Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of Gunpla? If you're here, chances are you've got your hands on the Infinite Justice Gundam HG (High Grade) kit, and you're probably looking for a little guidance. Well, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the initial unboxing to the final pose. We'll cover the tools you'll need, tips for a smooth build, and some cool techniques to take your Infinite Justice to the next level. So grab your nippers, get your workspace ready, and let's get building! This manual will act as a secondary guide to give you a detailed view of what is going on. Building a model can be confusing at times, but we will make it as easy as possible. The model, when completed, will be truly amazing and will be a great addition to your collection. The Infinite Justice Gundam is a sleek and iconic mobile suit. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get this party started! I know that you are going to be happy with your model. It is very satisfying to build something with your own two hands. You'll also learn the best methods of care and maintenance, and how to keep it in tip-top condition.

Tools You'll Need

Before we crack open that box, let's make sure you've got the right tools. Having the proper tools will make the building process significantly easier and more enjoyable. Trust me, trying to use the wrong tools is a recipe for frustration! Here's a list of essential tools you'll want to have on hand:

• Nippers: These are your best friends. Invest in a good pair of nippers specifically designed for plastic models. They'll give you clean cuts and minimize stress marks on the plastic. There are various types of nippers available, but a good pair of side cutters will do the job. Look for ones with sharp blades for clean cuts. Using dull nippers can cause the plastic to become stressed and lead to unsightly white marks.
• Hobby Knife: A sharp hobby knife (like an X-Acto knife) is crucial for cleaning up nub marks and removing any excess plastic. Make sure to have a fresh blade for the best results. Always cut away from yourself and use a cutting mat to protect your work surface.
• Sandpaper/Sanding Sticks: After removing parts from the runners, you'll likely have nub marks (small imperfections where the parts were attached). Sandpaper or sanding sticks in various grits (from coarse to fine) will help you smooth these out. Start with a coarser grit to remove the bulk of the material and finish with a finer grit for a smooth finish. Sanding sticks are often easier to handle and control than traditional sandpaper.
• Cutting Mat: This protects your work surface and provides a safe area for cutting and sanding. A self-healing cutting mat is ideal as it will last longer. This is really going to make your life easier.
• Tweezers: These are helpful for applying small stickers or decals. Precision is key, and tweezers provide the control you need.
• File: This tool is helpful for removing unwanted bits of plastic, especially when using a knife. Be careful when using this tool.
• Side Cutter: You can use this for removing pieces from the plastic frame. Again, make sure to take your time.

Unboxing and Preparation

Alright, let's get down to business! The first step is, of course, to unbox your Infinite Justice Gundam HG kit. Carefully open the box and take stock of everything inside. You should find the following:

• Runners: These are the plastic frames containing the individual parts. They're usually color-coded and labeled with letters (A, B, C, etc.).
• Instruction Manual: This is your bible! It provides step-by-step instructions on how to build the model. Pay close attention to the diagrams and part numbers.
• Stickers/Decals: These add details and markings to your model. Some kits may also include dry transfer decals.

Now that everything is out of the box, let's prepare the runners. You can start by organizing the runners by letter. This will make it easier to find the parts you need as you progress through the build. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the instruction manual. Look through the steps and identify the parts you'll be working with.

Before you start snipping parts from the runners, consider using your nippers to carefully cut away the larger plastic pieces. Leaving a small amount of space (about 1-2mm) around the part. This will make it easier to remove the parts without damaging them. This is the crucial stage, so make sure to take your time and do everything correctly. Then, use your hobby knife or sanding sticks to remove the remaining nub marks. This is where patience pays off. Take your time, and don't rush. The cleaner the parts are, the better your finished model will look. Once you've prepared all the parts, you're ready to start building! You can also use a small container to hold all the pieces.

Building the Body

Let's start putting this bad boy together! Following the instruction manual, begin assembling the body. This is usually one of the first steps. The manual will guide you, but here are some general tips:

• Follow the Instructions Carefully: The diagrams in the manual are your best friend. Pay close attention to the part numbers and how they fit together. Don't skip steps, even if they seem unnecessary.
• Trim and Clean: As you remove parts from the runners, trim away the excess plastic with your nippers, leaving a small amount of space around the part. Then, use your hobby knife or sanding sticks to remove the nub marks. It is always better to take your time to build the model.
• Test Fit: Before applying any force, test-fit the parts together. Make sure they align correctly and that you understand how they're supposed to fit. If a part seems too tight, you can carefully trim away a small amount of plastic with your hobby knife. Be careful not to damage the part.
• Snap Fit: Most Gunpla kits use a snap-fit design, which means the parts should click together without glue. If you're having trouble, double-check that you've aligned the parts correctly and that there isn't any excess plastic obstructing the fit. Avoid forcing the pieces, as this can damage them.

Build the internal structure and any details on the body. This step usually involves assembling the frame, then adding the armor pieces. If you're struggling with the instructions, don't be afraid to take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes. Building the body is a great way to kick things off. Make sure the chest and waist pieces are properly aligned, and the connection should be firm. Once it's all together, you should be able to see the basic shape of the Infinite Justice Gundam. If you have the patience, you will see how it all works in the end.

Building the Head

The head is one of the most detailed and iconic parts of any Gundam. Building the head of your Infinite Justice Gundam HG can be really cool. It also provides a good opportunity to hone your skills.

