When most people collect and build gunpla, the focus is most commonly seen on the mobile suits themselves, and most of the biggest, best and most popular model kits are of the various incredibly designed mecha you see throughout the Universal Century.
However, there are a lot of incredible mechanical designs found throughout the Gundam universe, from space carriers and fighter jets to tanks and trailer trucks, which are essential for creating an action-packed and complete diorama.
This is where the EX Model range comes in, providing an advanced range of models for completionists, collectors and skilled model makers alike.
They are not to be confused with the traditional gunpla grades (SD, EG, HG, MG, PG and everything in between), as the EX moniker emphasises that they are extras or add-ons to add to the background or foreground of the scene.
They vary considerably in scale, either matching High Grade, Real Grade and Entry Grade (1:144) in the case of the fighters, tanks and other support units, or they are as small as 1:1700 to depict the awe-inspiring battleships and space carriers.
Alongside this, they often incorporate other franchises that do not feature any mecha at all, such as Cowboy Bebop, Space Battleship Yamato and the Ace Combat series of flight simulators
They also typically require more advanced model-making skills to make, closer in difficulty to the vehicles in Battletech or Warhammer 40,000 than the typical snap-to-fit elegance of a gunpla.
Many of them require glue to put together whilst some also require additional painting and detailing to get the absolute best results and match the accuracy of the box.
If you are keen on accuracy, are looking for particularly interesting gimmicks or want to add something new and unique to your collection, EX Model kits are difficult to beat in terms of uniqueness.
