by: Gundamshop.com
Tools needed for this lesson:
X-Acto Knife
METAL Nail File
Gundam Model
Gundam kits come in three sizes - 1/144, 1/100, and 1/60 scale (small, medium and large). I find that the medium and large versions are better to handle in the assembly and paint departments.
When you are ready to begin your new kit, you'll want to clear a space big enough to lay out all of the stems (the stick-like rectangle with all of the parts). Take the plastic bags out and lay them down. Check to see if there are any loose pieces floating around. You want to be careful not to leave stray parts in the bag when you throw them out.
Ooooh, look at all the parts! Don't sweat it. It'll all be over before you know it.

Take out the full color instructions. Now, most Americans are fluent in both English and Japanese, but if you're not, no problem. Numbers are the universal language in your kit (1A snaps to 4A, 12B goes with 14B, etc
). Simple.

The stems are assigned letters that appear in the top left corner (A, B, C, D, etc.). I usually lay them out in order because you bounce from one stem to the next for each of the numbered steps. The only tools you will need for this project are a good X-Acto knife and an emery board (nail file).
Start with step one and work in order. When I started doing these kits, oh so long ago, I didn't even look at the instructions. Man, I wish I had those kits back so I could do them right! The illustrations are spectacular and everything is numbered.
When using your X-Acto knife, always cut away from yourself to avoid injury. When removing a part from the stem, be sure to cut as close to the part as possible in order to avoid unnecessary damage to the piece.
Use the emery board to file down excess flashing (excess stem). You'll start out with the arms, shoulders and hands, then legs, feet, head and torso. Most kits have really cool weapons such as huge shoulder cannons, pulse rifles, lasers and plenty of swords and shields. This one doesn't. The kit has a function called the Energy Multiplier, which is a simple battery pack and light. It requires two "N" size batteries, a staple among most Bandai products. Just follow the illustration and let there be light!





Now that steps one through thirty-seven are done, it's time for the big payoff: final assembly!

Well, it's been fun. I hope you've enjoyed our short time together. We'll be looking forward to seeing you on our next trip through the world of Gundam kit building.
If you have any questions regarding other Gundam kits that are available, contact the boys and girls at OUTER LIMITS @ (973) 340-9393. |