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Bandai 1/144 HGUC RX-78 GP02A Gundam

$39.99 AUD
Anavel Gato's RX-78GP02A "Physalis" in 1/144, with the full OVA loadout including the giant atomic bazooka and the oversized shield. A display stand is in the box, and it carries a second mount so a GP01 can be posed against it for the beam sabre duel. Simple snap-fit build, serious shelf presence.
Low stock - 1 available
From $10
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Key features
  1. Display stand with a second mount: holds the Physalis floating in space and takes a GP01 alongside it, so the duel display is built into the kit.
  2. Full OVA loadout: the giant atomic bazooka, the oversized shield and a beam sabre with effect parts are all in the box.
  3. Maximum bulk for a High Grade: the shoulder binders and shield give it a wider footprint than almost anything else at 1/144.
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 1/144 HGUC RX-78 GP02A Gundam

Big enough that Bandai put a stand in the box

The RX-78GP02A "Physalis" was built for one job, and the Earth Federation armoured it to survive doing that job. What you get is a mobile suit that is mostly shoulder binder and shield, and at 1/144 it still ends up one of the widest, heaviest things on an HG shelf. Anavel Gato steals it during the Torrington raid and the rest of Stardust Memory happens because of it.

Bandai included a display stand with this one, which tells you most of what you need to know about how it balances.

Build difficulty

A simple snap-fit High Grade. Parts are moulded in colour, no glue and no paint needed, and the part count is low. The size makes it feel like more of an event than it is to build. Comfortable for a beginner, and a good pick if you want a big result without a long session.

Technical highlights

It comes with the full loadout from the OVA, including the giant atomic bazooka and the very thick shield. The display stand in the box holds the GP02A as though it is floating in space, and it has a second attachment point so a GP01 can be mounted alongside it to recreate the beam sabre duel from the series. Articulation uses polycapped joints, and alternate hand parts and beam sabre effect parts are included.

What makes this kit special

  • Display stand included: holds the kit in a floating space pose, which matters more here than on most HGs.
  • Two-suit stand attachment: a second mount lets you add a GP01 for the beam sabre duel display.
  • Full OVA loadout: the giant atomic bazooka and the oversized shield are both in the box.
  • Beam sabre effect parts: included for the duel pose.
  • Alternate hand parts: swap hands for weapon-holding or open poses.
  • Serious 1/144 bulk: one of the widest silhouettes you can put on a High Grade shelf.

What's in the box

  • RX-78GP02A parts, moulded in colour
  • Atomic bazooka
  • Shield
  • Beam sabre with effect parts
  • Alternate hand parts
  • Display stand with second attachment point
  • Marking stickers and instruction manual

Compatible accessories

A display stand is included, and you will want it. If you are building a wider 1/144 scene, the Bandai Action Base 2 is the standard 1/144 display stand.

Build your Stardust Memory collection

This is the obvious one. The included stand has a second mount specifically so a GP01 can be posed against it, and the Bandai 1/144 HGUC RX-78 GP01Fb is in stock now. Buy the pair and the duel display is built into the kit you already own.

For more Universal Century in 1/144, the Bandai 1/144 HGUC MS-09 Dom / MS09-R Rick Dom is also available.

Build specifications

  • Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
  • Grade: High Grade Universal Century (HGUC)
  • Scale: 1/144
  • Mobile suit: RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis", E.F.S.F. prototype attack use mobile suit
  • Pilot: Anavel Gato
  • In-universe height: 18.5 m
  • In-universe armour: Luna Titanium alloy
  • Armaments: 60mm Vulcan, beam sabre, atomic bazooka
  • Manufacturer: Bandai, Japan
  • Original release: July 2006
  • Kit packaged weight: 470 g, retail box 31.5 x 20.3 x 8.3 cm
  • Barcode (JAN): 4573102557193
  • Skill level: 2
  • Assembly: snap-fit, no glue required
  • Paint required: no, parts are moulded in colour
  • Display base: included, with a second mount for a GP01

Perfect for

  • Builders who want maximum shelf presence for a High Grade budget
  • Anyone building the Gundam Development Project units in 1/144
  • Beginners after a simple build with a big finished result
  • Collectors who want to recreate the Gato and Kou duel on one base
  • Universal Century fans filling the 0083 gap
  • Builders who like a kit that ships with its own stand

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

The shield is heavy, and that is the one thing that comes up about this kit. A detailed builder review of it puts it plainly: try to stand the model off the base while it is holding the shield and it will fall over. That is exactly why Bandai bundled the display stand, and it is not a defect in your particular box.

Take it as a design characteristic and plan around it. On the stand it looks excellent. Free-standing with the full loadout on, it will fight you.

Builder tips: use the included stand as the default display rather than the fallback. If you want it free-standing, leave the bazooka off and spread the feet wide. Panel lining the shield and shoulder binders adds a lot, since those large flat panels are where the detail otherwise disappears at this scale.

Build notes

No glue and no paint required. Nippers and a hobby knife will do it, with sanding sticks for nub cleanup on the white armour. Expect around an hour to an hour and a half. 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.2 Basic modeling skills are required. Parental supervision may be required for younger children. These kits are generally suitable for beginner builders. A basic set of modeling tools are required including nippers, hobby knife, sanding sticks/paper, file, and tweezers. No glue is needed for the general assembly. 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

Will the build quality be compromised because these kits are under $40?

Absolutely not! While they're budget-friendly, these kits maintain the high standards and quality you'd expect from any Gunpla kit. They're designed to offer an affordable entry without skimping on the details.

Are these under $40 kits suitable for beginners?

Yes, they're perfect for both beginners and seasoned builders. The price might be lower, but the experience is just as rewarding!

Do these kits come with all necessary parts and decals?

Absolutely! Every kit is complete with all parts and decals. No hidden surprises – just pure Gunpla fun.

Are these cheaper kits smaller in size?

Not necessarily. While some might be smaller scales or simpler designs, the size varies. The price reflects the complexity and not the stature.

Will I need to buy additional tools or paints for these kits?

While many builders love to customise and use extra tools or paints, these kits come with everything you need for the standard build