The Beginner's Model Kit Guide: Part 1
Thinking about building your first model kit? This beginner-friendly guide will help you choose the right brand to get started. We’re focusing on three standout names—Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya, and Good Smile Company—each known for their accessible snap-fit kits, exciting designs, and wide availability. If you’re new to anime, sci-fi, or character models, this is the perfect place to begin.
Key Information for Beginners
So what makes these modern kits so accessible? The best news for new builders is that they share two revolutionary features:
- Snap-Fit Construction: This means no messy glue is required. The parts are engineered to precisely snap together.
- Molded in Color: The parts come in various colors right out of the box, so painting is entirely optional to get a great-looking result.
To get started, all you really need is a simple hobby nipper and some patience!
1. Bandai Hobby
Among all model kit makers, Bandai is the most recognized name—especially for Gunpla (Gundam plastic models). Let’s explore the different grades and what they offer:
Gunpla Grade Breakdown
Entry Grade (EG)
Scale: 1/144
Best For: First-Timers
Highlights: Stress-free intro: just twist the parts off and enjoy your first build in minutes
Difficulty: ⭐
High Grade (HG)
Scale: 1/144
Best For: Beginners
Highlights: Huge variety, great value & quality
Difficulty: ⭐⭐
Master Grade (MG)
Scale: 1/100
Best For: Intermediate
Highlights: Full inner frame, fantastic engineering
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐
Real Grade (RG)
Scale: 1/144
Best For: Experienced
Highlights: MG-level detail with the added challenge of tiny parts
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perfect Grade (PG)
Scale: 1/60
Best For: Dedicated Fans
Highlights: Ultimate size, detail, and complexity
Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pro-Tip: How to Choose a Modern High Grade Kit
The High Grade (HG) line has evolved significantly over the decades. While older kits—particularly those released before 2010—tend to feature simpler construction and fewer parts, many of them are still considered decent by today’s standards. If you like a particular mobile suit design, even an older HG kit can still be a satisfying build.
That said, modern HG kits benefit from improved engineering, better articulation, and more accurate color separation, making them especially beginner-friendly. As a general guideline for choosing a modern and beginner-friendly HG kit, look for kits numbered #190 or higher in the unified HG series numbering, which applies across multiple sub-lines including:
- HGUC (Universal Century): RX-78-2, Unicorn, Nu Gundam
- HGCE (Cosmic Era): Gundam SEED & SEED Destiny
- HGAC (After Colony): Gundam Wing
Here’s what to look for on the side of the box:
Note: You don’t need to worry about this when it comes to newer sub-lines like HGIBO (Iron-Blooded Orphans) or HGWFM (The Witch from Mercury). These kits were made in the modern era and are already beginner-friendly by design.
Other Popular Bandai Lines
- Figure-rise Standard (⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐): Poseable characters from series like Dragon Ball & Kamen Rider.
- 30MM (30 Minutes Missions) (⭐⭐): Original mecha designed for rapid, customizable building.
- 30MS (30 Minutes Sisters) (⭐⭐): Mecha-girl counterparts to 30MM with full cross-compatibility.
- 30MF (30 Minutes Fantasy) (⭐⭐): A new line of fantasy characters using the same quick-build system.
- Pokémon Plamo Collection (⭐): Cute, simple, and perfect for all ages.
- One Piece Grand Ship Collection (⭐–⭐⭐): Easy-to-build, detailed ships from the iconic anime.
2. Kotobukiya
Kotobukiya is the brand of choice for builders who love customization and unique designs, especially their famous "mecha-girl" lines (usually standing between 14 to 18 cm tall) and licensed video game kits.
One of Kotobukiya’s biggest strengths is its shared ecosystem. Most of their original mecha and mecha-girl kits use a standardized 3mm peg system, enabling cross-compatibility between product lines. Builders can freely mix and match armor, weapons, and accessories from Frame Arms, Megami Device, and the M.S.G. (Modeling Support Goods) catalog for endless customization.
- Frame Arms / Frame Arms Girl (⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐): Original mecha and mecha-girl kits built around a shared inner frame, ideal for creative customization.
- Megami Device (⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐): Sci-fi girls with sleek armor, often designed by guest artists.
- ARCANADEA (⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐): Fantasy-themed girls with demonic or angelic motifs.
- M.S.G. (Modeling Support Goods) (⭐⭐): A massive arsenal of weapons, hands, and parts to customize any kit.
- Game Series Kits (⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐): High-detail character and mech kits from games like ARMORED CORE and Mega Man.
3. Good Smile Company
Widely recognized for their Nendoroid and scale figures, Good Smile Company (GSC) also produces high-quality plastic model kits. These kits focus on popular mecha and characters from both classic and modern anime—often series not covered by other brands.
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MODEROID (⭐⭐): A growing line of snap-fit mecha kits from titles like Gurren Lagann, Patlabor, GaoGaiGar, and more. These kits are beginner-friendly and come molded in color with good articulation and dynamic designs.
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PLAMATEA (⭐⭐): A newer series of articulated model kits based on anime-style characters. Think of it as a blend between scale figure aesthetics and plamo flexibility.
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ACT MODE (⭐⭐): A hybrid that combines a fully painted action figure with optional model-kit parts for weapons or gear. Great for collectors who want a figure feel with some hands-on building fun.
Your Next Step
Feeling ready? Remember, the most important rule in model building is to pick a design that truly excites you. Your passion for the character or mecha will be the best fuel to carry you through your build and make it an unforgettable experience.
As an authorized retailer for Bandai, Kotobukiya, and Good Smile Company, we guarantee every kit is authentic, sourced directly from the manufacturer or an official distributor. Shop with confidence, knowing you're receiving a 100% genuine product!
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