but with tracking. Reliable, somewhat fast (1 to 2 weeks). Good. It's not rare for the shipping to cost more than your order. Depending on the order, Double is not absurd.
SAL (registered): Really cheap. Has tracking. Slow (2 to 5 weeks). Decent. a 500g order can run you from US$10 to US$20
SAL (Unregistered): REALLY cheap. No tracking. Slow (2 to 5 weeks) It works. A 500g Order can run you from US$8 to US$15 in average.
I go with SAL Unregistered. Most people fear for the "Noooooo traaaacking" But i'm ok with it. I know there is SOME risk, but there is SOME risk in anything i buy from Japan... so, it's ok. I rather pay less than my order in Shipping.
Shipping price is not exact. That's why all these shops will confirm the shipping costs with you before charging the full price.
So, now you know where to get and have a decent idea of how long it takes for it to get to you, and what it could cost. But what do you need to actually work on the models?
Well, you need a Hobby Knife set. These really sharp, small and precise cutting tools will help you BIG time on scrapping extra plastic or just fixing or molding your stuff right.
I got myself one of these
http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_13524_1.jpg
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13524
For just US$5, it's a great deal. Free shipping too! Works like a charm.
But if you want to go even cheaper, you can get one of these:
http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_19922_1.jpg
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19922
for US$1,80. Can't beat that price. And it's the same as the other one, sans the extra handles and case.
Or if you are Bonkers and needs a little overkill
http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_4563_1.jpg
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4563
This one will run you about US$22, but it certainly has everything and then some.
And Now...
Also, you will need some Hobby Cement Glue. You might think you can just handle this with Super Glue, but i would be careful. Certain adhesives can melt the plastic. Or leave a sticky, thick and shiny layer over your parts. It can also mess your painting later one.
The tool of choice here is Tamiya Hobby Cement. (http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=Tamiya+cement&_sacat=See-All-Categories). US$5 + Shipping and you are set. These last a LONG time if you use them right, they are easier to apply and made just for these Kits. So it's just worth the extra cash. Unless you find our something better.
Now, Most new kits don't "need" painting, but will look better with it. Older kits need lots of painting. So, unless you have the cash for fork over a Airbrush set, you're set with Markers and Brushes. So let's talk about that.
Simply put, for brushes, i got myself a 15 Set REALLY cheap. US$3 with shipping! (http://cgi.ebay.com/15-x-ARTISTS-PAINT-BRUSHES-SET-OIL-ACRILIC-WATERCOLOUR-/180498798227?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Crafts_DrawingSupplies_EH&hash=item2a06911693). Sure, it's not any fancy special brush or anything... but you don't really need those. So it's all good.
About Painting and Ink... These kits are plastic. So, any good Paint and Primer for that should work. So it's really a matter of how much you want to expend and how well you know your way around paint and thiner. The Brands of choice are Tamiya Color and Mr Hobby. Both Acrylic and Oil Based. They have a great range of colors and they are made so it won't ruin your kits. It's a sure bet. But you can use anything else you know it works.
As for ink... or markers. For Gunpla, you use Gundam Markers. Sure you might just use a basic CD marker for that, but GUndam markers are made FOR gundam Kits. They have the proper size, color and tip for those kits. So it just might save you a ton of Trouble. Also, their colors are made using the exact same range as the TV shows and Mangas, so it will always match.
So, now we've covered the basics. Other stuff like Pliers and Clippers and Masking tape are also very important. But for that stuff i rather suggest you go with what works best for you. What feels comfortable.
Now you know where to get the kits and how to work on them... so let's talk about the kits.
As a small sample of what's out there, before i show you mine, let me show some of the awesome stuff i found out there, Not just Gundam, Mechs and Gunpla, but just awesome stuff i got to see. Maybe something in here works for you. All prices are without shipping costs.
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/101/FIG-MOE-1726.jpg
This Kickass figure of Momohime from Oboro Muramasa on the Wii at AmiAmi for about US$62
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-MOE-1726&template=default/product/e_display.html
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/081/TOY-RBT-0220.jpg
This armored Core Figure goes for about US$40 ,and yes, you have to put it aaaaaall together.
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-RBT-0220&template=default/product/e_display.html
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/102/TOY-GDM-1197.jpg
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-GDM-1197&template=default/product/e_display.html
This is the brand new God/Burning Gundam released Recently (last week actually) this would run about US$15
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/101/TOY-RBT-1100.jpg
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-RBT-1100&template=default/product/e_display.html
The PTX unit from Lost Planet, runs for about US$40 with 150mm of height and over 20 points of articulation
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/101/TOY-RBT-1118.jpg
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=TOY-RBT-1118&template=default/product/e_display.html
If you like Code Geass, this Lancelot Albion will run for about US$40.
http://www.amiami.jp/images/product/main/102/FIG-IPN-1223.jpg
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/?set=english&vgForm=ProductInfo&sku=FIG-IPN-1223&template=default/product/e_display.html
Now, this one i LOVE it just looks super Cool, and it's brand new! Just got released. You can find it for just under US$25 ( US$ 20 if you look around )
http://www.1999.co.jp/itbig11/10117367.jpg
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10117367
This is the RX 78 -2 the very first Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam TV show. And this is the brand new RG (real Grade) 1/144 model. It's based on the design of the 1/1 Giant Gundam they built in Japan, and it's just insane in the amount of detail. It has an inner frame (most 1/144 don't) and just a HUGE amount if pieces and mobility. Yours for just US$22,22. This is one Kit i want to buy as soon as possible.
So, this is just a small rundown of what to expect from this Hobby, i could go on but this post is already big enough. I apologize for it in advance, but i'll have to double post to avoid an EXTRA mess. i'll make a second post about my own kits and keep that updated.
So, please, use this thread to talk about the Hobby, and if you have any questions, i'll try to help as best as possible. :dance: