Hey there, Gundam enthusiasts! Ever found yourself staring at a completed Gunpla model, maybe one you messed up during the building process, or perhaps you're just looking to get a little more adventurous with your kits? Well, knowing how to take Gundam pieces apart is a super useful skill. Whether you're aiming for a repaint, a custom build, or simply fixing a mistake, taking apart your models safely and effectively is key. So, let's dive into the world of Gunpla disassembly, breaking down the process step by step, and making sure you don't accidentally turn your masterpiece into a pile of broken plastic! This guide is tailored for beginners, so even if you've never taken a model apart before, you'll be able to do it with confidence and without breaking them.

Why Disassemble Your Gundam Model Kit?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of how to take Gundam pieces apart, let's talk about why you might want to. There are several reasons, and understanding these can help you appreciate the process even more. First off, customization is a big one. Maybe you're not happy with the original color scheme, or you want to add some battle damage effects. Disassembly lets you access every part for painting, weathering, or adding details. Secondly, repairs are inevitable. Accidents happen; parts break, joints get loose. Knowing how to take things apart lets you fix those problems without causing further damage. Then there’s rebuilding – you might want to create a hybrid model by combining parts from different kits. Disassembly is essential for mixing and matching pieces. Also, let's not forget about learning and improving. Each time you take apart a model, you get a better understanding of how it's constructed. So, in short, disassembly opens up a world of possibilities for your Gunpla hobby. Now, with all of this in mind, let's start the process.

Another very important reason why you would like to know how to take Gundam pieces apart is to improve the modeling. After you've built a couple of models, you might realize that you want to improve your techniques. Sometimes you want to use panel lining, paint, or put decals to improve the appearance of the model. And in order to do this you are going to need to remove some pieces, for example, panel lining is much better if you remove the parts that are connected or make it easier to reach certain areas. For the painting part, disassembly is necessary, to avoid painting in areas where you do not want to and the painting quality is much better, more uniform and complete if you take the parts out and paint them one by one.

Tools You'll Need

Okay, before you even think about touching your precious model, you'll need the right tools. Having the proper equipment makes the how to take Gundam pieces apart process significantly easier and safer. Here's a list of essentials:

• Hobby Knife or X-Acto Knife: This is your primary tool for separating parts. Make sure it has a sharp blade for clean cuts. We are going to use this for removing any nub marks in the model, for cutting and separating the parts, it is a very useful tool, so having one with a good blade is essential to do a good job.
• Spudger or Part Separator: This tool is designed to gently pry apart pieces that are snapped together. It's much safer than using a screwdriver, which could scratch or damage the plastic. Make sure you get one, is a great asset. They are mostly made of plastic and work very well.
• Tweezers: These are handy for grabbing small parts or helping to manipulate pieces during disassembly. There are a variety of tweezers to choose from, some with curved ends, others with straight ones, it is up to your preference.
• Plastic Cement (Optional): If you're planning to reassemble your model, having some plastic cement can be helpful for reinforcing joints or reattaching parts. Usually, these cements dissolve the plastic and when you put them together they weld the pieces, they are very strong. Use carefully.
• Small Containers or Ziploc Bags: To keep track of all the parts, have containers or bags ready to store them. Labeling each bag with the model's name and the parts it contains can save you a lot of headache during reassembly. You can also use small trays to separate the pieces in the order you're taking them apart. This also makes the job more easier.

Having the right tools is important and you will notice that the job gets much more simple when you have the right equipment. So before starting to take apart the pieces, make sure you get all the tools you need.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Disassemble Gundam Pieces

Alright, let's get into the main event: how to take Gundam pieces apart without causing any tears! Follow these steps for a smooth disassembly process.

