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Amazing 3rd Party Mecha Model Kits
Third-party mecha model kits are original-IP designs from independent Chinese manufacturers - not Gundam, but built in the same snap-fit plastic format that Gunpla builders already know. What sets them apart is the value density: most kits ship with 20+ runners, full weapon loadouts, display bases, and water slide decals included in the box at price points that would buy you a P-Bandai add-on set. Brands in this collection include SNAA (Western fantasy knights and Chinese imperial mecha), Motor Nuclear (Three Kingdoms and Chinese mythology at 1/72 scale with alloy frames), Infinite Dimension / IN ERA+ (engineering-dense industrial military designs), Ming Jiang Legend (historical Chinese figures as large-format mecha), EDDAS (alloy-framed original designs), Hemoxian/NonZero (1/10 scale mecha-girl hybrid kits), and a growing roster of studios pushing the format in new directions. Build complexity ranges from beginner-friendly 1/144 kits comparable to Bandai's RG line to advanced 1/100 and 1/72 builds that rival or exceed Master Grade in part count and internal frame engineering. LA Scale Model is an authorized US retailer for all brands listed here, sourcing directly from manufacturers and shipping from California.
[BACKORDER] HowlingStar: CZ-12A Cross Core NEBULA
Cross Core
$85.00Howling Star 1/100 CZ-12A Nebula - Cross Core The Howling Star CZ-12A Nebula is a 1/100 scale plastic model kit based on the mecha of the same name from Cross Core, a sci-fi turn-based RPG developed by Guangzhou Megagame Technology. In the game's lore, the CZ-12A Nebula is a Cenozoicera-class unit equipped with alien-derived technology and configured for both ranged and close-quarters combat. Howling Star is a Chinese manufacturer that produces licensed model kits based on the Cross Core IP, and the Nebula is their first mainline release in the series. Key Features Internal Skeleton with External Armor - The kit uses a layered construction where armor panels attach over a poseable internal frame, allowing for detailed part separation and articulation. Dual Weapon Loadout - Includes two long-range beam rifles and two Combat NOVA crystal blades for ranged and melee display options. Multiple Hand Options - Three pairs of exchangeable hands accommodate different weapon poses and open-hand configurations. ABS Construction - Built primarily from ABS plastic with snap-fit assembly requiring no cement. 23 cm Completed Height - Stands approximately 23 cm tall when fully assembled, consistent with other 1/100 scale mecha kits. Water Slide Decals and Stand Included - Ships with a water slide decal sheet and a dedicated display stand for dynamic aerial poses. Builder Context The CZ-12A Nebula is a snap-fit kit that does not require cement or painting to complete, making it accessible to intermediate builders comfortable with kits in the HG to MG Bandai range. The internal skeleton and external armor layering provide a build experience similar to MG-grade Bandai kits, though builders should expect Chinese third-party fit tolerances rather than Bandai-level precision. Why Build This Kit The Howling Star CZ-12A Nebula is one of the few model kits available for the Cross Core franchise, making it the primary option for fans of the mobile game looking for a physical display piece. At 23 cm and 1/100 scale, the finished build has comparable shelf presence to a Bandai Master Grade kit, and the internal skeleton construction gives it a similar layered assembly experience. However, the Nebula's value proposition is weaker than competing Chinese third-party kits at the same price point - most alternatives in this range include diecast frame components or more extensive accessory sets. Builders new to Howling Star should treat this kit as an entry point into the Cross Core model kit line rather than a showcase of the manufacturer's engineering ceiling, as later releases like the CZ-011B Colada represent a significant step up in complexity and part count. Box Contents CZ-12A Nebula body with internal skeleton 2x Combat NOVA crystal blade 2x Long-range beam rifle 3 pairs of exchangeable hands Water slide decal sheet Display stand set Brand Howling Star Series Cross Core Scale 1/100 Height Approximately 23 cm Material ABS EAN 6975868440012 Assembly Snap-fit, no cement required Painting Not required (recommended for detail work) Country of Origin Japan
[BACKORDER]Infinite Dimension RULING Type 01 Full Armed Battle Machine
Infinite Dimension
$130.00Overview The Infinite Dimension IN ERA+ RULING Type 01 Full Armed Battle Machine is a 1/100 scale original mecha model kit featuring a full diecast alloy inner frame and heavy ranged-weapon loadout. Designed as the firepower-focused counterpart to the transformation-capable Genesis, the RULING emphasizes raw ordnance density - carrying six weapons across shoulder-mounted cannons, missile pistols, and forearm-attached kinetic rifles, with hidden missile bays in both the shoulder armor and chest plate. Infinite Dimension (also known as IN ERA+) is a premium Chinese third-party mecha brand recognized for engineering-heavy kits with high part counts, complex internal structures, and alloy frame construction. Key Features Full Diecast Alloy Inner Frame - Pre-assembled alloy skeleton spans the arms, torso, thighs, knees, and feet, concentrating metal in all load-bearing joints for rigid posing under the kit's 564g total weight Heavy Ranged Weapon Arsenal - Six weapons in two mirrored sets: two long-range beam cannons with extendable barrels and deployable heat fins, two triple-missile pistols, and two composite kinetic cannons mounted on the forearms Hidden Missile Bay System - Shoulder armor panels slide forward and flip open to reveal internal missile pods, upper shoulder plates open to expose triple-launch bays, and chest armor flips down to reveal dual missile compartments Weapon Configuration Flexibility - All six weapons connect via adapter pegs, allowing full deployment across both arms and backpack, or consolidated rear storage in a weapon-matrix formation on the backpack 33 Runners with Matte-Finish Molding - Color-separated parts with a matte surface texture across the purple, gray, and orange armor panels, with undergated runners throughout for minimal visible nub marks Removable Transparent Face Visor - Head unit includes a clear face shield that can be removed to reveal an alternate head appearance underneath Display Base Included - Dedicated stand with reversible printed design card and rear-mounted connection point for aerial display poses Builder Context The RULING is an intermediate-to-advanced build with approximately 10 hours of assembly time. The alloy frame comes pre-assembled, so the build focuses on layering armor panels and assembling weapons. No cement or painting is required - the kit is snap-fit with color-separated molding and includes waterslide decals and foil stickers for detail work. Builders familiar with MG-grade Bandai kits will find the complexity and part count comparable, with the added weight and rigidity of the metal skeleton providing a distinctly different handling experience during and after assembly. Why Build This Kit The Infinite Dimension RULING Type 01 is one of the few 1/100 third-party mecha kits that combines a full diecast inner frame with a complete ranged-weapon arsenal, making it a strong choice for builders who want a heavy, display-stable kit with weapon variety rather than melee options. At 22.5 cm tall and 564 grams, the finished build has substantial shelf presence and physical heft that most plastic-frame kits in this scale cannot match - comparable in weight to Bandai's Metal Build finished figures rather than standard MG kits. Builders who have completed the Infinite Dimension Genesis will find the RULING uses the same armor quality and engineering philosophy but trades transformation capability for weapon density and hidden ordnance gimmicks. The RULING is generally regarded as one of the more forgiving IN ERA+ builds - unlike some other kits in the line, part tolerances are well-calibrated and do not typically require sanding for assembly. One known build consideration is that the ball joints connecting the rear beam cannons to the backpack mechanical arms can weaken with repeated repositioning, so builders should plan their display pose before extensive adjustment. Box Contents 33 runners (color-separated injection-molded parts) Pre-assembled diecast alloy inner frame 2x long-range beam cannons 2x triple-missile pistols 2x composite kinetic cannons Weapon adapter/connector pegs 5 pairs of interchangeable hands (fists, open hands, weapon grip, trigger finger, and additional pair) Removable transparent face visor Backpack with mechanical arms and thrusters Display base with reversible design card Waterslide decal sheet Foil sticker sheet Instruction manual Specifications Brand Infinite Dimension / IN ERA+ Product Line IN ERA+ Model RULING Type 01 Full Armed Battle Machine Scale 1/100 Height Approx. 22.5 cm (8.9 in) to head Weight Approx. 564 g Material PS/ABS plastic + diecast alloy frame Runner Count 33 Release Date Q2 2023 Product Type Plastic assembly model kit with diecast frame Backorder Notice:This item is currently on backorder and will be shipped once available. Please be aware that cancelling a backorder will incur a 25% restocking fee. For detailed information on our backorder and cancellation policies, please visit our FAQs page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are third-party mecha model kits?
Third-party mecha model kits are original-IP plastic assembly kits produced by independent manufacturers - primarily Chinese studios - outside of Bandai. They use the same snap-fit runner format as Gunpla but feature original mecha designs, not Gundam. Most kits include display bases, water slide decals, and full weapon loadouts in the box. Popular brands include SNAA, Motor Nuclear, Infinite Dimension / IN ERA+, Ming Jiang Legend, and EDDAS.
Are third-party mecha kits compatible with Bandai Gunpla?
Third-party mecha kits are standalone original designs and are not cross-compatible with Bandai Gunpla parts or frames. However, the build process is very similar - snap-fit assembly on runners with panel-lined armor, poseable frames, and decal application. Builders experienced with Bandai MG or RG kits will find the construction format familiar, though engineering approaches and plastic materials vary by brand.
Which third-party mecha kit brand should I start with?
For builders coming from Bandai Gunpla, SNAA's Beyond Exquisite (BE) 1/144 line offers the most familiar experience - compact kits with full inner frames, sharp detail, and price points under $30. For builders who want a larger-format premium experience, Motor Nuclear's Blazing Stars line and Infinite Nova's RMD series deliver MG-grade complexity with alloy frame options. The right starting point depends on your preferred scale, budget, and whether you prioritize detail density, articulation, or accessory count.
Do third-party mecha kits require painting?
Most third-party mecha kits feature strong color separation through molded plastic and some pre-painted parts, so they look presentable without painting. Some premium kits from Motor Nuclear and Infinite Dimension include pre-painted alloy frames and colored armor panels. Panel lining, decal application, and topcoating will improve the finished result, but painting is optional for most kits in this collection.
Do third-party mecha kits have English instructions?
Most newer third-party mecha kits include English translations in their instruction manuals, though translation quality varies by brand. The diagrams are generally clear enough to follow regardless of language. Many third-party brands have also introduced instruction improvements not found in Bandai kits, such as listing required runners at the start of each build section and labeling runner colors.
Where can I buy third-party mecha model kits in the US?
LA Scale Model is an authorized US retailer for all major third-party mecha brands including SNAA, Motor Nuclear, Infinite Dimension, IN ERA+ (Infinite Nova), Ming Jiang Legend, EDDAS, Hemoxian/NonZero, and others. All kits are genuine and sourced directly from manufacturers. Orders ship from California.