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Bandai 1/100 MG RX-78 GP02A Gundam Physalis

$63.99 AUD
Anavel Gato's RX-78GP02A "Physalis", the nuclear-armed prototype he steals in Gundam 0083. Sixteen runners, snap-fit and moulded in colour, with an atomic bazooka that splits in two so the barrel stows inside the shield. The biggest Master Grade of its generation and a serious piece of shelf presence.
In stock
From $10
4 × $15.99
Key features
  1. Two-piece atomic bazooka: mount it whole in the hand for a firing pose, or split it so the barrel stows inside the shield and the rest sits on the backpack.
  2. Articulated shoulder binders: the oversized shoulder units move, and the outer nozzle pivots down, which is what gives the Physalis its stance on a shelf.
  3. Sixteen runners of bulk: the largest Master Grade of its generation, so it stands out next to standard 1/100 kits rather than blending into the row.
Returns & Refunds
  1. Australian Consumer Law Compliance: Mecha Express Australia strictly adheres to the Australian Consumer Law for all transactions.
  2. Contact Process for Issues: If you encounter any issues with your purchase, you should first contact Mecha Express Australia via email at support@mechaexpressaustralia.com.au, describing the problem and providing photos and contact details.
  3. Response and Advice: Mecha Express Australia will promptly respond to your email to discuss the issue and advise on the next steps.
  4. USA Customer Policy: USA customers are not eligible for returns, refunds, or compensation for any issues including lost, stolen, or incorrectly delivered items.
  5. Return Conditions for AU and NZ: Items must be returned in their original, undamaged, and resalable packaging if requested by Mecha Express Australia.
  6. Refund and Replacement Policy: Australian and New Zealand customers may receive replacements or refunds for reasons like change of mind (before dispatch with a restocking fee), incorrect items, lost/stolen/damaged parcels during delivery, missing parts, or inability to supply an item. Mecha Express Australia will give you a Reply Paid number for you to return these items at no cost to you at your local Australia Post outlet.
  7. Non-refundable Items: Items that cannot be refunded include those that are opened, used, partly assembled, lost parts, self-damaged items, or items found with no issues.
  8. Duplication Promise: Returns are accepted if you receive a duplicate gift, provided the item is returned in resalable condition and at your own expense.
  9. Pre-Order Cancellation: While pre-order refunds are typically not offered, requests will be considered but subject to a 10% restocking and administration fee.
  10. Restocking and Administration Charge: A 10% fee applies to canceled orders or refunds to cover non-refundable third-party fees, calculated on the total value of the products and shipping costs.
Series Assembly Guide FAQ

Bandai 1/100 MG RX-78 GP02A Gundam Physalis

The one they built to carry a nuke

After the One Year War the Earth Federation heard that Zeon remnants might be working on nuclear-capable mobile suits. Rather than wait, they built their own. The RX-78GP02A "Physalis" is the result, and everything about it follows from that job: heavy armour to survive its own blast, a shield thick enough to hide behind, and shoulder binders the size of a small car. Anavel Gato steals it in the opening act of Stardust Memory, and the shape of it has been intimidating people ever since.

This is the 1998 Master Grade, and at the time it was the largest and most involved kit Bandai had put out in the line.

Build difficulty

Sixteen runners. Even snap-fit and unpainted this is a few solid hours of work, and it is a genuine step up from a standard Master Grade in both part count and physical size. Nothing about the assembly is technically hard, it is just a lot of it. Comfortable for an intermediate builder, and worth attempting if you are confident rather than brand new.

Technical highlights

The atomic bazooka is the centrepiece and it is properly engineered. You can mount it in the hand in firing position, or break it into two pieces so the barrel stores inside the shield and the rest mounts on the back. The shoulder binders move, including the outer nozzle that pivots downward. Inner mechanism detail runs through the frame, and you get multiple sets of hands plus a beam sabre. Everything is moulded in colour and snaps together, with stickers for markings.

What makes this kit special

  • Two-piece atomic bazooka: hand-held in firing position, or split so the barrel stows in the shield and the rear section mounts on the backpack.
  • Articulated shoulder binders: the huge shoulder units move, and the outer nozzle pivots down.
  • Sixteen runners: the biggest Master Grade of its generation, with the shelf presence to match.
  • Multiple hand sets: swap between fists and weapon-holding hands for the pose you want.
  • Inner mechanism detail: the frame underneath is built to be seen, not just to hold armour on.

What's in the box

  • Sixteen runners of injection-moulded parts
  • Polycap runner
  • Atomic bazooka, separable into two sections
  • Shield with internal bazooka barrel storage
  • Beam sabre
  • Multiple hand sets
  • Sticker sheet for markings
  • Instruction manual

Compatible accessories

No display base is included with the kit. Given how much the shield and bazooka weigh once they are on, a stand is genuinely worth having here rather than just nice to have. Pair it with the Bandai Action Base 4, the standard 1/100 display stand.

Build your Stardust Memory collection

The natural opposite number is the suit Kou Uraki chases him in. The Bandai 1/144 HGUC RX-78 GP01Fb is in stock now.

For more Zeon-side Master Grade weight on the shelf, the Bandai 1/100 MG Gouf Ver 2.0 is also available.