1. Preparation is Key: First off, clear a well-lit workspace. Put down a cutting mat or a protected surface to work on. Have all your tools within easy reach and arrange your containers or bags ready. Take a few deep breaths and get your mind ready, patience is very important when doing this, so don't rush the process.
2. Refer to the Manual: The manual is your best friend. Look for any instructions on how the pieces are connected. It might show you how a piece is connected or where to push or pull to separate them. This will also give you an idea of the build order, making the process smoother.
3. Identify the Connection Points: Most Gunpla parts are either snapped together or connected with pegs and holes. Carefully examine the area where you want to separate the parts and identify where these connection points are. The manual helps a lot in this case.
4. Gentle Separation: Start with the part separator. Insert the tip into the seam between the parts and gently pry them apart. Avoid using excessive force; if the parts don't separate easily, look for another connection point or try another angle. Some parts might be really attached to each other, so taking it slowly is very important.
5. Dealing with Pegs and Joints: If the parts are connected with pegs, try twisting and wiggling them gently while pulling them apart. Be careful not to break the pegs, as they can be delicate. If the pegs are too tight, you can use the hobby knife to carefully cut away at the connection point. Be very careful with the hobby knife, because a mistake can be done very easily and it will be difficult to fix it.
6. Removing Stickers and Decals: If your model has any stickers or decals, remove them before you start taking it apart to avoid damaging them. Use tweezers to carefully peel them off or use a hobby knife to gently lift an edge if they are stuck fast. You want to make sure the decals are not damaged during the process.
7. Take Pictures: This is a tip that can save your life! As you disassemble each section, take pictures. This will be an invaluable reference when you reassemble the model. Take pictures of each piece before and after separation, and also the complete assembly, this can really help.
8. Organize and Store: As you separate each part, place it in a labeled container or bag. This will prevent you from losing any pieces and make it much easier to reassemble your model later on.
9. Dealing with Glued Parts: If you find parts that are glued together, the disassembly becomes a bit more challenging. You might need to use more force or use a hobby knife to carefully cut through the glue. This step requires the most care, because it can be easy to damage the pieces.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best preparation, you might encounter some issues during disassembly. Here's how to handle a few common problems.

• Stuck Parts: If parts are stuck together, don't force them. Try applying some gentle heat (like from a hairdryer on a low setting) to soften the plastic, then try separating them again. Be very careful with the heat, because if it is excessive the pieces might melt. You can also try using a part separator or hobby knife to gently work along the seam.
• Broken Parts: If you accidentally break a part, don't panic! You can often fix it with plastic cement or super glue. For more serious damage, you might need to order a replacement part from a hobby store or online. Remember, plastic cement will weld the parts, which can be a much better option.
• Lost Parts: We've all been there. If you lose a part, search your workspace thoroughly. If you still can't find it, consider ordering a replacement part or adapting a similar piece from another kit. It's frustrating, but it happens. If you cannot get the part, you can also consider to build the model with some changes, that might actually be a good way to customize the model, so in the end can be a good experience.
• Damaged Joints: Joints can sometimes become loose or damaged during disassembly. You can try reinforcing them with plastic cement or super glue. If the damage is severe, you might need to replace the joint with a similar piece from another kit.

Reassembly Tips

Once you're done with the customization or repair, it's time to put everything back together. Here are a few tips to make reassembly smoother.

• Refer to Your Pictures: Those pictures you took during disassembly are super helpful! Use them as a guide to ensure you're putting the parts back in the correct order. They can really save you a lot of time and headache.
• Clean Up the Parts: Before reassembling, clean up the parts. Use a hobby knife to remove any leftover nubs or imperfections. This will improve the fit and finish of your model. It is important to remove any defects from the plastic, for a better quality.
• Test Fit: Before gluing or snapping any parts together permanently, do a test fit. Make sure everything aligns correctly and that you're satisfied with the fit. This will prevent any surprises later on.
• Use Plastic Cement Carefully: If you're using plastic cement, apply it sparingly to avoid it oozing out and damaging your model. Be patient and let the cement dry completely before handling the parts. If it comes out, you can clean it carefully with a hobby knife.
• Take Your Time: Don't rush the reassembly process. Take your time, double-check your work, and enjoy the process. There's no need to rush, so the more relaxed you are, the better the job will be. This is a hobby, so enjoy it!

Conclusion: Mastering Gundam Disassembly

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide on how to take Gundam pieces apart. With a little patience, the right tools, and these steps, you'll be disassembling your Gunpla models like a pro in no time. Remember to always be careful, take your time, and enjoy the process. Whether you're customizing, repairing, or simply learning, every disassembled model is a step towards becoming a true Gunpla master. Happy building (and rebuilding)!