Building my first Gundam model

For some time now, I have been meaning to buy a small, inexpensive Gundam model to build. Not only have I found Mobile Suits increasingly awesome after playing Dynasty Warriors: Gundam, it seemed like the logical step from building with Technic and Bionicle sets as a kid. Fortunately for me, my friend was also into building Gundam models (or "Gunpla"), and we decided to go to our local hobby store together to check out the selection.

When I got there, I was wowed. Not only had they rearranged significantly from the last time I had gone, they made some changes in the stock on hand. Sure, certain things (the tiny models, and "eraser" markers) were now gone, but there were some things there that literally could not have been before, since they were only released last year. There were two things at first that jumped out at me.

The first was a 1:144 "High Grade Reconguista in G" model of the CAMS-05 Mack Knife. This seemed like a good choice for several reasons. First, it was the least expensive Gunpla in the store (not counting accessory packs and the "BB Warriors"), which was a major factor for me. Second, its outwardly simple, streamlined design implied a slightly easier construction job, which was good seeing as my only previous model-building experience was the Robin from Custom Robo. Third, it came with a stand, which was good since its pointy feet meant that standing it up would be next to impossible. (A fourth, minor consideration is that it reminded me a heck of a lot of the Orbital Frame Jehuty from Zone of the Enders.)

The second was also 1:144 scale, a "High Grade Build Fighters" model of the KUMA-F Beargguy F. This stuck out to me more due to its unusual design, and I immediately thought that it would make a good present for my girlfriend (who loves bears, especially tiny cute ones). Its price point, while not excessive, prevented me from buying it at this time.

The third, which I only found after a long and fruitless search for the MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam, was the WD-M01 ∀ Gundam (or "Turn A Gundam"). Not only was this one at a reasonable price point, it was a Mobile Suit that I had grown to like recently, thanks to playing it in Dynasty Warriors: Gundam. The disadvantages were its lack of an included stand, and its potential complexity; however, in addition to various weapons, it came with interchangeable hands - something the Mack Knife was sorely missing. I decided to get this, and after taking it home and working feverishly for about three and a half hours, I had built my first Gundam model.

When it was done, I realized several things. First, it would look a lot better with some simple paint accenting the various lines and grooves all over the body; this was partly done, after a big mess and a ton of cotton balls and rubbing alcohol. Second, the gun it came with was a waste of time; not only did it look crappy without the stickers (which I lack the dexterity or patience to put on), it couldn't hold it securely with both hands.

Overall, this was a great experience, but next time I'll be trying the tiny models my nearby bookstore has. Not only are these cheaper, they'll take up less space; if they look and move decently, I may use them exclusively.

Mobile Suits I want to eventually build:

• RGM-79 GM
• RGM-79G GM Command
• Musha Gundam (if only...)
• RB-79 Ball
• XXXG-00W0 Wing Gundam Zero