The Federation's workhorse
Every space battle in the One Year War was won with numbers. The Earth Federation had the answer: the RGM-79 GM. While the RX-78-2 Gundam was Amuro Ray's personal weapon, the GM was the machine that actually turned the tide — produced by the thousands, crewed by ordinary soldiers, and sent in to finish the war the Gundam started.
Pronounced "Jim", the GM is the backbone of the Federation's mobile suit forces in Mobile Suit Gundam. This Master Grade kit brings it to 1/100 scale with the full mechanical depth the grade demands, built on the same inner frame as the MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0. For One Year War collectors, this is the kit that fills the other side of the shelf.
Build difficulty
This is a Skill Level 2 kit — well within reach for a builder who has completed a High Grade or two and wants to step up. The inner frame assembles first, with piston detail in the neck, elbows, and feet that moves as the kit is posed. Outer armour goes on in sections over the frame. The main challenge is the small parts in the inner frame assembly — the manual is clear, but pay attention to orientation on the skirt armour connections. Budget 6 to 10 hours for a straight build (an estimate, not a Bandai spec). No glue required. No paint required to get a shelf-ready result, though the moulded main body colour runs slightly more saturated teal than the muted off-white of the anime lineart; panel lining and a flat topcoat will sharpen it considerably.
Technical highlights
The inner frame is shared with the MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0 — the same piston gimmicks in the elbows and ankles, the same double-jointed knees, and articulated fingers with moulded grip tabs. The cockpit hatch opens to seat the included 1/100 E.F.S.F. pilot figurine. The waist can rotate with good range. Shoulder joints pull out for extra arm extension. The front skirt comes with two options: the original two-piece style or a three-piece modern skirt — both are in the box, and neither requires modification to swap. Colour separation is good; every colour is a separate part, so no masking is needed for a clean result.
What makes this kit special
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Shared Ver.2.0 inner frame: the same mechanical skeleton as the MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0, with moving pistons in the elbows and ankles that animate when the kit is posed.
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Waist skirt choice: two front skirt options in the box — the original TV-accurate two-piece style or the more modern three-piece configuration — no cutting required.
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Main GM weapons loadout: Beam Spray Gun, Bazooka, Beam Saber, and Shield — the GM's primary armament from the 0079 anime, all included.
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Opening cockpit with pilot figure: the hatch opens to reveal a seated 1/100 E.F.S.F. pilot figurine; a second standing figure is also in the box.
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Articulated hands with grip tabs: moulded tabs for weapon grip stability; fingers can be modified to individual articulation with a light trim.
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Action Base 1 and 4 compatible: the included adapter lets the kit mount on a Bandai Action Base for dynamic display poses.
What's in the box
- RGM-79 GM runner set (inner frame + outer armour)
- Beam Spray Gun
- Bazooka
- Beam Saber (hilt + effect part)
- Shield
- Two-piece front skirt armour
- Three-piece front skirt armour (alternate configuration)
- 1/100 E.F.S.F. Pilot figurine (sitting)
- 1/100 E.F.S.F. Pilot figurine (standing)
- Adapter for Action Base 1
- Dry transfer decals and sticker sheet
- Instruction manual
Compatible accessories
No display base is included with the kit. For dynamic poses at 1/100 scale, pair the GM Ver.2.0 with the Bandai Action Base 4, the standard 1/100 display stand. The kit also mounts on Action Base 1 via the included adapter.
Build your Mobile Suit Gundam collection
The GM sits on the Federation side of any One Year War display. These in-stock kits fill the Zeon side and the broader UC shelf:
Build specifications
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Series: Mobile Suit Gundam (0079)
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Grade: Master Grade (MG)
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Scale: 1/100
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Mobile suit: RGM-79 GM
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Faction: Earth Federation Forces
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Manufacturer: Bandai
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Release date: February 2009
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Skill level: Skill Level 2 — basic modelling skills required
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Assembly method: Snap-fit — no glue required
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Paint required: No — paint optional for detail enhancement
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Inner frame: Yes — shared Ver.2.0 frame with piston gimmicks
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Pilot figures included: Two — 1/100 E.F.S.F. pilot (sitting) and (standing)
Perfect for
- MG builders stepping up from HG who want a satisfying inner-frame build without committing to the complexity of a top-tier MG
- One Year War collectors building out the Federation side of a UC 0079 shelf display
- Builders interested in the Ver.2.0 line who want the full inner frame experience at a more accessible scale than PG
- Collectors who own the MG RX-78-2 Gundam Ver.2.0 and want the kit that shares its skeleton
- Anyone building an Earth Federation Forces fleet — the GM is the unit you build in multiples
Fast Australian shipping
Dispatched same day from our Brisbane warehouse if ordered before 2pm AEST on weekdays. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $199. Genuine Australian stock in hand. Packed securely in a sturdy outer box with water-soluble cornstarch void fill that dissolves cleanly in the sink.
What to watch for
The side and back skirt armour is connected by ball joints without a socket — these pop off during posing more readily than the front skirt. It's a known characteristic of this kit, not a defect. A very small amount of hobby putty or a careful dab of clear nail polish on the ball can tighten the connection if it bothers you. The ankle pistons limit the range of ankle articulation slightly compared to later MG releases. The moulded visor is a dark tinted green — the depth of the colour is hard to appreciate without a light wash or paint behind it. The main body colour runs slightly more saturated than the anime; whether to repaint it is a choice many builders make.
Builder tips: Build the inner frame fully before adding outer armour — it's worth posing at the frame stage just to appreciate the piston gimmicks. The Beam Saber hilt stores in the backpack; the holster folds out to hold a second hilt if you want both armed. The Bazooka grip pivots for a more natural hold. The Shield can be stored on the backpack when not in hand.
Build notes
No glue required. Recommended tools: nippers, hobby knife, sanding sticks, tweezers, and a flat-edge file for nub cleanup on visible surfaces. Inner frame parts are small in places — good lighting and tweezers make a difference. Estimated build time: 6 to 10 hours for a straight snap build. Recommended age: 15 and over. Dry transfer decals and stickers are included; a Gundam Marker panel lining pen used after the build adds significant depth to the surface detail.
Last updated: 26 June 2026 (AEST)
