Ever stare at a shelf overflowing with Gunpla kits and feel a little lost? Especially when you’re a fan of the raw, gritty world of Iron Blooded Orphans, where mobile suits are more than just machines, they’re survivors. Picking the perfect IBO kit can be a real challenge. You want a model that captures the spirit of Mikazuki’s Barbatos or the imposing presence of a Graze, but with so many variations and grades, where do you even start?
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll dive deep into what makes an IBO kit special and help you understand the differences between them. You’ll learn how to spot the best kits for your skill level and budget, and discover which mobile suits truly stand out.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in choosing your next Iron Blooded Orphans Gunpla project. Get ready to build a mobile suit that’s as iconic as the series itself!
Top Iron Blooded Orphans Kit Recommendations
- From the 2015 animated TV series, "Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans," one of the 300 year old Gundam machines originally from the Calamity War appears as an articulated model kit!
- Includes mace, sword, and alternate arm parts to recreate its 1st form appearance in the TV series
- Can utilize armor and weapons from sold separately option part sets and also other kits in the High Grade Iron-Blooded Oprhans series
- Runner x 7, sticker x 1, Instruction Manual x1
- Comes with: Saber, Rifle, Two handguns, Foil stickers, Instructions
- Part of: Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans series
- Scale: 1/144
- Made from: PS, PE, PVC
- Wonderful collectable assembly kit in plastic, with great attention to detail.Glue is not required for assembly.
- Original Bandai product.
- The product is sold in the original packaging.
- Gundam Barbatos Lupus has finally joined the MG lineup as long-awaited release!
- Festures dynamic posing, updated shoulder joints, and improved waist motion for enhanced flexibility
- [Includes] Sword Mace x 1, Twin Mace x 1 set, 200mm (7.87") Arm-Mounted Cannons x 2, Figures x 2 types, Joint parts x 1 set, Finger parts x 1 set, Stickers x 2 types
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label which is proof you are purchasing an officially licensed product
- This Mobile Suit is piloted by McGillis Fareed and is used to support Tekkadan while also trying to take over corrupt Gjallarhorn
- Frame has been faithfully reproduced and allows removal and attachment of outer armor pieces
- Runner x6, Instruction Manual x1
- Only product with affixed official Bluefin and Bandai Namco label has been thoroughly tested for safety and meets all North American consumer product safety regulations and entitles the purchaser to product support assistance
- Includes rifle, battle axe and shooting claw
- Runner x 7, sticker x 1, Instruction Manual x1
- Approximately 5" tall
- Stunning plastic collectible assembly kit with great attention to detail. No glue required for installation
- Original BANDAI product
- The product is sold in the original packaging
Your Guide to the Iron-Blooded Orphans Kit
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans? This kit brings the epic battles and incredible mechs from the anime right to your fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just starting, this guide will help you pick the perfect Iron-Blooded Orphans kit.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re choosing an Iron-Blooded Orphans kit, keep these important features in mind.
High-Quality Plastic
The best kits use strong, durable plastic. This plastic holds together well and looks great. You want plastic that’s easy to cut from the sprues (the frames holding the parts) and doesn’t feel brittle.
Detailed Parts
Look for kits with lots of small, well-defined parts. These details make the finished model look more realistic and impressive. Think about things like panel lines on the armor and tiny mechanical bits.
Easy Assembly
Good kits are designed for smooth building. The parts should fit together snugly without needing too much glue or forcing. Instructions should be clear and easy to follow.
Articulation and Posing
Gundam kits are all about posing! Check how many moving joints the kit has. More joints mean you can pose your Gundam in all sorts of dynamic action stances. This makes displaying your finished model much more fun.
Color Separation
The best kits have parts molded in different colors. This means you don’t have to paint as much, or at all, to get a great-looking model. The colors should be vibrant and match the anime.
Important Materials
Most Iron-Blooded Orphans kits are made from polystyrene plastic. This is the standard material for model kits. It’s easy to work with, can be glued, and can even be painted if you want to customize your model.
