[For Beginners] Introduction to the Necessary and Useful Tools for Gunpla Construction

It's been quite some time since the term "time at home" became popular.
Various "Home timeOne use of the word that has suddenly become popular is...that's right, "Gunpla."
Gundam plastic models continue to fascinate many people...their popularity has suddenly doubled recently, and it seems that more and more people are entering the world of Gundam model kits.

So, this time I would like to introduce some tools that you should prepare when building Gunpla and some useful equipment that you should have.

Essential tools for building Gunpla

Here are the tools you absolutely need to build Gunpla!
Nippers! That's it!

I'm not kidding, all you really need to build a modern Gunpla is a pair of nippers.
So, if you just buy your favorite Gundam model and start assembling it, you won't need anything else other than a pair of nippers.

There are some entry-grade Gunpla models that do not require nippers, but we have excluded them this time.
This applies to standard grades such as HG and RG.

Gunpla building tools [Nippers: Required]

As mentioned above, this is an essential part for Gunpla production.Nippers"is.

It is used to remove each part from the runner, but some parts are "Why can't I use scissors?""What about the cutter?""Isn't it something you can tear by hand?" Some people ask.
Strictly speaking, it's not bad, butDo not tear it by hand), it is difficult to cleanly remove parts from the runner using scissors or a cutter. In fact, it is nearly impossible.
*Processing the runner or gate is extremely difficult.

So I recommend buying something good rather than something cheap.
[amazonjs asin=”B0131XZ92G” locale=”JP” title=”Tamiya Craft Tool Series No. 35 Thin-Blade Nippers 74035″]

There is a somewhat specialized tool called a single-edged nipper, but for now, let's prepare a pair of regular nippers.

Useful things to have when building Gunpla

From here on, we will introduce the following points when building Gunpla:It's useful to have'We will introduce you to something called'.
Although it is not essential for production, it is used to improve work efficiency and the finish of the finished product.

Design knife [for gate processing]

With one tool, you can use it for a variety of tasks, such as processing gates on parts separated from runners, removing decals, and processing parting lines (burrs that form when parts are molded).

There is no problem using a cutter knife, but the angle of the blade and the shape of the handle make it more suitable for building Gunpla than a cutter knife.
If you're unsure, just try "Tamiya design knifeI think it would be a good idea to select ".
There are plenty of replacement blades so you can keep using it for a while!

[amazonjs asin="B01LZ0CPB7" locale="JP" title="Tamiya Craft Tool Series No. 20 Design Knife for Plastic Model Kits 74020"]

File [for processing various areas]

This is also a useful file to have.
It can be used for a variety of sanding purposes, such as finishing rough areas cut with pliers or sanding fine details.
The large files sold at home improvement stores are difficult to use on Gunpla, so it's a good idea to stock up on model stick files from brands like Tamiya.

[amazonjs asin=”B00CE3L96K” locale=”JP” title=”Tamiya Craft Tool Series No. 104 Basic File Set (Fine, Double Cut) 74104″]

Nail file [glass nail file]

A nail file alone cannot cover everything, but if you use it in conjunction with the bar file mentioned above, you can perform more detailed polishing work.
However, since it is made of glass and has a large cutting surface, it cannot be used in small areas.
Primarily used for finishing large surfaces and gate processing.

[amazonjs asin=”B018RTNJEO” locale=”JP” title=”Czech Artisan-Finished Glass Nail File, 90mm, Double-Sided, Pink (Includes Clear Soft Case)”]

A useful tool for adding details

From here on, we will introduce some useful tools for building Gunpla that go one step beyond simple assembly.
By the way, adding details here refers to processing that is done in addition to the basic assembly, such as engraving grooves, applying decals, and processing moldings.
*Additional detail includes applying the included decals.

Chisel for carving lines (for adding details)

▲Combination of chisel and grip for digging grooves
It is used to process molds in various parts of Gunpla and to carve new lines (molds) into parts.
There are many different thicknesses of blade, so choose a chisel that is appropriate for your application.
To engrave grooves on a 1/144 scale Gundam model, it is best to choose a blade that is around 0.15mm to 0.2mm, and for 1/100 and above, it is best to choose a blade that is 0.2mm or thicker.
※You can choose the thickness according to your preference.

In this way, molds can be added to areas where there is none during the production stage, increasing the expressiveness of Gunpla.
Once you get used to it, you can try engraving the grooves.
In the beginningGrip + 1-2 cutting edgesI think it would be good to have it.
Choose the cutting edge depending on the kit you are making.

Wave Hobby Tool Series HG Micro Chisel (0.15mm Blade Width) Hobby Tool HT-548
[amazonjs asin="B0757HWRJ6" locale="JP" title="Wave Hobby Tool Series HG Micro Chisel with Dedicated Grip, Red, for Plastic Model Kits, HT550"]

Line tape for carving lines [As a guide when carving lines]

How do I draw straight carving lines?
If you carve it freehand, the lines will end up being uneven, right?
In such cases, use this line tape.
By sticking it to the Gunpla body, it functions as a guide for engraving lines.
If you want to add a fair number of molds, you will use a lot of tape, so it might be a good idea to keep some on hand.

