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Bandai 1/100 MG Gundam GP01 U.N.T Spacy Prototype

$39.99 AUD
Kou Uraki's RX-78GP01 "Zephyranthes" from Gundam 0083, and one of the first-wave Master Grades from 1997. Ten runners, snap-fit and moulded in colour, with a Core Fighter that lifts out of the chest and rebuilds into a jet fighter. A fair first MG if you have a couple of HG kits behind you.
Low stock - 1 available
From $10
4 × $9.99
Key features
  1. Detachable transforming Core Fighter: lifts straight out of the chest and rebuilds into jet-fighter mode, so one kit gives you two things to display.
  2. Opening hatches over a visible inner frame: panels across the body swing open to show the mechanical detail underneath, which is the whole reason to build this in 1/100.
  3. First-wave 1997 Master Grade: one of the early kits that set the template for the MG line, and a genuine piece of Gunpla history for a Universal Century shelf.
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 Gundam GP01 U.N.T Spacy Prototype

The prototype Kou Uraki never asked for

Stardust Memory opens with a test pilot, a quiet colony dock and two brand new Gundams nobody outside the Earth Federation was supposed to know about. The RX-78GP01 "Zephyranthes" is the one Kou Uraki takes up, and it is deliberately the least dramatic of the Gundam Development Project units. No nuclear bazooka, no giant shoulder binders. Just a clean, purposeful update of the original RX-78 silhouette built for general-purpose combat.

This is the 1997 Master Grade of that suit, and it is a proper piece of Gunpla history. It sits in the first wave of the MG line, back when a detachable Core Fighter and a full inner frame were still genuinely new ideas.

Build difficulty

Ten runners plus polycaps. It is snap-fit, no glue needed, and every part is moulded in colour, so a straight build looks right without a drop of paint. Expect a comfortable evening or two rather than a marathon. The engineering is 1997-era, which means the inner frame is simpler and the tolerances are looser than a modern Ver 2.0 kit, so take your time on the polycap joints and do not force anything. If you have finished a couple of HG kits, this is a very fair first Master Grade.

Technical highlights

The Core Fighter is the headline. It pulls out of the torso and rebuilds into a jet-fighter mode, which is the gimmick the GP01 is known for. Inner mechanical detail runs through the frame and hatches open across the body to show it off. Articulation comes from polycap joints, and you get the standard Federation loadout: beam rifle, beam sabre and shield. Markings are handled by foil stickers, dry transfers and clear stickers, which is how MG kits of this era did decals.

What makes this kit special

  • Detachable Core Fighter: lifts out of the chest and converts to fighter mode, so you can display the suit and the fighter as two separate pieces.
  • Opening hatches and visible inner frame: panels across the body open to reveal the mechanical detail underneath.
  • First-wave Master Grade: a 1997 release and one of the kits that set the template for what MG means.
  • Colour-moulded, snap-fit: no paint or glue required for an accurate finish.
  • Three marking types: foil stickers, dry transfers and clear stickers included.

What's in the box

  • Ten runners of injection-moulded parts
  • Polycap runner
  • Detachable Core Fighter parts
  • Beam rifle
  • Beam sabre
  • Shield
  • Foil sticker sheet, dry transfer sheet and clear sticker sheet
  • Instruction manual

Compatible accessories

No display base is included with the kit. For dynamic poses of the GP01 and its detached Core Fighter, pair it with the Bandai Action Base 4, the standard 1/100 display stand.

Build your Stardust Memory collection

The obvious companion is the later-spec version of this same suit, the Bandai 1/144 HGUC RX-78 GP01Fb, which is the Full Vernian refit Kou switches to for space combat.

If you are building out the Universal Century shelf in Master Grade, the Bandai 1/100 MG Gouf Ver 2.0 and the Bandai 1/100 MG RX-93 Nu Gundam Ver. Ka are both in stock.

Build specifications

  • Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
  • Grade: Master Grade (MG)
  • Scale: 1/100
  • Mobile suit: RX-78GP01 Gundam "Zephyranthes"
  • Pilot: Kou Uraki
  • Faction: Earth Federation Space Force
  • Manufacturer: Bandai, Japan
  • Original release: August 1997
  • Runners: ten, plus polycaps
  • Kit packaged weight: 520 g, retail box 31 x 20 x 7.7 cm
  • Barcode (JAN): 4573102638229
  • Skill level: 2
  • Assembly: snap-fit, no glue required
  • Paint required: no, parts are moulded in colour
  • Special features: detachable transforming Core Fighter, opening hatches, inner frame detail

Perfect for

  • Builders who want a first Master Grade without signing up for a 900-part build
  • Universal Century collectors filling the Gundam Development Project gap
  • Anyone who rates 0083 as the best-looking entry in the UC timeline
  • Builders who like a transformation gimmick that actually comes apart
  • Collectors who enjoy vintage-era Gunpla engineering for what it is
  • Anyone building a Kou Uraki display alongside 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

I went looking through builder discussion for recurring problems with this kit and did not find a repeated, independently confirmed fault. What comes up consistently instead is its age. Builders treat it as a vintage build and generally report it as a fun one, with more than one describing the GP01 and its Full Burnern sibling as good builds.

What is worth knowing going in is simply what a 1997 Master Grade is. The inner frame is less involved than the Ver 2.0 kits that came a decade later, articulation is polycap-based rather than a modern engineered frame, and the markings are stickers and dry transfers rather than the waterslide decals you get on newer MGs. None of that is a fault. It is just a different generation of kit, and it is worth setting expectations against a modern MG rather than assuming they build the same.

Builder tips: dry transfers need a firm, even rub with a blunt tool and they are unforgiving once down, so line each one up before committing. Work the Core Fighter parts slowly the first time you separate them. A light panel line with a Gundam Marker sharpens the chest and skirt armour more than anything else you can do to this kit.

Build notes

No glue and no paint required. Nippers and a hobby knife are enough, though sanding sticks help clean up nub marks on the white armour where they show most. Budget two to four hours across a session or two. 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

What makes these Gunpla kits the hottest sellers?

These kits are fan favourites for their detailed design, affordability, and build size, offering a balanced and enjoyable building experience.

Are these hottest seller kits suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Especially the HG kits, which are known for their fewer parts and simplicity, making them a great starting point for new builders.

What is the level of detail in the MG and RG hottest sellers?

MG kits boast a detailed inner frame and additional parts, while RG combines MG’s complexity with HG’s size for an intricate, compact build.

Can I get replacement parts if I lose some during the build?

Yes, if you buy a kit from Gundam Express Australia we will source replacement parts for you. This is not a quick process as parts need to come from Bandai in Japan.

How much space will I need to display these Gunpla?

HG and RG Gundam kits are compact, while MG Gundam are larger but still manageable. You won’t need too much space to showcase these masterpieces beautifully.