Welcome to the exciting world of Entry Grade Gundam! Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will take you through the ins and outs of Entry Grade Gundam, helping you make informed decisions and enjoy your Gundam experience to the fullest. So let’s jump right in, shall we?

What is Entry Grade Gundam?

Entry Grade Gundam is a line of Gundam model kits aimed at beginners and those looking for an easy, affordable, and enjoyable way to get into the hobby of building Gundam plastic models, also known as Gunpla. These kits are designed to be simple to assemble, with a focus on high-quality parts and color separation for a stunning finished product. The Entry Grade line is produced by the renowned Japanese company Bandai, known for their exceptional model kits and innovative designs.

A Brief History of Gundam and Gunpla

Before diving into the Entry Grade line, let’s take a brief look at the history of Gundam and Gunpla. The Gundam universe was born in 1979 with the release of the iconic anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate. The series introduced the world to the concept of giant humanoid robots, or “Mobile Suits,” piloted by humans in a futuristic, space-faring setting.

In 1980, Bandai released the first-ever Gundam plastic model kit, launching the Gunpla hobby that has since captured the hearts and minds of countless fans around the world. Over the years, Bandai has expanded its Gunpla line to cater to various skill levels and preferences, with the Entry Grade Gundam line being the perfect starting point for those new to the hobby.

Why Choose Entry Grade Gundam?

There are several reasons why Entry Grade Gundam kits make an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced Gunpla builders:

1. Ease of assembly: These kits are designed to be beginner-friendly, with easy-to-follow instructions and a simple snap-together assembly process that doesn’t require glue or paint.
2. Affordability: Entry Grade Gundam kits are usually priced lower than other Gunpla lines, making them a great option for those on a budget or looking to test the waters of the hobby.
3. Quality and detail: Despite their simplicity and lower price point, Entry Grade Gundam kits boast impressive color separation and detail, rivaling even some of the more advanced kits in terms of appearance.
4. Variety: The Entry Grade line includes a wide range of popular Gundam designs from various series, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Popular Entry Grade Gundam Kits

Now that you have an idea of what Entry Grade Gundam is all about, let’s explore some of the most popular kits available in the line.

1. Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam

Entry Grade RX-78-2 Gundam is the kit that started it all, based on the iconic protagonist Mobile Suit from the original Mobile Suit Gundam anime series. This kit is perfect for beginners, offering an enjoyable and straightforward building experience with minimal parts and excellent color separation. The finished model features impressive articulation, allowing you to recreate various poses from the series.

As my first gunpla kit this was very easy to build taking no more than 30mins (for me). I had all ready ordered a tool kit but you don’t need one for this as you can pop the parts from the runners. that said there are very small parts that can be tricky to put together, the head. other than that this is a very good kit and would Highly recommend it.

Patrick I.

2. Entry Grade Strike Gundam

For fans of the Gundam SEED series, the Entry Grade Strike Gundam is a fantastic choice. This kit is based on the main Mobile Suit piloted by Kira Yamato in the series, featuring sleek lines and sharp design elements. Like other Entry Grade kits, it boasts a straightforward assembly process with snap-together parts and impressive color separation. The Strike Gundam model also offers excellent articulation, allowing you to display it in a variety of dynamic poses.

Got this gunpla for my son to learn cause he watches me build a lot of them. Although this one had a single missing piece in it’s grid. Not a substantial loss but still a manufacturer defect to say the least. He still had fun building it. The missing piece is located at grid A1-9, an arm joint piece.

Hugo Gonzalez

3. Entry Grade Barbatos Lupus

If you’re a fan of the Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans series, the Entry Grade Barbatos Lupus is a must-have. This kit features the upgraded form of the Gundam Barbatos, piloted by Mikazuki Augus. The Barbatos Lupus boasts a distinctive design with a slim profile and a menacing, asymmetrical appearance. This Entry Grade kit provides a simple and enjoyable building experience, resulting in a detailed and highly poseable finished model.