• Precision Work: The head often has small parts and intricate details. Take your time and be precise with your cuts and sanding. You may need to use tweezers to handle some of the smaller pieces. This is where patience becomes key. One wrong move can damage the piece.
• Panel Lining (Optional): To make the details on the head pop, consider panel lining. Panel lining involves using a fine-tipped marker or a wash to emphasize the panel lines and grooves. This adds depth and realism to the model. I will go over panel lining more in-depth later.
• Eyes and Sensors: The head typically includes the eyes and other sensors. These parts are usually clear or translucent. Be careful not to scratch or damage them. Some kits include stickers or decals for the eyes, while others require you to paint them.
• Antenna: The antenna is another critical part of the head. Be especially careful when handling the antenna, as they can be delicate and easily broken. Make sure the connections are firm.

Following the instruction manual, assemble the head piece by piece. Attach the faceplate, the crest, and any other details. Before you attach the head to the body, you can choose to do some extra work. Like panel lining or adding some extra detail to make it look unique. Once the head is complete, carefully attach it to the body. This is another area where you'll be able to show your attention to detail. The head is a true representation of the Gundam.

Building the Arms and Legs

Now, let's move on to the arms and legs! This stage involves assembling the limbs piece by piece. The process is similar to building the body.

• Symmetry: Pay attention to symmetry! Make sure the left arm and leg are mirror images of the right arm and leg. Double-check that you're using the correct parts.
• Articulation: The arms and legs of the Infinite Justice Gundam HG are designed to be poseable. Take your time to understand how the joints work. The joints can be loose at times, so be careful. Make sure the joints have good articulation. This will allow you to pose your model in various dynamic positions.
• Armor Details: The armor pieces for the arms and legs often have intricate details. Take your time to remove the nub marks and clean up any imperfections.

Assemble the limbs following the instructions. Pay attention to the joints and make sure they move smoothly. Attach the armor pieces and any additional details. The legs and arms are going to give the model a great look. These will also add a lot of detail to the model. Make sure to double-check that you're using the correct parts. It can be easy to get confused at times.

Building the Weapons and Accessories

The weapons and accessories are where the Infinite Justice Gundam HG really comes to life! This kit is equipped with a range of cool weapons.

• Beam Rifle: This is the Infinite Justice Gundam's primary weapon. Assemble the parts carefully, paying attention to any small details. This weapon is going to look awesome when completed.
• Beam Sabers: The Infinite Justice Gundam is equipped with beam sabers. These are usually constructed with clear plastic, so be careful not to scratch them.
• Shield: The shield provides defense and can also be used as a weapon. Assemble the shield, paying attention to any details or markings. Make sure to properly connect the shield.
• Other Accessories: Some kits may include additional accessories, such as hands or effect parts. Follow the instructions to assemble these parts. The accessories and weapons can bring the Gundam to life.

Assemble the weapons and accessories. Make sure everything is properly connected. At this point, you'll be able to see the Infinite Justice Gundam fully equipped and ready for action!

Detailing and Finishing Touches

Once the main build is complete, it's time to add the finishing touches. This is where you can take your Infinite Justice Gundam HG to the next level.

• Panel Lining: Panel lining is a technique that involves using a fine-tipped marker or wash to emphasize the panel lines and grooves. This adds depth and realism to the model. You can use a dedicated panel lining marker or a mix of enamel paint and thinner. Carefully apply the panel liner to the panel lines and grooves. Remove any excess with a cotton swab or a dedicated panel liner remover. This will make the Gundam pop.
• Decals and Stickers: The kit will include stickers or decals. These add markings and details to the model. Carefully apply the stickers or decals according to the instruction manual. Use tweezers to handle the stickers, and make sure to align them correctly. Take your time, and don't rush. The stickers can really make the model look good.
• Topcoat (Optional): Applying a topcoat is optional, but it can protect your model from dust and fingerprints. It can also give the model a matte or glossy finish, depending on the topcoat you choose. Follow the instructions on the topcoat can.

Posing and Display

Congratulations! You've successfully built your Infinite Justice Gundam HG! Now it's time to pose and display your masterpiece.

• Articulation: The Infinite Justice Gundam HG is highly poseable. Experiment with different poses to find the ones you like best. Use the articulation in the joints to create dynamic and action-packed poses. The goal is to make the Gundam look good.
• Display Base (Optional): Consider using a display base to showcase your model. Display bases can provide support for dynamic poses and allow you to create more elaborate displays. Display bases can make the model look even more amazing.
• Lighting (Optional): Lighting can enhance the look of your model. Consider using LED lights to highlight details or create a dramatic effect. This can add a lot to the look of your model.

Once you have your poses in place, you can add lighting for extra effect. Then, find the perfect spot to display your Infinite Justice Gundam HG and show it off to the world! Congrats!

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common issues:

• Parts Won't Fit: Double-check the instructions and make sure you're using the correct parts. Trim away any excess plastic from the parts or the connection points. Don't force anything; you could break it.
• Loose Joints: If joints are loose, you can tighten them by applying a small amount of glue to the joint. Be careful not to use too much glue, or you might fuse the joints. You can also use joint tighteners.
• White Stress Marks: White stress marks can occur if you bend the plastic too much or if you're too rough with the parts. Try to avoid bending the plastic too much, and be careful when removing parts from the runners. You can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to remove these.
• Broken Parts: If you break a part, try to repair it with glue. If the part is too damaged, you may need to order a replacement part from a hobby shop. Be careful when building.

Conclusion

Building the Infinite Justice Gundam HG is a rewarding experience. It's a fantastic kit that looks amazing when completed. Remember to take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to building a fantastic Infinite Justice Gundam HG model. So, keep building, keep improving, and most importantly, have fun! There is always room for improvement, and it takes time to perfect the process. Don't get discouraged, just keep at it!