This is the question that people ask more than any other: what is the easiest Metal Earth model to build? The hobby is growing really fast, and newcomers always want to know where they should begin. I remember being a newbie and asking the same thing myself.
What’s the easiest Metal Earth model to build? Many experienced builders recommend the Millennium Falcon, from the Star Wars series, as a great first project. It’s certainly simple enough, while providing a really fun and exciting build.
Now, strictly speaking it’s not the very easiest of all the kits available, but there are some good and specific reasons for recommending this particular kit. It checks all the boxes that you should look for when you’re just getting started.
… But what if you really don’t like Star Wars?
Well OK, let me give you my list of criteria for what makes a great starter project. There are other Metal Earth models that will be just fine, and with this checklist you’ll be able to go out and pick one. At the end of the post, I’ll even mention a few other possible choices you might consider.
Use these 5 guidelines to determine a good starter project …
1. Take Note of the “Skill Level” Rating
This seems an obvious place to start, right? The manufacturer includes a rating symbol right on the package of every Metal Earth kit they produce. If you’re not sure how to read the symbol, I’ve written an entire post on it that you can read.
The skill level rating is the manufacturer’s opinion, based on a thorough knowledge of all their kits, and how they compare with one another.
Now, in time, as you get to know the kits better, you may not always agree with the skill level they’ve assigned. You may find a kit to be easier or more difficult than they described. I’ve scratched my head on a few occasions, I must admit! But most of the time, the rating will give you a fairly good guide.
The following table shows the four skill levels, and what each one indicates. This information is taken straight from the Metal Earth website:
| 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. |
For children I would say that you should stick to “Easy”. Most adults, however, will handle “Moderate” just fine. Leave the higher ratings until you have a few under your belt.
Now, if you purchase metal model kits by manufacturers other than Metal Earth, there may or may not be a similar skill or difficulty rating. Some of these other kits can be great fun to build, and they have greatly expanded the range of subjects on offer in our hobby.
But I’m going to suggest you stick with Metal Earth for your first couple of kits. They offer more kits in their range that are suitable for beginners, and you won’t have to worry about comparing a different manufacturer’s skill level rating system which may be a bit different.
2. How Many Sheets of Metal Parts are Included?
More sheets equals more parts to deal with. I don’t recommend you buy any kit with more than 2 sheets to begin with.
The added benefit is that these simpler kits with less parts sheets obviously tend to be cheaper. You can easily get one under $10. This is great for your first few attempts, because it would be a waste to spend a ton of money on a very elaborate model and then ruin it because you’re just learning the skills.
Quick Tip: Generally speaking, some of the older models are easier than the newer ones since they stuck to more basic designs.
3. Try to Estimate How Many Curves and Circles You’ll Have to Bend
You’ll get a fair idea of this just by looking at the picture of the completed model on the package.
In time, you’ll develop the skills to handle curves and circles without much drama, and this will become part of the fun and satisfaction of the hobby. For the beginner, however, they can be a challenge for a while.
For this reason, some of the architectural model kits can be good choices early on. Basic buildings tend to have a lot of right angles and straight sides. Think about the Washington Monument, for example. It’s a very simple design, and so the Metal Earth replica of it is straightforward.
Of course, there are exceptions! A building like the Sydney Opera House has a number of very challenging curves. The kit rightly earns a “challenging” skill level rating.
I also suggest that you leave action figure type kits alone for a while. Ironman (rated: “challenging”) or Black Panther (rated: “expert”) will be great fun for Marvel fans to build later on when you’ve got some experience. But they’re definitely not for beginners.
Quick Tip: For any curving that you do need to handle in easier kits, just look around your home for cylindrical objects that you can use to bend against. Some examples: toothpicks, drill bits, pencils, etc – depending on the size you need.
4. Are There a Lot of Attaching Parts Used for Details on the Model?
This is another indication of a more advanced model, and having to add lots of these little details will really slow down the build. And when you’re starting out, it’s just fun to be able to finish some models quite quickly.
Later on, one of the real pleasures of the hobby can be taking on a more elaborate project that takes a number of hours to complete. It can give you a wonderful sense of satisfaction when it’s done.
The temptation as a beginner, however, will be to start rushing if it’s taking a long time. When you rush you make mistakes, and this can lead to real frustration.
Last, but by no means least …
5. What Are You Going to Enjoy Building?
I really want you to have a great experience and get a lot of satisfaction from your first attempt. Because if you do, it will give you the confidence you need to keep going and build more. This will be far more likely if it’s a subject that you’re passionate about and want to do the best you can with.
Fortunately, the range of metal model kits available is large and growing all the time. Just the Metal Earth brand alone includes hundreds of popular subjects.
Want to build cars, aircraft, ships or tanks? Want to focus on space flight and build NASA models? How about famous landmarks? What about animals, birds or cartoon characters? My local hobby store owner loves to build beautiful metal butterflies between serving customers.
And then you can get into their range of licensed models: Star Wars, Marvel, Harry Potter, Transformers, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones … and the list goes on.
There’s almost sure to be a model kit that will get you excited to start.
Where It All Began for Me …
As I said at the beginning, the Millennium Falcon (CLICK HERE to check it out on the Innovatoys website) is an ideal choice as it meets all of the above criteria … with the possible exception of the last point. Because what you’ll enjoy is purely a matter of personal preference.
I have always loved World War 2 aircraft, so the Metal Earth model that I first saw and was drawn in by was the P-51 Mustang. Not having anyone to steer me in another direction, I bought that kit and brought it home excited to build it. Fortunately it turned out to be very straightforward. It’s 1 sheet of metal, and carries an “easy” rating.
The very next model I built, however, was the Millennium Falcon (this time after doing some research on what would be the easiest Metal Earth model). And I now recommend it for any newbie.
But if Star Wars doesn’t light your fire … try one of these alternatives. All are perfectly good starter kits …
Some Other Perfectly Good Options
- The Washington Monument – as already mentioned above.
- The Eiffel Tower – I have not built this kit, but a friend did and recommends it as a great option for beginners.
- The Golden Gate Bridge – When I first heard about this one, I figured it would have to be a complex model. But surprisingly it isn’t. It’s very straightforward, produced on a single parts sheet, and earning an “easy” rating from the manufacturer.
- Lighthouse of Alexandria – This is a beautiful model, and doesn’t pose too many problems.
- The Cable Car – Another easy and fun build.
- The Ferris Wheel – Someone on Reddit mentioned this one, although I haven’t personally built it yet. They pointed out that it’s a nice starter kit because it comes with extra pieces in case you mess some up. Building it requires some repetition that can really help you perfect your skills.
Now … Just Jump In!
Metal Earth models are SO much fun to build. And there are so many to choose from, you are entering a hobby that can keep you occupied for a lifetime.
And, compared with many other hobbies, the kits really are not expensive and don’t require you to go out and buy lots of specialty tools.
So, grab the simplest Metal Earth model you can find, and have a go. If you do mess it up, it’s just a few dollars. Try again.
I wish you much happiness bending the metal with us. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments area below.
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