[SPLIT LIP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EpsilonX

Honestly though I wish model kit makers were smarter about where they connect parts to runners.

It's not always as simple as putting gates wherever. It has a lot to do with the flow of plastic. More expensive kits can have better gates or even undergating as they can spin the moulds more to maximize flow when it's a more premium product, but lower cost kits won't be allotted that kind of time and need more direct gates.

There's also material concerns. ABS isn't as soft as PS and thus typically needs thicker gates aligned more directly with the shape of the piece for best flow. I've heard this on Gunpla forums and assume the same goes for SMPs since they use mostly ABS.