What are Gundams?

Gundam (its actually an acronym) is a anime series that originated in Japan in the early 1980s. The series features large scale mecha called Gundams which are used as war machines.

Gundam has a huge fanbase. Bandai decided to release plastic kits of Gundams from practically every single series. Building these Gundam models is known as Gunpla. Gundams come in many forms and scales. Here is a list:
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1/144- This is the smallest scale you can build. These models are usually 5 inches tall and are limited on detail. They are still nice, but they are much smaller than their counterparts. 1/144 price ranges vary from $5-$25.

1/100- These guys are a bit larger, and contain more detail. Older kits are "HG", or High Grade. These contain lots of detail, but they still are not the cream of the crop. Newer 1/100 models are "MG", or Master Grade. These contain loads of detail. 1/100s stand about 7-9 inches tall, and the price range varies from $25-$100. I build MG because it is within my price range.

1/60- The biggest Gundam models Bandai offers. 1/60 is reserved exclusively for the Perfect Grade series. Perfect articulation- perfect detail. These models are the cream of the crop. They range in price $200 up. If I recall correctly, they stand over 16 inches tall, some even taller!
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I recommend choosing the scale that suits your budget best. I got tired of 1/144 and moved onto higher detail 1/100s. Now I almost exclusively build MG because I am a detail whore, and the kits are not proving to be a problem for me. Remember though: the more detail, the more time it will take to complete the kit! Here are some of the kits I am looking into...