10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling: SD, HG, MG, PG

Welcome to the first series of "10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling: SD, HG, MH, PG". From my previous Hobby post, I've described more or less about Gundam in general. I've also included the size differences and the flexibility of each grades. So I'm gonna run through it again briefly. You can check out my Hobby post by clicking here.


Gundam models, which is also known as gunpla, refers to plastic and non-plastic model kits depicting the mecha (aka mechs or walking machines controlled by a pilot), vehicles and characters of the fictional Mobile Suit Gundam universe. These kits have become popular among anime-fans and model-lovers, especially in Japan and in other country nearby Asian countries since 1980s. The popularity of Gundam models increased in 1990s with North America and Europe being exposed to Gundam through television, video and manga. Among the 4 grades that are still in production right now are Super Deformed (SD), 1/144 High Grade (HG), 1/100 Master Grade and less but not least, the astonishing 1/60 Perfect Grade (PG).

Super Deformed (SD)
Not based on any particular scale, SD Gundam features comically-proportioned models, the most noticeable features of which are their very large heads. These kits are often very easy to construct but offer very limited possibility and require paint and detailing to truly "finish" the kit.

SD Hyper Captain Gundam



Ain't he cute?

High Grade (HG)
Later the quality of the molding improved and HG level kits were introduced in 1990. These kits were either at the 1:144 or 1:100 scale, provided for a better range of motion and were more poseable. From this line onwards, parts were given in multiple colours even if they are on one frame. There were need for little painting and detailing

HG Infinite Justice Gundam

Master Grade (MG)
1:100 kits, MG models were first introduced in the summer of 1995. These are designed and produced to higher standards than most other models, with corresponding superior quality. Appropriately, these take much longer to construct and can easily cost a lot more. MG models are very presentable even straight from the box, but like previous grades can be improved through further detailing and painting. A notable design difference from earlier grades is that MG models are supported by a detailed internal "skeleton", (also known as "inner frame system") whereas lower quality models have no such feature. These may require screws and usually come with decals.

MG Gundam MK-II RX-178

Perfect Grade (PG)
1:60 kits, PG (Perfect Grade) kits are unmatched in sheer quality. First released in late 1998, these are made of even higher quality plastic and metal components than the MG kits. These kits include parts that have to be secured with screws, and often require some minor wiring for small LEDs. The market for the Perfect Grade models is limited due to their high cost, costing at least RM600 to as high as RM 1000 or more. Highly-complex design makes PG models a true challenge and their construction can take a few days.

PG Strike Gundam. In-set: The inner frame for PG Strike Gundam.

See how beautiful it is.

Hope you guys got a rough idea about Gundam now. "10 Basic Things You Should Know About Gundam Modeling" will continue soon. You can access all 10 series by clicking at the label once I update all 10 series.