For many collectors, a growing backlog of kits—often referred to as “the stockpile”—eventually reaches a point where a simple mental list of “built versus unbuilt” is no longer sufficient. When a collection expands across multiple years and series, the lack of a structured record can lead to difficulties in tracking purchase history, managing storage space, or planning future builds. Effective hobby management requires moving beyond binary “owned” status to a more detailed information-design approach.
What This Article Covers
This article identifies the specific data fields necessary for maintaining a functional Gunpla collection record. We will outline the essential parameters for kits and their acquisition data, and compare the effectiveness of different management tools—from general-purpose spreadsheets to dedicated recording applications.
Essential Record Fields for Gunpla Collections
To maintain a high-quality log that remains useful over time, the following fields should be standardized in your record-keeping system:
- Grade and Scale: This defines the kit’s complexity and size. Common official grades include:
- HG (High Grade): 1/144 scale, the standard brand with the most extensive lineup.
- MG (Master Grade): 1/100 scale, featuring internal frames and advanced articulation.
- RG (Real Grade): 1/144 scale, focusing on “realism” and dense detail.
- PG (Perfect Grade): 1/60 scale, the highest peak of technology and detail.
- SD (Super Deformed): Compact, stylized proportions including BB Senshi and SDEX lines.
- LL (Large Scale): Larger-format kits, such as the 1/48 scale Mega Size Model line, that fall outside the standard HG/MG/RG/PG scale conventions.
- Series: Categorizing by the original work (e.g., Mobile Suit Gundam, Zeta, Seed Freedom, or The Witch from Mercury) is vital for organizing a collection logically.
- Status: A clear indication of progress, such as:
- Unbuilt: New in box.
- WIP (Work in Progress): Currently being assembled or painted.
- Done: Completed.
- Sold/Traded: No longer in the collection.
- Purchase Details: Recording the purchase price, date, and store (e.g., The Gundam Base or a specialty retailer) helps in managing hobby budgets and tracking the availability of re-releases.
- Visual Documentation: A box photo serves as a quick visual reference for identification and helps track different packaging versions.
- Notes: A field for miscellaneous details, such as missing parts, plan for customization, or specific edition details (e.g., Clear Color or Special Coating).
Comparison of Management Tools
Choosing a tool depends on whether the priority is calculation, visual browsing, or specialized hobby metadata.
| Tool Type | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Spreadsheets | Excellent for numerical data like price and dates; highly customizable. | Difficult to manage and browse photos; lacks mobile-optimized data entry for build sessions. |
| Generic Collectible Apps | Good for visual lists and basic ownership tracking. | Often lack specific fields for Gunpla “Grades” or “Series,” requiring manual text entry for every item. |
| Purpose-Built Apps | Designed with pre-set fields for Grade (HG/MG/RG) and Series; integrates build logs with the collection list. | Requires a specific app dedicated to the hobby. |
Organizing Your Collection with GunplaLog
Managing a detailed collection is often hindered by the friction of manual entry in tools not designed for the hobby. We designed GunplaLog to solve these specific management problems through a dedicated information structure.
Instead of using a generic “notes” field, GunplaLog provides a structured Kit Collection system that understands official grades and series. For those who want to go beyond simple inventory, the app includes WIP Build Sessions to track time and progress, and Paint Recipes to record color mix ratios and brands. By consolidating this data, users can access Collection Stats to see their progress and collection distribution at a glance, providing a sustainable way to maintain a record of their hobby history. For kits you haven’t purchased yet, pairing this collection log with a structured wishlist keeps your future plans connected to the same record.
You can start organizing your own collection by downloading the app here: GunplaLog on the App Store.
Summary
Transitioning from a mental list to a structured record is a key step in sustaining a long-term hobby. By standardizing fields like Grade, Series, and Status, a collection becomes an organized information asset rather than an unmanaged stockpile. Whether using a simple spreadsheet or a dedicated tool like GunplaLog, the goal is to create a reliable history that makes the hobby easier to manage and enjoy. For a broader look at why combining these records in one place matters more than juggling separate tools, see One App or Three? Why Juggling a Paint App and a Kit Tracker Doesn’t Work.
This article organizes information from a recording and organizing perspective. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us. Last verified: July 2026
