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HGUC RX-78 GP03 Dendrobium Stamen
Here we have the second Gundam used by Kou Uraki in 0083 Stardust Memories. In the animation, it is big, flashy and doesn’t accomplish much. This Gundam is often slagged for being too complicated for a prototype; perhaps it is too complicated for plastic.
Head:
The head of our Gundam fits in just fine. You have decals for the eyes and for the sensor on the forehead. The V fin is the standard 2 piece with a white fin and red center. Another red piece fits the chin on, locking the head in place. The detail molded into the plastic is nice as well, leaving no serious faults on the head.
Torso:
The GP03 lacks the core block system that the GP01 had and instead has the big backpack disease. On the back, you have 2 thrusters that rotate together; getting about 100 degrees of motion. On the top of those thrusters, you have things that look like snake heads, which can be opened and a beam saber placed in them. The actual torso is well detailed, making use of a red cockpit, blue base and yellow vents. The vents, however, are incredibly difficult to get inside. I ended up snapping the connecting piece off and gluing it in. The only decal goes near the top of the sternum.
Arms:
GP03's arms could be what kills the model. The complicated claw system makes the arms long and floppy while being fragile themselves. It is also incredibly difficult to get the shield to stay in the slot with the claw holding it in place. A skillful modeler might make this work; I couldn’t.
Legs:
Contrary to the arms, your legs are rather stable. The skirt armor is nothing unique but the massive verniers on the back are incredibly moveable on their joints. From the knees down, the detail is excellent. This is also one of the few models stable enough to stand on one foot.
Accessories:
Like the GP01, this kit has a core fighter. With some paint, your core fighter would rock. You also get a shield that does not work very well but it is there. Another standard beam rifle is included. The beam saber is plagued by laziness as it is one solid white piece. Last is the folding bazooka that is somewhat weird. It doesn’t fit in the regular hand so only an extended claw can hold it but you lose balance and posing ability in the process.
Final Thoughts:
I won’t say this often but I wish I didn’t spend the $15 on this kit. There are too many quirks that do not belong in the HG line. A more skilled modeler could make this work out better but I’d say steer clear of this one unless you really want the GP03.