What are 3D Metal Model Kits?

You see them for sale in hobby stores and all over the internet sites that sell model kits. Almost everything has been made into a metal model kit including cars, trucks, planes, trains, action figures, buildings, you name it and it’s available in a 3D model kit.

A 3D model kit is a miniature 3D model that is laser cut from high quality steel sheets. Each model has amazing detail with parts cut from one or more 4” square steel sheets. These kits require no glue or sanding and include detailed easy to follow instructions.

If you want to learn more about these metal models, then keep reading.

Where Are 3D Metal Model Kits Made And Who Makes Them?

Metal Earth is a brand of miniature 3D models made by a company named Fascinations which is located in Seattle WA. They are the most popular brand sold in the United States. Fascinations has also used the brand names of Metal Works and Metal Marvels over the years. Piececool is a very popular brand metal 3D model but are mostly sold in China.

There is a newer brand called Time For Machine that takes 3D model kit making to another level. These models actually function because they have gears, springs, etc, and they actually do things like move. The metal is thicker so it takes more tools than just tweezers to build them.

There is also a large brand from Japan called Tenyo that builds a variety of different toys .They make the Metallic Nano line, which is their 3D metal model brand.

The majority of the rest of the brands are made and sold in China. For example Piececool, can be bought through AliExpress or other retail solutions that ship from China or other places into the USA. Here is a list of a few more brand names:

MU (sometimes known as Maple MU)
MicroWorld
Picture Kingdom
Metal Brick / 3D INNO METAL / MIK
DaTang
Blacksmith (from Thailand)
HK Nanyuan
Metal World*
3D Metal Model Kits
3D Metal Mosaic Kits
3D Metal Works Model
PieceFun
Ripin
3D Metal Mosaic Kits
DaTang
MicroWorld

What Are 3D Metal Models Made From?

3D model kitsare made from high quality very thin steel sheets that are remarkably detailed with laser etching cut onto one or more four-inch square sheets of thin metal. They require no gluing, soldering or painting.

That is the beauty of this type of model kit. There is from one to up to six very thin sheets that are precision laser cut, so the parts are easily removed from the sheets.

Where Can You Buy 3D Metal Models?

3d model kits can be bought in most brick and mortar stores, hobby shops and all over the internet. Amazon carries a great selection that includes free shipping for prime members. They are also for sale on Ebay, Ali Express and Wish.

Innovatoys is the official online distributor for Metal Earth. This is a great place to purchase with a very large selection, as they stock all Metal Earth lines and have a great inventory. They offer free shipping, with very competitive pricing and have excellent service.

On Amazon you can find a lot of Metal Earth models available, and if you have a Prime account, shipping is free.

As always eBay is an excellent source for these kits. You can purchase rare, hard to find models, surplus models being sold on the cheap and sometimes by the lot if you’re wanting to purchase more than one kit at a time.

Ali Express or Wish are a good source if you download their apps. These companies may have some different brands than you normally would see so you need to be aware of the quality. I would look at the reviews and ratings before purchase.

What Do Earth Model Kits Cost?

The smaller simpler kits begin around $10.00 but like all model kits you can start with some very inexpensive kits and work your way up. The most expensive will be groups of four kits that are over $100.00

The Fascinations Metal Earth Star Wars X-Wing. This kit is a two Sheet model and the difficult level is moderate. After assembly, dimensions are 4.01 x 3.38 x 2.04 inches. This is suggested for ages 14 and older.

Fascinations ICONX Transformers Optimus Prime Western Star 5700 Truck 3D metal model kit. This is a 3 Sheet Model with a difficulty level of challenging and is considered for ages 14 and older.

What Tools Are Required To Build Earth Models?

Clippers, quality tweezers, needle nose pliers and a cylindrical tool for making rounded corners.There are not a lot of tools required to build these models as they do not require glue soldering or screwdrivers to construct.

Here is a kit from Amazon that has the basic tools required to build your model.

What Is The Easiest Earth Model For A Beginner?

The Metal Earth Hubble Telescope model kit as one of the easiest builds to begin with. It has less than 50 parts and does not need a lot of intricate bends made. It is built from one 4 inch square sheet and measures 3″x2″x2.5″ when completed.

Many people online recommend the Millennium Falcon, from the Star Wars series, as a good first kit to build. It’s really a fun build while still being challenging.

What Types Of 3D Metal Kit Models Are There?

Pretty much anything you can imagine is available to build in a metal model. From autos, airplanes, military, ships, boats, space, you name it and you can find it. There are kits covering most all of the famous buildings around the world, cartoon characters, I could go on and on.

https://youtu.be/OIMNKVRNcbY

Fascinations Metal Earth Kit BASICS (https://youtu.be/OIMNKVRNcbY)

Final Thoughts

I would recommend to start with an easy kit with less than 50 or 60 pieces that is a moderate or easy on the difficult level. Many people are building and collecting as they make a great display and conversation piece. Happy Modeling!