So I had an opportunity, thanks to IPMS Usa and Hobbytyme to build a Gundam, suit. I have seen them become more and more popular over the years and the local hobby stores have rows of them, so I was curious as I do not limit my modeling to one genre. First, what is Gundam? Gundam is a Japanese military science fiction media and features giant robots called Gundam’s. It started in 1979 and has spread to movies, TV shows, manga, novels, video games as well as of course models.

The subject of this review is from the movie Mobile Suit Gundam Wing Endless Waltz special edition released in 1998. They remind me of Pacific Rim which also featured large, cool giant robots.

Inside the box you will find 14 sprues in colors ranging from white, to gray to metallic to blue and a sprue which also is molded in 5 colors. Molding is great and there is no flash. There are about 362 parts.

There is also a great color 24-page instruction set which goes part by part and step by set in the assembly. There are also a series of color instructions in the middle on how to configure the finalized kit into one of several modes based on the movie. The end of the instructions also show how to attach the weapons (two large guns, a shield, and/or two light swords either deployed or stowed.

The instructions are built in subassemblies including the head, chest, arms, legs, waist/backpack, wings and weapons.

The first thing you should do is read the bottom of the second page which covers the symbols for construction. These show things like assemble the part later, both sides use identical parts and the like. The assembly instructions are pictorials with minimal commentary. They are very well illustrated.

Assembly is straightforward so I will hit the highlights. First, you will be jumping back and forth between sprue letters so sorting them will save time. Some parts are silver blue and white, and the parts are on three sprues so make your life simple and sort the sprues. Second, there are lots of sprue attachment points and the model is articulated. A good pair of sprue cutters will save time and make movement free. Third, I used fine sanding sticks to get rid of any remaining nibs. Unfortunately, this left a flat surface, so I tried to minimize it. I did coat with glue to gloss back up. Thirdly, follow the instructions, they work. I have built hundreds of planes, etc. and rarely follow instructions but these are well designed and are sequential. I missed a step and had to go back three steps and pry things apart due to my error. Lastly, if a part does not fit, STOP and go back. It means you have screwed up. The parts fit is superb. I had a knee joint backward and when I fixed it, click, part fit perfectly.

I will recommend not assembling until the stickers are added and there are a lot. I placed them and smoothed into place with a wet Q-tip and they pretty much disappeared.

Once done, you can assemble the parts into the final figure, and you’re done. You can buy a display stand for it but it will stand on its own. This was a real blast to make (and the grand kids are happy I built something they know.). Go find one and thy it for a nice, fun relaxing build.

My thanks to Bandai and Hobbytyme for the review kit and for IPMS USA for the opportunity to build it.