There are five main grades of gunpla, but what makes the hobby so rewarding and so unique is how many bridge grades there are that strike a balance between complexity and detail for model kit builders still developing their skills.
One of the most interesting examples of this is the Full Mechanics (FM) line such as this Gundam Aerial from The Witch From Mercury, which serves both as a bridge grade but also as a unique building experience in its own right.
Much like the Reborn-One Hundred (RE/100) line, the FM gunpla are at a 1/100 scale, which is the same as a Master Grade kit. However, both the RE/100 and FM are easier to build than an MG kit of the same mobile suit, making it a half-step up for people who have mastered High Grade kits.
The big focus of the FM kits, true to the Full Mechanics moniker, is an emphasis on the mechanical details. They include inner frames and articulated mechanical touches that create a very distinct grounded look.
Whilst often compared to RE/100 because both are constructed to an MG scale but are less complex and more affordable, it would be a misnomer to call an FM kit simplified. Instead, the level of detail is focused on different areas.
They tend to focus more on the surface details and how it appears rather than the articulation, extensive inner frame, and a focus on gimmicks and cockpit details as would be expected from an MG model kit.
However, this can often vary between different kits, and the quality and versatility of the range have increased dramatically since the initial launch of the range in 2021. It has now become the perfect bridge for people who want to try a Master Grade but are intimidated by the complexity.
If you enjoy HG designs, want a 1/100 scale and particularly if you like the RE/100 line, FM is a must-build!
