In this guide, we’ll explore the various Gundam kits available, the best places to buy them in SA, and tips for enjoying the model-building experience as part of South Australia's growing community of Gundam fans.
Why Buy Gundam Kits in South Australia?
South Australia may not be the largest state in the country, but it still has a strong community of hobbyists and a range of stores that cater to Gundam builders. Whether you're a novice looking to start your first build or a seasoned Gunpla veteran, buying Gundam kits in SA comes with several advantages:
- Local Stores: SA is home to several well-stocked hobby stores that carry a variety of Gundam kits, tools, and accessories. Visiting these stores means you can get your hands on kits without the wait times or shipping fees associated with online orders.
- Online Shopping: For more extensive selections, South Australians have access to a number of Australian online retailers offering quick shipping to the state. This is especially useful for tracking down hard-to-find kits or limited-edition releases.
- Community: The Gunpla community in SA is active and growing. Local events, meetups, and social media groups provide a place to share builds, tips, and even trade models with other enthusiasts.
Different Types of Gundam Kits Available
Before you start shopping for Gundam kits in SA, it’s helpful to know the different types of kits available. Each type is suited for different skill levels and offers varying levels of detail and complexity.
1. High Grade (HG)
- Scale: 1/144
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Features: High Grade kits are ideal for beginners due to their affordable price, fewer parts, and ease of assembly. These kits require no painting or gluing, though many builders enjoy customizing them further.
2. Real Grade (RG)
- Scale: 1/144
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Features: RG kits offer more detail and complexity than HG models while maintaining the same scale. They have finer articulation and higher-quality parts, making them great for intermediate builders looking for a challenge.
3. Master Grade (MG)
- Scale: 1/100
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Features: MG kits are larger and offer intricate detailing with articulated inner frames. These models require more effort to build and are suited for experienced hobbyists who appreciate detailed designs.
4. Perfect Grade (PG)
- Scale: 1/60
- Difficulty: Expert
- Features: PG kits are the most detailed and complex models available, often featuring LED lighting and incredible articulation. These kits are for expert builders who want a showpiece to display.
5. Super Deformed (SD)
- Scale: Chibi-style (no fixed scale)
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Features: SD kits are cute, simplified versions of Gundams with exaggerated proportions. They are fun, easy-to-build kits that are perfect for beginners or collectors looking for a playful take on Gunpla.
Where to Buy Gundam Kits in South Australia
While SA may not have the hobby store density of larger states, there are still a number of great places where you can buy Gundam kits in-person or online.
1. Local Stores in South Australia
- Hobby Habit: One of South Australia's go-to spots for model kits, Hobby Habit offers a range of Gundam kits alongside RC cars, model trains, and other hobbies. Their selection of HG, RG, and MG kits is solid, and they stock tools and paints for customizing your builds. With locations in Adelaide, it's a convenient choice for Gundam fans in the area.
- Mind Games Adelaide: Located in the heart of Adelaide, Mind Games stocks a variety of board games, puzzles, and model kits, including Gundam. While they may not carry the largest selection, it's a good place to check for popular kits, especially if you're in the city.
- Zing Pop Culture: Zing Pop Culture, a branch of EB Games, regularly stocks Gundam kits, with High Grade models being the most commonly available. It’s worth checking your local Zing store, as stock may vary from location to location.
- Gametraders Marion: Located in the Marion Shopping Centre, Gametraders is a great place for collectors and hobbyists. While they primarily focus on pop culture collectibles and video games, they also carry a selection of Gundam kits and related merchandise.
2. Online Retailers That Ship to South Australia
For a broader selection, you can always turn to online retailers that cater to Gundam fans across Australia. These stores often have larger inventories and offer fast shipping to South Australia.
- Metro Hobbies: One of the largest online hobby stores in Australia, Metro Hobbies carries a wide selection of Gundam kits in all grades and scales. They ship to South Australia quickly and offer frequent promotions, making it a great choice for online shoppers.
- Hobbyco: Another popular online retailer, Hobbyco stocks a wide variety of Gundam kits, tools, and accessories. They ship nationwide, including SA, and regularly update their stock with the latest releases from Bandai.
- Zombster: Zombster is a dedicated Gundam and mecha retailer, offering a range of rare and exclusive kits alongside more common models. They offer fast shipping to South Australia and are known for their strong customer service and attention to Gunpla enthusiasts.
Tips for Buying Gundam Kits in SA
To make the most of your Gundam buying experience in South Australia, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Call Ahead: If you're visiting a local store like Hobby Habit or Mind Games, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm that they have the specific Gundam kit you’re looking for in stock. Some stores may carry limited inventory, and calling ahead can save you a trip.
- Watch for Sales: Keep an eye on online retailers like Metro Hobbies and Zombster for sales and promotions, especially during major holidays. Many stores offer discounts on popular kits, allowing you to save money on your next build.
- Join Local Communities: SA has a growing Gundam and model-building community. Joining Facebook groups or online forums can help you connect with other builders, share tips, and even trade or sell kits.
- Attend Local Events: Conventions like AVCon (Adelaide’s Anime and Video Game Festival) often have vendors selling Gundam kits, along with workshops and panels focused on model building. These events are a great way to meet fellow Gundam enthusiasts and expand your collection.
The Gundam Community in South Australia
South Australia's Gundam and model-building community may not be as large as in some other states, but it’s still thriving. Local hobbyists regularly meet up, share their latest builds, and offer advice to newcomers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced modeler, there’s a welcoming group of Gunpla fans in SA who are eager to share their passion.
- Local Hobby Groups: There are several Facebook groups dedicated to Gundam and model building in Australia, and you’ll find South Australian builders sharing tips, tricks, and build progress. Joining one of these groups can help you connect with other fans and stay up-to-date on local events.
- Hobby Workshops: Stores like Hobby Habit occasionally offer workshops and build nights where enthusiasts can gather to work on their models, share techniques, and enjoy the hobby together.
Conclusion
For Gundam fans in South Australia, finding and purchasing Gunpla kits has never been easier. Whether you prefer shopping in local stores like Hobby Habit and Mind Games Adelaide, or browsing the wide selection available from online retailers like Metro Hobbies and Zombster, there’s no shortage of options for buying Gundam kits in SA.
With a growing community of builders, local events, and fast shipping from online stores, South Australia is a great place to enjoy the world of Gundam model building. Whether you're assembling your first High Grade kit or tackling an intricate Master Grade, the Gundam hobby in SA has something for everyone. So, get ready to start building your next mobile suit masterpiece! Happy building!