First timers might be wondering where exactly to start. Bandai, the largest producer of Gundam (and other series' kits) offers a huge selection that spans both model designs as well as size & details. The best place to start is really with an understanding of Bandai's grade system and what they represent...

* Grade

No Grade - As basic as you can get in terms of model construction and detail. Great for younger modelers looking. These generally build quickly and are more resistant to play & abuse. While containing the least amount of pieces, they remain small and not for little children.

High Grade - High grade kits can be considered a mid tier between with average detailing and potability. If this is your first kit, and you're looking to make something that looks great, then this is probably the best place to start. In a lot of kits you're hard pressed to find a lot exterior detail differences between a High Grade and a Master Grade kit.

Master Grade - While more expensive than HG kits, Master Grade's are generally a bit bigger and have a lot more detail. Much of that detail is within the model's normal exterior. Parts under the general armor will be molded with wires, pistons, gears, and whatever random parts make up a Gundam's internals. MG kits are generally more flexible and often come with better accessories and on-body features.

Perfect Grade - The big daddy of the general market kits, PG;s feature the highest level of possibility and detail although not often far removed from MG and HG levels. What they're most known for, other than size, are their light up eyes. PG's also contain the greatest amount of parts, and in turn, require the most time to build.

Understand that individual kit quality can be hit or miss sometimes. Don't be surprised if a HG kit you have is more sturdy than a MG of a similar variant.

There are other grades but they're less common and I'm too lazy to go into them right now. Examples include Jumbo Grade (big plastic toy) and First Grade (for people who really suck and/or think their grandkids are mentally retarded.

Note that I also said "generally" and "usually" a lot. I wish I could speak in exacts but Bandai doesn't all ways produce kits that way.

For more information on all of the grades, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpla

Size

Gunpla kits come in various sizes where, for the most part, they are proportionate to their real scale (in imaginary anime land) and to other suits.

In order from smallest to largest 1/144, 1/100, and 1/60. I'll have a picture to illustrate this whenever I find it, someone gives it to me, or I get off my ass and take one.

Where to Shop

The simple answer is wherever you can get a good deal. Online, at conventions, or even your own local hobby shop. They can be reclusive, but excelent.

I buy a lot of my kits at local hobby shops. It helps support the local economy and people who sell Gundam's and other model kits are a dying breed. The one downside is that prices can fluctuate a lot and tend to be higher than buying online. Before I buy I compare the shop's prices with those of online stores to make sure it's a fair deal. Don't forget to include the cost of shipping and the personal cost that comes with purchasing convenience.

If you're looking to buy online (many have to do the rarity of Gunpla stocked shelves) here are a few reputable sites...

Gundam Store & More: http://gundamstoreandmore.com/ (USA)

Operation Gundam: http://operationgundam.com/ (USA)

Gundam Shop: http://www.gundamshop.com/ (USA)

Pla: http://plajapan.com/ (USA)

Hobby Link Japan: http://www.hlj.com/ (Japan)

Rainbow Ten: http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/english/ (Japan)

The following is a list of stores, I believe written by someone on /toy/. I can't take credit (or blame :D ) for anything on the list. :D

It needs to be noted that HobbyWave has $10 flat shipping no matter what you order. A great deal if you're thinking of making a large purchase.

eBay is also a great site since there are a lot of full time sellers and the random person wanting to off load something they haven't built. Just be sure to watch for over the top shipping costs and sellers with bad ratings.