I found the model to lack the details and overall fun building compared to other models but if you do put in the extra work and either paint the thing or even just do simple panel inking it can turn the whole thing from something lackluster to something on a whole different scale. So in the end its an easy build and lacks detail but can be worth it if you want it to be.

Da Big BOss

4. Entry Grade Zaku II

No Gundam collection is complete without the iconic antagonist Mobile Suit, the Zaku II. The Entry Grade Zaku II kit offers an affordable and accessible way to build this classic design from the original Mobile Suit Gundam series. This kit features the trademark mono-eye and rounded armor of the Zaku II, along with a simple yet detailed assembly process. The finished model offers great articulation, making it perfect for display alongside your other Gundam kits.

This is my first G undam model, and it is a great one for beginners. It toke me about an hour and a half to finish the model, but I enjoyed every minute of it. My only complaints are that the weapons do not fit well in the Zaku II’s hand, but they do work if your model two-hands it. The Heat Hawk Type5 (his axe) is not colored at all, just gray. Some of the pieces do not fit perfectly together, like there is a gap in the going down the middle of each of the lower legs.

Overall, I loved this thing. I just ordered another model, so this one got me hooked.

J – Great for Beginners

When evaluating Entry Grade Gundam kits, there are several key decision-making factors to consider. These factors can help you determine whether a particular kit is the right fit for your needs and preferences. Let’s take a look at these factors and how Entry Grade Gundam kits generally perform in each area:

1. Ease of Assembly: One of the main selling points of Entry Grade Gundam kits is their beginner-friendly nature. These kits are designed with a simple snap-together assembly process, requiring no glue or paint, making them perfect for newcomers to the hobby. In this area, Entry Grade Gundam kits excel, providing a straightforward and enjoyable building experience.
2. Affordability: Entry Grade Gundam kits are typically more budget-friendly compared to other Gunpla lines. This makes them an attractive option for those looking to test the waters of the hobby without investing too much upfront. In terms of affordability, Entry Grade Gundam kits perform well, offering a high-quality product at a lower price point.
3. Quality and Detail: Despite their lower price point and ease of assembly, Entry Grade Gundam kits do not compromise on quality or detail. These kits feature impressive color separation and part molding, rivaling even some of the more advanced kits in terms of appearance. In this aspect, Entry Grade Gundam kits perform admirably, providing a visually stunning finished product.
4. Articulation and Poseability: The ability to pose your completed Gundam model in various dynamic stances is an important consideration for many Gunpla enthusiasts. Entry Grade Gundam kits generally offer good articulation and poseability, allowing you to recreate iconic poses from the respective anime series or create your own unique displays. While some higher-grade kits may provide more advanced articulation, Entry Grade kits still perform well in this area, especially considering their ease of assembly and affordability.
5. Variety: The Entry Grade Gundam line includes a wide range of popular designs from various Gundam series, providing an appealing selection for builders with different tastes and preferences. While the variety may not be as extensive as some other Gunpla lines, Entry Grade Gundam kits still offer a diverse array of options, making them an attractive choice for those looking to explore different Gundam designs.

Building Your First Entry Grade Gundam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have a better understanding of the Entry Grade Gundam line and some popular kits to choose from, it’s time to get started on building your very first model. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you along the way:

1. Choose your kit: Pick an Entry Grade Gundam kit that appeals to you, whether it’s based on your favorite Gundam series or simply a design that catches your eye.
2. Gather your tools: While Entry Grade kits don’t require glue or paint, you’ll still need a few basic tools for the assembly process. These include a pair of plastic nippers for cutting parts from the runners, a hobby knife for cleaning up any excess plastic, and a pair of tweezers for applying any included stickers or decals.
3. Prepare your workspace: Set up a clean, well-lit workspace with enough room to lay out your parts and tools. This will make the building process more enjoyable and help prevent lost or damaged parts.
4. Follow the instructions: Carefully read the instructions included with your Entry Grade Gundam kit, paying close attention to the assembly order and orientation of parts. The instructions are usually in Japanese, but they are also highly visual and intuitive, making it easy to follow along even if you don’t understand the language.
5. Cut out and clean up parts: Use your plastic nippers to cut the parts from the runners, taking care not to damage the parts in the process. After removing a part, use your hobby knife to carefully clean up any remaining plastic nubs or imperfections.
6. Assemble your Gundam: Follow the instructions to snap the parts together, making sure they are securely connected and properly aligned. If you encounter any difficulty, take a moment to double-check the instructions and ensure you’re using the correct parts and assembly method.
7. Apply stickers and decals: If your Entry Grade Gundam kit includes stickers or decals, carefully apply them using tweezers to ensure proper placement and avoid fingerprints. Be patient during this step, as it may take some time to achieve the desired results.
8. Pose and display: Once your Gundam is fully assembled, take advantage of its articulation to pose it in a variety of dynamic stances. Find a suitable spot to display your completed model, where it can be admired and appreciated.
9. Share your creation: Don’t forget to share your completed Entry Grade Gundam with friends, family, or fellow Gunpla enthusiasts. Social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are great places to post pictures of your model and connect with others who share your passion for Gunpla.

Here’s a table of essential equipment and tools you’ll need for working with Entry Grade Gundam kits:

Equipment/Tool	Description	Purpose
Plastic Nippers	A specialized tool for cutting plastic parts from the sprue (runner)	To cleanly and accurately remove parts from the runners
Hobby Knife	A sharp knife with a replaceable blade, often used in model building and other crafts	To trim and clean up excess plastic nubs or imperfections left after cutting parts from the runners
Tweezers	A small tool with two arms that can be pinched together to pick up small objects	To apply stickers or decals with precision and avoid fingerprints
Cutting Mat	A self-healing mat that provides a protective surface for cutting	To protect your workspace and maintain the sharpness of your hobby knife
Sanding Tools (Optional)	Sanding sticks, sandpaper, or sanding sponges in various grits	To smooth out plastic nubs or imperfections after cutting and trimming parts
Gundam Markers (Optional)	Fine-tip markers designed specifically for use with Gunpla, available in various colors and types	To apply panel lining, small details, or touch-ups to your Entry Grade Gundam model

These tools will help you create a clean, well-assembled Entry Grade Gundam model, while also ensuring a more enjoyable and efficient building experience.

Taking Your Entry Grade Gundam to the Next Level

While EG Gundam kits are designed to be simple and beginner-friendly, there are still plenty of ways to enhance and customize your model if you’re looking to take your building skills to the next level. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Panel lining: Add depth and detail to your Entry Grade Gundam by applying panel lining. This can be done using fine-tip Gundam markers or panel lining washes, which help accentuate the various lines and grooves in your model’s armor.
2. Painting: While not required for Entry Grade kits, painting can add an extra layer of customization and detail to your model. Consider using acrylic or lacquer paints, along with an airbrush or fine-tipped paintbrushes, to apply custom color schemes or additional details.
3. Weathering: Give your Gundam a more realistic, battle-worn appearance by applying weathering techniques. This can be done using various methods, such as dry brushing, washes, or sponge chipping, to create the illusion of dirt, grime, and damage.
4. Customization: Unleash your creativity by customizing your Entry Grade Gundam with unique parts, weapons, or accessories from other Gunpla kits. This process, known as “kitbashing,” allows you to create a one-of-a-kind model that reflects your personal style and vision.

Expanding Your Gunpla Collection

After building your first Entry Grade Gundam, you might find yourself eager to explore the wider world of Gunpla. There are numerous other lines and grades to discover, each offering a unique building experience and varying levels of detail and complexity. Some popular options to consider include:

• High Grade (HG): Slightly more advanced than Entry Grade, High Grade kits offer more parts, greater detail, and increased articulation. These kits are still relatively easy to build and are a great next step for those looking to expand their Gunpla skills.
• Real Grade (RG): Known for their exceptional detail and articulation, Real Grade kits feature a unique inner frame system and a higher part count. These models are more challenging to build but provide a highly rewarding experience for dedicated builders.
• Master Grade (MG): With even greater complexity and detail, Master Grade kits are perfect for experienced Gunpla builders seeking a challenge. These kits often include additional gimmicks, such as LED lights or intricate mechanical parts.

