This page is a place for me to share my favorite metal model kits. I know that any list like this is bound to be very subjective. But I also know that the recommendations of others have inspired me to build some kits, and I’m glad I did.
So, I’ll divide this page up simply into 3 parts: (1) Recommended for Beginners, (2) Kits I’ve Really Enjoyed, and (3) Advanced Challenges. I’ll also update / add to this page as I build more kits and fall in love with some of them!
(Note: If you purchase through any of my links, I may receive a commission which helps me do what I do on this site. But rest assured, my recommendations are always based on my honest opinion after personally using products and researching all the options out there.)
Top 10 Kits Recommended for Beginners
Millennium Falcon
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Level: Moderate | Sheets: 2
This was the second kit I ever built. It’s often suggested for beginners (see this post).
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Lighthouse
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Level: Easy| Sheets: 1
A very straightforward build. Makes a nice desk model.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Empire State Building
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Easy | Sheets: 1
An iconic build. This kit teaches the beginner some nice skills.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
The White House
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Easy | Sheets: 2
A beautiful model. Lots of straight folds and right angles for an easy build.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
The Eiffel Tower
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Easy | Sheets: 1
This has been a very popular kit. Builds up into a very nice model indeed.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Supermarine Spitfire
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Easy | Sheets: 1
For a simple beginner kit, this is really nicely detailed. WWII buffs will love it.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Avro Lancaster Bomber
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Easy | Sheets: 1
A great companion build to the Spitfire. (Put them both on your desk!)
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Space Shuttle Atlantis
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Easy | Sheets: 1
Another simple build. I recently experimented with painting this one (click here to see)
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Hubble Telescope
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Easy | Sheets: 1
An interesting subject, and not nearly as hard as it looks. Great kit.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Checker Cab
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Easy | Sheets: 1
Such a cool looking model, and a great introduction to the car kits.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
10 Kits That I’ve Really Enjoyed
P-51 Mustang “Sweet Arlene”
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Challenging | Sheets: 2
I LOVE this gorgeous model. It has it’s moments, but it’s not that difficult.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Cessna 182 Floatplane
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Moderate | Sheets: 2
Another beauty. The coloring and detail make this extra special, and it’s not hard.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Melbourne W-class Tram
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Moderate | Sheets: 2
I married a girl from Melbourne, so this one’s extra special for us. Beautifully colored kit!
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Battleship Bismarck
Brand: Piececool | Skill Rating: 6/7 stars| Sheets: 3
This one will challenge you (lots of small detail parts), but what a magnificent model.
Recommended source: AliExpress (Click here)
Black Pearl
Brand: ICONX | Skill Rating: Moderate | Sheets: 2
The ICONX series are larger models. This is one of the nicest and most popular.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Buzz Lightyear
Brand: Tenyo | Skill Rating: Not given| Sheets: 3
I just love this kit. Moderate skill needed, but it looks fantastic when finished.
Recommended source: Hobby Link Japan (Click here)
Titanic
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Moderate | Sheets: 2
This kit can be trickier than it’s “moderate” rating, but it’s a lot of fun.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
1965 Ford Mustang
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Moderate | Sheets: 2
A classic car. This kit does the icon real justice. Beautiful model for car lovers.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Monster Truck
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Moderate | Sheets: 3
Ok, those tires will test your skills! But what a great looking model. Fun!
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Sherman Tank
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Moderate | Sheets: 2
One for the military buffs. This very detailed kit builds up into a great model.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
5 Advanced Challenges for You to Try
Optimus Prime Western Star 5700 Truck
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Challenging | Sheets: 3
Amazing kit … but not for the beginner. Work up to it. Great model to build.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Shockwave G1
Brand: Mu | Skill Rating: Expert | Sheets: 6
An amazing kit for Transformers fans. But very challenging. Practice then conquer it!
Recommended source: Tri-M Specialty Products (Click here)
Gundam
Brand: ICONX | Skill Rating: Challenging | Sheets: 2
Only 2 sheets, but still a challenging project. Give this one a go, though. It’s awesome.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
Marvel – Iron Man
Brand: Metal Earth | Skill Rating: Challenging | Sheets: 3
This kit has a bit of a reputation! It’s not easy, but looks fantastic when finished.
Recommended source: Innovatoys (Click here)
T99 Chinese Tank (with moving parts)
Brand: Mu | Skill Rating: 5 star | Sheets: 5
I don’t know why more people don’t rave about this kit. Challenging, but great model.
Recommended source: Tri-M Specialty Products (Click here)