Hello and welcome!

I assume you're here because you're either a beginner or intermediate Gundam modeler. If you're an expert please leave some of your own tips and it never hurts to improve.

The purpose of this little guide is simple, a (perhaps ill advised) attempt to pass along the modeling experience I've slowly developed over the years to those looking to hop in or even improve their future kits. It's important to remember, as the title suggests, I'm as average and run of the mill as you can get at this sort of thing. I can't recall when I built my first kit, but it was probably around 1999 and boy does it look horrible. Since then I've slowly improved by trying new things with every kit.

The most important thing a gunpla builder can do is to take their time and enjoy the work that goes into crafting a suit. If you're not looking to spend a little time and enjoy a bit of arts and crafts while working with your hands then this might not be for you. If you're looking to experience and understand the the design, features, and functionality of a mecha design then you're in the right place.

Oh, remember that kits can reflect your personality. So put as much time into them as you like, try new things, and you'll get the most out of the kits. So, let's get started...

The Basics

Buying Kits & Their Levels - Not sure where to buy? What's a good price? HG/MG/PG/WTFG?

Basic Build Equipment - Both the basic and slightly more advanced tools that will help your project run smoothly.

Zero Paint Construction Guide - Great for first timers, all the information you need to build your Gunpla up right out of the box.

Detailing Equipment - Tools of the trade for the basic liner

Detail Line Guide - Information on how to drastically improve the look of your kit by simply filling in those pesky detail lines

Decals & Stickers - Some people like them, some people don't, here's how to apply them and mask their presence.

Top Coat Guide - There's no easier way to make your Gundam stand out than to apply a good top coat. Here's the quick and dirty.

Bases & Poses - Action poses! Detailed environments! Cows!

One Step Further...

Painting Equipment - If you're looking to paint, whether just the detail lines or the whole kit, held within are tidbits which might interest.

Airbrushing Guide - If you're interested in painting your kit with it's original colors or attempting your own color scheme this is the guide you're looking for. (To be used in conjunction with the Zero Paint guide.

Spray Cans as an Alternate? - Spray cans are simpler to use than an airbrush, but have some downsides.

Mini Thrusters - Add some quick and easy detail to your kit by adding some mini thrusters with IC sockets.

Dry Brushing Tutorial

Weathering Guide - Because sometimes a Gundam just has to get dirty. [Under Construction]

Miscellaneous Equipment - All of the random, other pieces of equipment that I like to keep around.

Paint Review - A look at some of the paints I've used and how they turned out. [Under Construction]

Sig Super Stripe - Want to add stripes to your kit? Don't feel like masking and painting? Check out this specialty product.

Miscellaneous Tricks & Tips - Little tricks & tips that make my life easier. Including using Super Glue to tighten joints and putty to mask thrusters.

Other Fun Bits

Recommended Sites - There are a lot of a great sites out there for news, reviews, and other great build guides. Here are the ones I highly recommend.

My Projects - Reviews of some of the kits I've worked on plus the trials and tribulations of trying new things. Includes a bit of info on projects I'm currently working on.

Updates
07/20/10 - Finally added info on using IC sockets for thrusters
05/22/10 - Added info on Sig Super Stripe
02/21/10 - Added Misc Tricks & Tips
01/05/10 - Finally got around to finishing my dry brushing guide.
03/06/09 - Realized that these linked to the pics, not the reviews. Fixed.
06/05/09 - Added Recommended Sites to the guide. Various minor image and content updates (like adding the Updates section). Also added the My Projects section.
16/08/09 - Added a review of my Soviet Gouf Custom project
06/10/09 - Added project page for Zombie Nemos