Introduction of Gunpla

This is my 1st blog of Gundam Modelling (Gunpla aka Gundam Plastic Model).
The model below is the latest Gundam AGE-1 Normal which i bought at pasar malam.
Since i have not been doing modeling for more than 10 years, i guess i should just settle with the china brand version.

Gundam was officially licensed by Bandai and all are made from Japan.
However in the market we often find immitation from China brand such as TT HongLi, Gao Gao, etc.
The version i bought is from Dragon Momoko which is surprisingly not bad for the price :)

Manufacturer: Dragon Momoko (DM)
Scale: 1/144 (12 inches tall)
Grade: Replica of High Grade
Origin: Gundam AGE-1
Price: RM22

Here are the tools that i have been using for the entire building Gundam process.
My main weapon is the cutter which aged probably older than me.
My entire cost for this new hobbies consists of below with the remaining can be found at home.
Gundam Pen Marker: RM11
China Brand :Gundam Age-1 :RM22
Eraser: RM0.50

As you can see the quality of china products are not bad which is quite close to the original Bandai (view from pictures). But it does feels like cheapo plastic and not smooth with the color a bit washed out. Also you can find here are the assembled parts without any cosmetics. I applied the lining later and you are able to see the picture comparison from below.
As you can see it does help in getting a bit more detail especially on the leg parts.

Here's a comparison of Bandai vs DM.
As you can see one is more detailed. Can you guess which 1 is Bandai?

Final Verdict: Exact replica of original but overall plastic quality was not up to par which is way below Bandai but i guess what you pay is what you get.
My next post will be The Making of RX-78-2 which is based on original Bandai :)