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
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Display stand included: holds the kit in a floating space pose, which matters more here than on most HGs.
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Two-suit stand attachment: a second mount lets you add a GP01 for the beam sabre duel display.
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Full OVA loadout: the giant atomic bazooka and the oversized shield are both in the box.
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Beam sabre effect parts: included for the duel pose.
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Alternate hand parts: swap hands for weapon-holding or open poses.
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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
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Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
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Grade: High Grade Universal Century (HGUC)
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Scale: 1/144
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Mobile suit: RX-78GP02A Gundam "Physalis", E.F.S.F. prototype attack use mobile suit
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Pilot: Anavel Gato
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In-universe height: 18.5 m
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In-universe armour: Luna Titanium alloy
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Armaments: 60mm Vulcan, beam sabre, atomic bazooka
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Manufacturer: Bandai, Japan
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Original release: July 2006
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Kit packaged weight: 470 g, retail box 31.5 x 20.3 x 8.3 cm
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Barcode (JAN): 4573102557193
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Skill level: 2
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Assembly: snap-fit, no glue required
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Paint required: no, parts are moulded in colour
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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)