List of all Entry Grade Gundam

As a Gunpla enthusiast, I’ve found a few manufacturer resources that have been incredibly helpful in my EG Gundam journey. Here are three of my personal favorites, which I believe will be beneficial for anyone looking to delve deeper into the world of EG Gundam:

1. Bandai Hobby Site: This is the official website for Bandai, the manufacturer of Gundam model kits. The site offers a wealth of information about various Gunpla lines, including Entry Grade. You’ll find detailed descriptions, images, and even tutorial videos to help you get started. In my experience, this is an invaluable resource for staying up-to-date on the latest Entry Grade Gundam releases and learning more about the kits directly from the source.
2. Bluefin Brands: Bluefin is the official distributor of Bandai products in North America, and their website offers a great resource for finding information on Entry Grade Gundam kits. On the site, you can browse through the available kits, view high-quality images, and read descriptions of each model. I’ve personally used this site to research and compare different Entry Grade kits before making a decision on which one to purchase.
3. Dalong.net: This is an unofficial Gunpla review site run by a dedicated fan, but it’s one of the most comprehensive resources I’ve come across. The site features in-depth reviews and images of a wide variety of Gundam kits, including Entry Grade. Although the site is primarily in Korean, you can use translation tools to navigate the content. I’ve found the detailed photographs of completed kits and their parts to be incredibly helpful in getting a better understanding of what to expect from each Entry Grade Gundam model.

I highly recommend checking out these resources if you’re considering purchasing an EG Gundam kit. They’ve been invaluable in my own decision-making process and have provided a wealth of information to enhance my Gunpla building experience.

In Conclusion

The world of EG Gundam offers a fun and accessible entry point into the vast universe of Gunpla. With their simple assembly, affordable price, and impressive quality, these kits are perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you’ll be well on your way to building your very own Gundam collection and enjoying the countless creative possibilities this hobby has to offer. Happy building!

FAQ

Do I need glue or paint for Entry Grade Gundam kits?

No, Entry Grade Gundam kits are designed to be assembled without the use of glue or paint. The parts are molded in multiple colors and snap together, providing impressive color separation and detail straight out of the box. However, you can still choose to paint or customize your model if you desire.

What tools do I need to build an Entry Grade Gundam kit?

To build an Entry Grade Gundam kit, you’ll need a few basic tools, such as plastic nippers for cutting parts from the runners, a hobby knife for cleaning up excess plastic, and tweezers for applying stickers or decals. Optionally, you may also want sanding tools for smoothing out plastic nubs and Gundam markers for panel lining or additional detailing.

Are Entry Grade Gundam kits suitable for children?

While Entry Grade Gundam kits are more beginner-friendly compared to other Gunpla lines, they still contain small parts and require a certain level of manual dexterity. Generally, these kits are recommended for ages 8 and up, but adult supervision and assistance may be necessary for younger children.

Can I customize my Entry Grade Gundam model?

Yes, you can certainly customize your Entry Grade Gundam model. While not required, you can add panel lining, paint, or weathering effects to enhance the appearance of your model. Additionally, you can try “kitbashing” by combining parts from different Gundam kits to create a unique and personalized design.

How do Entry Grade Gundam kits compare to other Gunpla lines?

Entry Grade Gundam kits are designed to be more accessible and affordable compared to other Gunpla lines, such as High Grade (HG), Real Grade (RG), or Master Grade (MG). While they may not offer the same level of detail or complexity as higher-grade kits, Entry Grade Gundam models still provide an impressive finished product with great color separation, detail, and articulation.