One of the first things I still find myself looking for when I pick up a Metal Earth model kit is the “skill level” published on the package. You’ll certainly find this on all the newer kits; if you have an older one you might not. Some people also refer to these as “difficulty levels”. The question is, how helpful are they, and what level should you consider attempting? Let’s start at the top …
What are Metal Earth Skill Levels? These levels are a rating system developed by the manufacturer as a general guide to:
- How difficult a model will be to build
- What level of experience is necessary, and
- How many hours of construction time can be expected
Sounds good. But after you’ve built a few kits you’ll probably come to the realization that these skill levels are pretty subjective. There’s also the question of how they compare with the difficulty ratings used by other metal model companies around the world.
So, let’s try and make some sense of it all.
Metal Earth Skill Levels: According to the Manufacturer
The Metal Earth brand of models are made in China, but they are produced and distributed by Fascinations Inc. in Seattle Washington. On Fascinations’ website they briefly describe how their skill level rating system works …
Each package of Metal Earth and ICONX gives an indication as to how challenging a model is to build.
Accordingly, they suggest you …
Choose a model that corresponds to the level you feel you are at.
Note the language there. The rating system “gives an indication”. You should use it to choose the level “you feel you are at”.
So, they are acknowledging that their ratings are subjective, and are only intended as a guide.
That’s important to remember, otherwise you could be frustrated. You might sometimes wonder why one model is rated “challenging”, and you breeze through it without any great drama. But then another kit is rated “moderate”, and you nearly pull your hair out wrestling a part that’s loose because of one set of hard-to-reach tabs that just will not be twisted into place. Argh!
The Four Skill Levels
The following table sets out what each of the skill levels is intended to convey …
| Easy | Moderate | Challenging | Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Semi-casual builder | Casual Builder | Experienced hobbyist |
| Features: Full play value, de-gated pieces. | Features: More pieces, larger scale. | Features: 100+ pieces. | Features: 120+ pieces. |
| Build time: Up to 1 hour. | Build time: Up to 2 hours. | Build time: 3+ hours. | Build time: 5+ hours. |
BUT NOTE … not all of this information appear on the kit itself …
What you See on the Package
Only a very basic rating “gauge” is typically shown – a needle points to where the manufacturer believes this kit falls on a 10-point scale:
- Easy = levels 1 to 2
- Moderate = levels 3 to 5
- Challenging = levels 6 to 8
- Expert = levels 9 to 10
So, if you want more clear information on a particular kit, you need to go to that kit’s sales page and get a more full description of the difficulty level.
What About Other Manufacturers
Our hobby is expanding quickly, and there are now several other companies — particularly in China — producing wonderful kits. They’re becoming popular because they are greatly expanding the range of subjects available.
But when you buy these other brands, skill or difficulty ratings can be even harder to find.
For example, two of the more popular Chinese manufacturers are Mu and Piececool. Both companies include a rating on their packaging in “stars” (the more stars, the greater the difficulty). But they don’t necessarily correspond to either the Metal Earth ratings, or to each other. Also, the packaging of these brands typically includes more Chinese writing than English. So it can be hard to read.
Here’s my general recommendation …
You can assume that these other brands are, for the most part, more complex than Metal Earth. So, if you’re just starting out, stick with Metal Earth kits for a while. Buy a few kits with the “easy rating”, and work your way through the levels to “expert”. Then try your hand at some other brands. If you can handle expert level Metal Earth, you’re ready and should have no great problem tackling anything in the metal modeling world.
A Final Word of Encouragement
With all this talk of “difficulty” and “expert level”, you might start to worry that 3D laser cut metal models are just too complicated for average people. Nothing could be further from the truth. People of all hobby skill levels enjoy building these kits — including lots of children.
I would go so far as to say that the vast majority of kits (even the harder ones) can be built by anyone who’s willing to slow down, take your time, and carefully follow the instructions.
Starting out with Metal Earth kits that have an easier rating will maybe just help you enjoy your first builds more as you are learning the necessary skills.
You might also like -> What is The Easiest Metal Earth Model? A First Project for Beginners
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