Build specifications

  • Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
  • Grade: Master Grade (MG)
  • Scale: 1/100
  • Mobile suit: RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis"
  • Pilot: Anavel Gato
  • Faction: Earth Federation build, captured and flown by Zeon remnants
  • Manufacturer: Bandai, Japan
  • Original release: July 1998
  • Runners: sixteen
  • Kit packaged weight: 1110 g, retail box 39 x 31 x 12.3 cm
  • Barcode (JAN): 4573102635365
  • Skill level: 3
  • Assembly: snap-fit, no glue required
  • Paint required: no, parts are moulded in colour
  • Special features: separable two-piece atomic bazooka, shield-mounted barrel storage, articulated shoulder binders

Perfect for

  • Builders who want the biggest, heaviest silhouette on the Universal Century shelf
  • Collectors working through the Gundam Development Project units
  • Anyone who has wanted a Physalis since the first time they watched Gato steal it
  • Intermediate builders ready for a high part count without technical difficulty
  • Display-first collectors more interested in presence than deep posing
  • Builders putting together an 0083 pairing with the GP01Fb

Fast Australian shipping

Dispatched same day from Brisbane if ordered before 2pm AEST on weekdays. Free shipping Australia-wide on orders over $199. Packed securely in a sturdy outer box with water-soluble cornstarch void fill that dissolves cleanly in the sink.

What to watch for

Posing is the recurring theme in builder discussion, and it is worth knowing before you buy. One builder who finished it summed it up as a kit with real flaws that is a bear to pose, while still saying it looks great on the shelf, and separate discussion of the kit keeps circling back to the same cause: the shield and the atomic bazooka are heavy, and hanging both off a 1998-era frame asks a lot of the joints.

The practical read is that this is a display kit more than an action-pose kit. Standing it in a clean, weight-forward stance looks superb. Trying to hold the bazooka out one-handed in a dynamic pose is where people run into trouble.

Builder tips: use the shield-mounted storage for the bazooka barrel when you are not posing it in firing mode, since it takes a lot of weight off the arms. A stand solves most of the balance complaints outright. If a hip or shoulder joint ends up loose, a thin wipe of clear nail polish on the peg, left to dry fully before reassembly, tightens it back up.

Build notes

No glue and no paint required. Nippers, a hobby knife and sanding sticks are enough, and the white armour is where nub marks show most, so it is worth cleaning those up. Set aside four to six hours across a couple of sessions for the full sixteen runners. Recommended age 15 and over.

Last updated: 5 August 2026 (AEST)

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory Series

Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory" is a must-watch for Gundam fans. Set in the Universal Century, it follows a thrilling tale of espionage, stolen mobile suits, and epic battles. The series introduces new characters like Kou Uraki, alongside iconic veterans. With its gripping storyline, stunning animation, and intense mobile...

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Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory Series

Assembly Guide

Skill Level.3. Basic modeling skills are essential. These kits are not recommended for beginners or children due to the high level of complexity of assembly and the sheer volume of parts. Experience in building more complex Gunpla models is recommended. Parental supervision is essential. A full set of hobby tools is recommended that includes, nippers, hobby knives, sandpaper, sanding sticks, files, buffing files, glues, tweezers, and decal adhesive/softener. Parts will need to be removed by using a pair of nippers and cutting the part away from the runner. Parts may require clean-up where they were removed from the runner.

Gunpla (plastic model kits) are a snap together assembly and do not need plastic cement to complete. We always recommend having some plastic cement handy as a part of your modeler's tool kit. If you prefer to fix your model in a particular pose then plastic cement will work. Plastic cement is also perfect to use if a joint is loose. Apply plastic cement in a single thin layer and allow it to dry completely before test fitting. Re-apply more cement if necessary.

Gunpla (plastic model kits) are designed to be built and displayed without the need for painting. Kits are molded in different colours replicating the colours of the actual mecha from the Mecha series. A technique called colour separation, where multiple parts of the model are molded in different colours on the same sprue is also used. Mecha kits often include stickers or water-slide decals that can be applied to the model to enhance its appearance. Some Gunpla kits come with pre-painted parts or parts with pre-applied details, such as metallic or translucent finishes.

Many modelers still choose to paint their kits to customize and add further detail. Painting allows for more creativity and personalization, enabling modelers to achieve unique effects, weathering, and colour schemes that may not be available out of the box. However, the kits are designed to be enjoyable and visually appealing even without painting, making them accessible to a wide range of hobbyists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets Master Grade (MG) kits apart from other Gunpla grades?

MG kits are known for their 1/100 scale, detailed inner frame systems, advanced articulation, and a greater number of parts. They offer a more intricate building experience and finished model than some other grades.

How long does it typically take to build an MG kit compared to other grades?

Due to their complexity and number of parts, MG kits generally take longer to assemble than HG (High Grade) kits. A build can range from several hours to a few days, depending on the model and builder's experience.

Do I need any special tools or paints for MG kits?

While MG kits are designed to be snap-fit, tools like nippers and hobby knives can enhance the building experience by cleaning parts. Paints are optional but can be used for customizing or detailing.

Are MG kits suitable for beginners?

While MG kits are more complex than HG kits, they're not impossible for beginners. However, newcomers might want to start with an HG or an easier MG kit to familiarize themselves with the basics before diving into more advanced models. We have a skill level indicator for each model to help potential builders understand possible level of difficulty

Can I pose MG models, and do they come with stands?

es, MG models have excellent articulation and can be posed in various ways. Some MG kits include stands, but not all. If you want dynamic aerial poses, you might consider buying a stand separately. Make sure you read our Blog about Action Bases