The Bandai 1/144 High Grade WD-M01 Turn A Gundam is Loran Cehack's mobile suit from Turn A Gundam, designed by Syd Mead. This High Grade release captures the Turn A's distinctive moustache-shaped head crest with beam rifle, shield, beam saber, and removable core fighter. It's the definitive 1/144 scale version of the Correct Century's most iconic mobile suit.
This kit includes approximately 200 parts and features snap-fit construction with no glue required. The High Grade engineering is designed for beginner to intermediate builders.
The build centres on Syd Mead's unique industrial design aesthetic that sets the Turn A apart from traditional Gundam designs. You get the beam rifle, shield, beam saber, and removable core fighter. The colour separation delivers the Turn A's white, grey, and red scheme with minimal painting needed. The engineering features articulated joints throughout the legs, knees, and torso for dynamic posing. The signature moustache-shaped head crest and curved chest armour capture the Turn A's distinctive silhouette designed by renowned industrial designer Syd Mead.
What Makes This Kit Special
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Syd Mead Design: Unique industrial design aesthetic by legendary designer Syd Mead
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Moustache Head Crest: Distinctive curved head crest that defines the Turn A's iconic appearance
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Removable Core Fighter: Core fighter unit detaches from the torso for display
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Enhanced Articulation: Articulated joints in legs, knees, and torso for dynamic action poses
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Complete Weapon Arsenal: Beam rifle, shield, and beam saber included
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Curved Armour Design: Organic curves and industrial aesthetic distinct from traditional Gundam designs
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Correct Century Setting: Represents the Turn A Gundam's far-future timeline
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Beginner-Friendly Build: Straightforward assembly suitable for newer Gunpla builders
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Snap-Fit Construction: No glue required for assembly, parts snap together securely
What's In The Box
- HG WD-M01 Turn A Gundam plastic parts (approximately 200 pieces)
- Beam rifle
- Shield
- Beam saber
- Core fighter (removable)
- Multiple pairs of manipulator hands (weapon holding, open palm, fists)
- Foil sticker sheet
- Marking decal sheet
- Colour instruction manual
Builder Notes:
The Turn A Gundam is a community favourite with surprisingly modern engineering for a 2014 release, but there are a few things worth knowing to keep your kit looking great long-term. Most of these are easy to address with simple preventative measures.
Chest Sticker Peeling (Most Common Long-Term Issue): The red V and the grey details in the chest silos rely on small stickers that wrap around curved or recessed surfaces. Due to the lack of bite on the plastic, these stickers are notorious for peeling at the edges within weeks. This is the most commonly reported long-term issue. The solution is simple: use a red Gundam marker or acrylic paint for the chest V and the silo internals instead of relying on the stickers. It's a simple detail that vastly improves the kit's longevity and looks better than stickers anyway.
Waist Polycap Sag: While initially rock solid, the waist joint uses a PC-002 polycap that tends to loosen over 6-12 months of display. This causes the torso to lean slightly to the side when holding the shield and beam rifle. A tiny drop of clear coat on the waist ball joint during assembly will preemptively solve this issue. This is one of those "do it during the build" fixes that saves you frustration later.
The Moustache (V-Fin): Because of its unique curved shape, the V-fin is thinner at the tips than most kits. It's extremely prone to snapping if the kit falls forward. Handle the head carefully and consider displaying on an Action Base if you have pets or kids around. If the V-fin does break, Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is the only reliable fix that won't leave a visible glob due to the curved surface.
Calf Vanes (Rear Leg Fins): The back of the legs features a series of delicate slat pieces. These are thin and can be stressed or bent out of shape during the nub removal process. Use sharp nippers and take your time with these parts. Cut away from the part rather than toward it to avoid stress marks.
Shoulder Armour Pegs: The shoulder armour connects via a relatively thin peg. If you rotate the arm without clearing the torso properly, you risk twisting the peg off. Make sure the shoulder armour has clearance before rotating the arm, and don't force anything that doesn't want to move smoothly.
Hollow Core Fighter Gap: There's a minor but consistent complaint about the fitment of the core fighter in the waist area. Some kits have a slight 0.5mm gap that prevents the torso from sitting perfectly flush, which can contribute to the waist stability issues mentioned above. This is a minor cosmetic issue that most builders don't notice unless they're looking for it.
Stability Rating: 9/10. The wide, flat feet and low centre of gravity make this one of the most stable standing kits in the High Grade line. It rarely requires an Action Base to stay upright, which is impressive given the unique proportions. Once you've addressed the waist joint during assembly, this kit is rock solid.
The Fixes: Paint the chest V and silo details instead of using stickers. Apply clear coat to the waist ball joint during assembly to prevent future sag. Handle the moustache V-fin carefully and consider an Action Base for long-term display security.
Compatible Accessories
Display your Turn A Gundam with these Action Bases designed for 1/144 scale High Grade kits:
Build Your Turn A Collection
Expand your Correct Century mobile suit lineup with these related kits:
Build Specifications
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Series: Turn A Gundam
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Grade: High Grade (HG)
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Scale: 1/144
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Mobile Suit: WD-M01 Turn A Gundam
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Designer: Syd Mead
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Pilot: Loran Cehack
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Era: Correct Century
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Manufacturer: Bandai Spirits
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Weight: 270g
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Barcode: 4573102604019
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Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
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Assembly: Snap-fit construction, no glue required
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Compatibility: Action Base 2, 5, and other 1/144 scale stands (sold separately)
Perfect For
Beginner to intermediate builders who want a unique Gundam design that breaks from traditional aesthetics. The Turn A's Syd Mead industrial design offers a refreshing alternative to standard Gundam silhouettes. Turn A Gundam fans who want Loran Cehack's mobile suit with the signature moustache head crest. Builders who appreciate industrial design and organic curves in mecha aesthetics. The straightforward assembly makes this an accessible entry point for newer Gunpla builders while the distinctive design appeals to experienced collectors. Syd Mead design enthusiasts who want to add the legendary industrial designer's Gundam work to their collection. Best suited for builders who want a display-ready Turn A Gundam without the complexity and cost of Master Grade kits. The unique silhouette makes this kit stand out on the shelf alongside traditional Gundam designs.
Fast Australian Shipping
Same Day Dispatch: Orders placed before 2pm weekdays ship same day. Orders after 2pm or on weekends ship next business day.
Australian Stock: In stock and ready to ship Australia-wide from Mecha Express. The Bandai 1/144 High Grade WD-M01 Turn A Gundam features Syd Mead's distinctive industrial design with moustache head crest and removable core fighter.
Snap-fit plastic model kit requiring no glue for assembly. Foil stickers and marking decals included for enhanced detail. Panel lining and topcoat recommended for best results. Nippers required for part removal from runners. Action Base sold separately for display. The moustache-shaped head crest is the Turn A's most distinctive visual feature. The core fighter removes from the torso for display of the internal cockpit detail. The curved armour panels reflect Syd Mead's industrial design philosophy.
Last updated: 3 March 2026 (AEST)
