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Bandai 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 1980's Ver, official Bandai product photography of the revival re-release of the original 1980 first Gunpla with its beam rifle and shield.
Bandai 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 1980's Ver (Revival), official Bandai product photography of the colour-moulded revival of the original first Gunpla.
Bandai 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 1980's Ver (Revival), official Bandai product photography showing the vintage RX-78-2 with its beam rifle and shield.
Bandai 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 1980's Ver, official Bandai product photography of the revival re-release of the original 1980 first Gunpla with its beam rifle and shield.
Bandai 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 1980's Ver (Revival), official Bandai product photography of the colour-moulded revival of the original first Gunpla.
Bandai 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 1980's Ver (Revival), official Bandai product photography showing the vintage RX-78-2 with its beam rifle and shield.

Bandai 1/144 RX-78-2 GUNDAM 1980's Ver

$18.99 AUD
Bandai 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 1980's Ver: a re-release of the original first Gunpla from 1980, now moulded in colour. Beam rifle, two sabers and shield. A vintage collector's build. Ships same day from Brisbane.
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Key features

The original first Gunpla: the 1980 RX-78-2 tooling re-released, the kit that started the hobby.

Now in colour: moulded in colour rather than the single-white 1980 original, so it builds up looking right without paint.

Vintage build: comes with beam rifle, two beam sabers and shield. Articulation is limited by modern standards, a collector's piece, not a modern HG.

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@gundamexpressaustralia.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 RX-78-2 GUNDAM 1980's Ver

The kit that started it all, back in its original form. This is the 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam in the 1980's Version, a re-release of the very first Gunpla from July 1980. Same classic sculpt, same piece of history, now moulded in colour.

What it is, honestly. This is the original 1980 tooling, not a modern HG. The proportions and articulation are vintage: the arms and legs move, but do not expect the wide poly-cap posing of a current kit. That is the point. It is a nostalgia build and a collector's piece, the actual first Gunpla design.

What's in the box. The RX-78-2, plus its beam rifle, two beam sabers and the shield. Moulded in colour, so it builds up looking like the box without paint.

Who it's for. Long-time builders who want the original on the shelf, and anyone curious where Gunpla began. It is a simple, quick, satisfying build.

Build notes. Snap-fit, no glue needed. The vintage mould has some softer detail and looser fit than modern kits, so a little care and panel lining go a long way.

Fast Australian shipping. Order before 2pm on a weekday and it ships the same day from Brisbane.

What to watch for. This is the original 1980 design, not a modern HG RX-78-2. Articulation is limited by today's standards, and it does not have the part separation or poseability of a current kit. Buy it for what it is: the first Gunpla.

Last updated: 7 June 2026 (AEST)

Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 Series

Dive into the universe where it all began - "Mobile Suit Gundam". Originating from 1979, it unfolds a raw, unfiltered narrative of warfare in the Universal Century, introducing us to legends like Amuro Ray and his iconic Gundam RX-78-2. Trust us, building this iconic Gunpla, available in HG, RG, MG,...

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Mobile Suit Gundam 0079 Series

Assembly Guide

SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED
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.
No Cement Required

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.

No Painting Required

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 establishes the Universal Century as distinctive among Gundam timelines?

The UC is the original Gundam timeline, beginning with "Mobile Suit Gundam" (1979). It's acclaimed for its intricate political and military narratives, portraying the cyclical nature of human conflict across multiple series and films.

How does the One Year War define the UC narrative?

The One Year War is a cataclysmic conflict between Earth Federation and Principality of Zeon. It sets the tone for future UC events and introduces iconic characters and mobile suits, with its repercussions felt throughout subsequent UC entries.

What are "Newtypes" in the UC context?

Newtypes are humans who've evolved to adapt to space living. They possess heightened spatial awareness and, often, telepathic abilities. Newtypes challenge UC's socio-political dynamics, representing both hope and exploitation.

How do "Zeta," "ZZ," and "Char's Counterattack" extend the original "Mobile Suit Gundam" story?

These sequels explore the post-One Year War universe. "Zeta" and "ZZ" delve into subsequent conflicts and Newtype philosophies, while "Char's Counterattack" presents a climactic showdown between rivals Amuro Ray and Char Aznable.

Why is the UC timeline considered essential for Gundam enthusiasts?

As Gundam's genesis, the UC provides deep lore, character development, and thematic richness. It's the bedrock on which many Gundam motifs and philosophies are built, offering a comprehensive view of the franchise's vision of war, peace, and humanity's future.

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