Add one of the most distinctive Gundam designs from Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory to your collection with the RX-78GP03S Gundam GP03S Stamen MG 1/100. Developed as part of the secret Gundam Development Project, the Stamen forms the Mobile Suit core of the enormous GP03 Dendrobium weapons system.
Piloted by Kou Uraki, the GP03S combines the familiar Gundam silhouette with a more specialised design built around speed, manoeuvrability and integration with the gigantic Orchis support platform. Bandai’s Master Grade release brings that classic design to 1/100 scale with an internal frame, opening features, extensive weaponry and the mechanical detail that makes older MG kits such rewarding builds.
The Heart of the Dendrobium
The RX-78GP03S Gundam Stamen is the third major Gundam developed under the Earth Federation’s highly secretive Gundam Development Project.
Where the GP01 was designed as a highly capable general-purpose machine and the GP02A centred around devastating strategic firepower, the GP03 project took a radically different approach.
The complete RX-78GP03 Gundam Dendrobium consists of two major components:
- GP03S Stamen – the Gundam Mobile Suit
- Orchis – the enormous armed support platform
Docked together, they create one of the largest and most heavily armed Gundam systems of the Universal Century.
But underneath all that hardware sits the Stamen.
Piloted by Kou Uraki
During the events of Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory, the Stamen becomes the machine of Kou Uraki as the conflict surrounding the Delaz Fleet reaches its climax.
The GP03 gives Kou the firepower and performance necessary to take part in the desperate battles surrounding Operation Stardust.
Its battles against Anavel Gato and the Neue Ziel are among the defining moments of Gundam 0083.
Distinctive Gundam Design
The Stamen looks immediately different from both the GP01 and GP02A.
Its predominantly white armour is combined with blue torso sections, red highlights and an unusually streamlined silhouette.
The design retains unmistakable Gundam features while incorporating equipment specifically intended for operation with the Orchis.
One of its most recognisable elements is the pair of large folding arms mounted behind the Mobile Suit.
These give the GP03S an unmistakable profile even when displayed without the rest of the Dendrobium system.
Folding Arms
The Stamen’s distinctive folding arms aren’t merely decorative.
When the Gundam is docked inside the Orchis, these mechanical arms allow it to retrieve weapons and equipment stored within the massive weapon containers surrounding the Mobile Suit.
The MG recreates these unusual appendages as part of the Stamen’s backpack assembly.
They add a mechanical complexity rarely seen on more conventional Gundam designs and make the GP03S instantly recognisable from behind.
Folding Bazooka
The Stamen’s equipment includes the unusual Folding Bazooka.
As its name suggests, the weapon is designed around a folding structure that allows it to be stored compactly within the Dendrobium’s weapon containers before being retrieved when required.
It’s a perfect example of how almost every aspect of the GP03 project was designed around integration between the Stamen and Orchis.
On the Master Grade, the bazooka also provides a substantial alternative to the Gundam’s standard rifle-equipped appearance.
Beam Rifle
For conventional Mobile Suit combat, the Stamen carries its Beam Rifle.
This gives the GP03S a more familiar Gundam-style weapon configuration when displayed independently from the Dendrobium.
Combine the Beam Rifle with the shield for a classic Federation Gundam pose, or swap over to the larger Folding Bazooka when you want something with considerably more presence.
Folding Shield
The Stamen’s shield follows the same space-conscious philosophy as its other equipment.
Rather than being a completely conventional fixed structure, its design allows it to fold, complementing the specialised equipment developed for the GP03 system.
It’s another small detail that helps distinguish the Stamen from the enormous number of other RX-series Gundams.
Beam Sabers
Naturally, the Stamen also carries Beam Sabers for close-range combat.
They provide another set of posing options and allow the GP03S to be displayed as a standalone combat Gundam rather than simply the control unit at the centre of the Dendrobium.
With the external Orchis removed from the equation, Stamen remains an extremely capable Mobile Suit in its own right.
Classic Master Grade Engineering
The MG GP03S Stamen comes from an earlier generation of Master Grade engineering, offering a very different building experience from modern MG releases.
Expect:
- 1/100 scale construction
- Internal mechanical detailing
- Layered external armour
- Articulated limbs
- Opening and moving components
- Detailed weapons
- Colour-separated plastic
- Snap-fit construction
For builders who enjoy classic Master Grades, that’s part of the attraction.
Rather than chasing the extreme articulation and enormous parts counts of newer releases, the Stamen delivers a satisfying old-school MG build with plenty of scope for additional modelling work.
Excellent Customisation Potential
The Stamen is particularly well suited to experienced builders.
Its large white armour surfaces provide an excellent canvas for:
- Panel lining
- Water-slide decals
- Custom Federation markings
- Metallic internal-frame painting
- Thruster detailing
- Pre-shading
- Matte top coat
- Battle weathering
- Operation Stardust-inspired damage
A carefully detailed GP03S can look spectacular, particularly when the white armour is contrasted against darker mechanical components.
Build the Gundam Development Project
The Stamen really comes alive when displayed alongside the other machines from Stardust Memory.
Pair it with:
- RX-78GP01 Gundam Zephyranthes
- RX-78GP01-Fb Gundam Full Burnern
- RX-78GP02A Gundam Physalis
- AGX-04 Gerbera Tetra
- MS-14F Gelgoog Marine
- MS-06F-2 Zaku II F2
- Neue Ziel
Put the GP01, GP02A and GP03S together and you’ve got the foundation of an outstanding Gundam Development Project display.
Kit Features
- Manufacturer: Bandai
- Grade: Master Grade (MG)
- Scale: 1/100
- Mobile Suit: RX-78GP03S Gundam GP03S Stamen
- Complete system: RX-78GP03 Gundam Dendrobium
- Series: Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
- Pilot: Kou Uraki
- Detailed Master Grade construction
- Distinctive rear folding arms
- Folding Bazooka included
- Beam Rifle included
- Folding Shield included
- Beam Saber equipment
- Internal mechanical detailing
- Articulated construction
- Colour-separated plastic parts
- Marking decals/stickers
- Snap-fit assembly
- No glue required
- Painting optional
Why Add the RX-78GP03S Gundam Stamen MG 1/100 to Your Collection?
The GP03S Stamen sometimes gets overshadowed by the absolutely enormous Dendrobium surrounding it, but taken on its own it’s one of the most interesting Gundam designs of the early Universal Century.
Its folding arms, specialised weaponry and streamlined armour immediately separate it from the GP01 and GP02A, while its connection to the Dendrobium gives the machine a mechanical purpose unlike almost any other Gundam.
The Master Grade also offers something increasingly appealing to experienced builders: a proper old-school MG project. Build it cleanly straight from the box or use the relatively restrained armour design as the foundation for detailed painting, decals and weathering.
For fans of Stardust Memory, Kou Uraki or the wider Gundam Development Project, the RX-78GP03S Gundam Stamen MG 1/100 is an essential piece of the collection.
The Gundam at the heart of the mighty Dendrobium – with its folding arms, specialised weapons and unmistakable 0083 styling, the RX-78GP03S Stamen MG 1/100 is classic Universal Century Master Grade Gunpla
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