Fascinations Metal Earth Boeing 747 Airplane 3D Metal Model Kit

I really like the idea of these "metal earth" kits. It's cheap and a good way to make something to display in a bedroom or office. I suck at things like this so take this review with a grain of salt. It is super small and hard to put together. You NEED tweezers because of the little twist parts. Overall really fun and I would recommend

Grat flow of assembly

I have written so many reviews on these Metal Earth Metal Models. I love the intricate pieces and how they fit together to create this incredible models. I have completed over 20 of these models, and have even won a few in the company contests. I specifically purchased this Boeing 747 for my Step-dad who works for Boeing and builds the real ones. He was excited to receive it and put it together to display on his desk at work. I would recommend these metal models to anyone with a drive and patient attitude, as these can sometimes get tricky, but are TOTALLY worth the end product. I take pride in the hours I have spent constructing these models, and will continue to buy them as long as they keep making them! I keep them displayed in mirrored display cases on my wall in my office, and they get marveled at whenever people see them. And when they ask where I got them, are shocked to hear that I built them from a flat piece of sheet metal. Amazing!! A must buy for the hobbyist in your life!

I love to make models and this was my first metal model. First look, I thought I could go at it with ease but after awhile I found out it is not for beginners. If you choose to go with these thin, and I mean thin means of material then you have to be patience and delicate in using and making this model. If you don't pay attention to the instructions closely you can make a simple looking model more complicated than it should be. Do not work on a piece too much because it can break apart. Not for beginners! Caution also if you do not like small miniatures because this is the size of the finish model. Other than that, this is a small complicated model if you have patience and attention to detail,you will enjoy putting this thing together.

I've put together more than 50 metal earth models and love every one of them. Many times you can find a set of multiple models for a much lower individual price. Some are just harder than others. A few considered "easy" on metal earths web site have been harder than ones considered "challenging" or "expert". I like the harder ones. Spending $7 to $10 on a model that I put together in less than 20 minutes sucks. Having the proper tools is a must. A pair of small wire cutters (I purchased the Hakko CHP-170 for less than $5), a small pair of pliers or two (I purchased at Hobby Lobby in the jewelry section), a set of small electronic/watch repair screwdrivers (to bend the tabs or to take apart when I mess up), and since my eyes are not what they used to be, a head magnifier or cheap reading glasses you can get at any dollar store. I search around the house for things that may help. Round pencils, small wood dowel, markers of different sizes, anything that fits the shape I need.Many of the pieces in the models are very small, and the tabs to be bent or twisted are hard to get to or manipulate. But isn't that the idea of a model? With all Metal Earth models, take your time and if something doesn't seem to fit then stop, backtrack, and look and see if you missed something or have a wrong piece in the wrong place. The instructions are easy to read, but on the more than 50 models I have put together only 2 or 3 have had an error in the instructions. I have learned that if you come to a spot in the instructions that is hard to understand then slightly twist the tabs. This allows for a much easier time taking apart. You can then bend or twist the tabs when you know it is correct. The tabs can be bent several times before they break (I can't seem to put together any of them without messing up and having to take a piece or two off to correct).

I work on the 787 so I wanted at least one Boeing aircraft. I've built around 8 of these models now and this is one of the easier ones. One problem that I do have with these is the directions aren't always in the best order, I believe with this one it was hard to install the top section, it has been a month now since buiding this so I can't say for certain where I indeed had the biggest challenge. It doesn't show in the picture but it has front landing gear, I wish now I would've left that out as it looks better without it. As far as the model itself is I don't like how boxy it is, wish I would've tried forming it more round.

This product and all of the Metal Earth items are not toys. They are an intricate model that takes patience and skill to complete. They were not FUN to put together but challenging. The result s very satisfying and the models striking. Do not give this to a child or anyone who has a short attention span or gets frustrated easily. They are fragile before you start building, during the building process and after. The metal bends very easily and care must be taken to properly shape those pieces that require shaping. The right tools are essential. You will need fine needle nose pliers, tweezers, straight edges for bending, a shear cutter to remove the pieces from the metal sheet and a good magnifying lamp. The effort will be worth it. For your first model you should choose an easy one such as the Washington Monument. Then you can graduate up to the more difficult . Stay away from the tanks until you have gained some experience. These are not your everyday kits.