What Makes a Kit Great (or Not So Great)?
Several things can make an Iron-Blooded Orphans kit stand out.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Precise Molding: When the factory makes the plastic parts very accurately, they fit together perfectly. This makes building easier and the final model look cleaner.
- Good Instructions: Clear, step-by-step instructions are a lifesaver. They use diagrams and numbers to show you exactly where each piece goes.
- Solid Joints: Moving parts, like the elbows and knees, should be strong. They shouldn’t feel loose or wobbly. This helps your model hold its pose.
- Optional Parts: Some kits come with extra weapons or accessories. This lets you change up your Gundam’s look or recreate different scenes from the show.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Flash: This is extra plastic that sticks to the main parts. You have to cut it off, and it can sometimes be hard to remove cleanly.
- Mold Lines: These are faint lines left from where the plastic was molded. They can be visible and might need sanding to remove for a smooth finish.
- Loose Joints: If the moving parts are too loose, your Gundam might droop or fall over.
User Experience and Use Cases
Building an Iron-Blooded Orphans kit is a rewarding experience. It’s a great way to relax and focus.
For Beginners
If you’re new to model building, look for kits labeled “High Grade” (HG). These are generally easier to build and don’t require glue. They’re perfect for learning the basics. You’ll enjoy seeing your first Gundam come to life.
For Experienced Builders
More advanced builders might enjoy “Master Grade” (MG) or “Perfect Grade” (PG) kits. These have more parts, more detail, and require more skill. They offer a deeper challenge and a more complex finished product. You can spend hours perfecting every detail.
Display and Play
Once you’ve finished your kit, you can proudly display it on a shelf. Its articulation lets you recreate epic battle scenes from the anime. You can also combine it with other Gundam kits for even more fun.
Iron-Blooded Orphans Kit: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Iron-Blooded Orphans kits.
Q: What does “High Grade” (HG) mean for an Iron-Blooded Orphans kit?
A: “High Grade” means the kit is designed for most builders. It’s usually snap-together, meaning you don’t need glue. These kits offer good detail and articulation for their size and price.
Q: Do I need glue to build an Iron-Blooded Orphans kit?
A: Most High Grade kits do not require glue. However, more complex kits like Master Grade or Perfect Grade might benefit from glue for extra strength. Always check the kit’s description.
Q: What tools do I need to build an Iron-Blooded Orphans kit?
A: For most High Grade kits, you’ll need a hobby nipper or a sharp craft knife to cut parts from the sprues. A sanding stick or sandpaper is helpful for smoothing rough edges.
Q: Can I paint my Iron-Blooded Orphans kit?
A: Yes, you can! Painting allows you to customize your Gundam and make it look even more unique. You can use model paints designed for plastic.
Q: Are Iron-Blooded Orphans kits difficult to assemble?
A: The difficulty depends on the grade of the kit. High Grade kits are generally easy. Master Grade and Perfect Grade kits are more complex and require more patience and skill.
Q: Where can I buy Iron-Blooded Orphans kits?
A: You can find these kits at hobby shops, online retailers that sell model kits, and sometimes at larger toy stores.
Q: What is the difference between an Iron-Blooded Orphans kit and other Gundam kits?
A: Iron-Blooded Orphans kits are based on the specific mechs and designs from that anime series. They have a distinct aesthetic and often feature unique weapon systems and armor.
Q: How long does it take to build an Iron-Blooded Orphans kit?
A: A High Grade kit can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on your experience and how much time you dedicate. More complex kits take longer.
Q: Are the stickers on the kits difficult to apply?
A: Stickers can be a bit tricky, especially small ones. Using tweezers can help you place them accurately. Some builders prefer to paint details instead of using stickers.
Q: Can I mix and match parts from different Iron-Blooded Orphans kits?
A: Sometimes, yes! Many Gundam kits have similar connection points, allowing for some customization. However, this is not always guaranteed and depends on the specific kits.