Why I Got Into Building Gunpla

I got into Gunpla after watching Gundam, especially Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans (IBO for short). It’s my favorite Gundam series—not just for the mecha designs, but because of the themes it explores. It’s a dark, brutal story about child soldiers fighting for freedom, and that raw emotional weight really stuck with me.

Aside from the anime, I was also inspired by a few Gunpla YouTubers. Seeing the kinds of custom builds people were doing opened my eyes to what’s possible with these kits.

My First Kits

My very first Gunpla was the Barbatos Lupus Rex. After that, I picked up the Kimaris Vidar. That was the beginning—now I’ve got over ten kits, and a growing backlog. Still, I’m nowhere near my friend, who has a backlog of over 40 kits!

Creative Outlet: Painting and LEDs

For me, building Gunpla is a creative outlet. I don’t just snap-build them—I paint them, modify them, and add LEDs when I can. It’s a process I find relaxing and fulfilling.

My first painted kit was the Landman Rodi. I used an add-on kit to convert the Rodi into the Landman Rodi version. Before I painted it, I spent several days learning how to paint properly. I practiced on spoons—plastic spoons are great for testing paint finishes—and I still use them to try out new techniques.

Adding LEDs

Adding LEDs to my kits is a newer part of my hobby, and I’m loving it. I’ve installed LEDs in a couple of SD kits, and I’ve even wired a High Grade kit, though that one isn’t fully connected yet.

I don’t use batteries—I hate having to replace them. Instead, I wire in DC barrel jacks so I can plug my kits into the wall. It makes things easier to manage, especially when I want to turn the lights off at night. I’ve tried wireless LEDs, and while they’re great for Master Grades, I prefer small wired LEDs for more control.

Bonus Project: A Volkswagen Bug

One of my favorite side projects was building a Volkswagen bug model—not a Gunpla, just a fun little model. I didn’t paint it or add LEDs, but it was still a fun build. Some of the parts are falling off now, so I’m planning to rebuild it. I’m a Gunpla builder, not a car modeler, but it’s always fun to try something different.