[amazonjs asin="B00B8GQRHK" locale="JP" title="Guide tape for groove cutting, 3mm (30m roll)"]

Pin vise + drill or spin blade (for adding details)

In addition to engraving, it is also recommended to prepare a drill or spin blade to add details.
The part that connects the metal plates isrivetIt is used to hammer in rivets-like objects called "rivets," and to create the appearance of rivets.
Drill and blade tips come in a variety of sizes, but it's a good idea to have a few that are around 1mm to 3mm in size.
It is convenient to choose a pin vise that can be fitted with multiple cutting edges.

▲First, choose one that allows you to change the hole diameter.

[amazonjs asin="B0177F53JI" locale="JP" title="GodHand Spin Blade 5-Piece Set for Plastic Model Kits GH-SB-1-3"]
[amazonjs asin="B000T4D0XQ" locale="JP" title="ANEX Rubber Grip Retractable Pin Vise No. 98-R"]

Shading paint plus enamel paint solvent [Recommended to purchase as a set]

This is the paint that is poured into areas that have been engraved or molded.
It is as smooth as water, so rather than simply painting it on, you pour it into the gaps and let it penetrate.
"スミAlthough the name is "black," there are many other colors of inking paint available, so choose a paint that matches the color of the parts. Black is a safe bet.

[amazonjs asin=”B005CTJUVE” locale=”JP” title=”Tamiya Ink Paint 40ml Black 87131-000″]

Also, when shading, paint may get on the outside of the mold.
In such cases, you can remove paint from unwanted areas by applying enamel solvent to a cotton swab and gently running the swab over the area.
It's a good idea to have it on hand along with shading paint.

[amazonjs asin=”B001AI4L0Q” locale=”JP” title=”Tamiya Color Enamel X-20 Solvent Large Bottle”]

Tweezers (for applying decals)

Used to apply water transfer decals.
You can probably get by without them, but you'll need to pick up some pretty small objects, so having tweezers will make the job go much faster.
There are pointed and rounded types, but either is fine if you're just applying decals.
If I had to say, maybe a pointed tip would be easier to use?

[amazonjs asin=”B00NOFDPW8″ locale=”JP” title=”Tamiya Craft Tool Series No. 3 Long-Neck Tweezers 74003″]

Not essential but useful to have 【Improve work efficiency】

We will introduce some items that you don't need to have when building Gunpla or that can be substituted with other items.
Having these items will make a difference in your work efficiency, so be sure to collect them according to your preferences.

Parts opener [Used to remove assembled parts]

This is a tool used to remove parts that have been assembled incorrectly.
The metal part at the end is inserted into the joint between the parts and twisted to separate the parts.
In most cases, you probably won't need to disassemble the individual parts after assembly, but you may need to use it if you want to paint the entire model.

[amazonjs asin=”B0071GZXQC” locale=”JP” title=”Wave Parts Opener HT196″]

Mark Setter [For decal adhesion and bonding]

Used to firmly adhere decals to Gunpla.
Water transfer decals can be applied using only water, but if you want the decals to stick more firmly, you should use a mark setter.

[amazonjs asin=”B000VG8L2C” locale=”JP” title=”Mr. Mark Setter MS232″]

Nipper cap [for protecting the cutting edge of nippers]

The cutting edge of nippers requires careful handling as well as storage.
This is especially noticeable when using thin-bladed nippers, as the cutting edge can chip even if dropped from a small height or moved around in the toolbox.
The nipper cover protects it.
It's easy to use; just place it over the blades of your nippers.

If you are using expensive nippers, be sure to store them with special care.

[amazonjs asin="B00X9MOWUA" locale="JP" title="GodHand Nipper Cap GH-NC1"]

Sorting tray [Used for sorting plastic model parts]

Used to sort parts that have been separated from the runner.
There are several dividers inside, and by combining the dividers you can sort various parts, large and small.

There is also a divider on the underside of the lid, so you can store small items to prevent them from flying away while you work.

This one item is enough to store all the parts of a Gundam model kit like an HG, so it might be useful to have one if you like to separate parts from the runner all at once.

[amazonjs asin="B077K7VY3K" locale="JP" title="Plamo Improvement Committee Sorting Tray for Plastic Models, 2-Pack, Hobby Tool PMKJ004W"]

Toolbox [For storing your growing collection of tools]

I use a Tamiya toolbox for Mini 4WD.
When opened, it has three tiers, so you can't put tall items in it, but you can easily store a certain amount of tools.

As you paint, the number of paint bottles will increase and your toolbox will no longer be able to handle them all, but I think this is perfect for people who are just starting to build Gunpla and are thinking about doing a little modification.

[amazonjs asin=”B001JCN2VW” locale=”JP” title=”Tamiya GP.354 Mini 4WD PRO Racer's Box 15354 (Upgrade Parts Series No. 354)”]

Gradually increase your tools to suit what you want to do.

We have introduced various tools so far, but it is possible to build Gunpla without all of them.
First, build one Gunpla model, whether it's HG, RG, or MG, or any grade, and then add any tools you feel you need.
I want to modify it, paint it, improve its expressiveness...
I think the best thing to do is to think about what you need right now and then buy the tools you need.