Build: Goofy

Another exclusive model construction from the other side of the planet is about to happen! Again, thank @ tomz961 on Instagram for the extraordinary gesture of sending me the three character models that are only available at Disneyland Shanghai. I recently constructed Goofy because I promised to keep Pluto for last, and it's been a while since I built Donald. Indeed, I did seize the chance to offer to show someone my most ridiculous Metal3dpuzzles model yet. After all, I am a father. Of course, even before I became a father, I enjoyed horrible jokes.

Once more, I have to admit that these Chinese Disneyland character models are far superior to the two primary characters available in the US (Mickey and Minnie). They are comparable to or superior to the Stitch approach in terms of execution and outcome. Even though the style works well for animated characters, I think that we won't see any more of these, given the collapse of the Legends line. Goofy's dynamic position is another one of my favorites, and I'm equally surprised by how nicely it balances. When I started the build, I was concerned about that, but it's not an issue at all. I had to go and give Goofy's ears some curves since I couldn't leave him alone. All they were asking for was it!

It should come as no surprise that this model is not particularly challenging. Mostly, it's just a series of straightforward folds. It was a pleasant, short afternoon construction. However, that does not negate the fact that some aspects can be challenging. Because almost every Metal3dpuzzles  model has some difficulty, if they didn't, would we even like them? However, the alignment of tabs and slots is the only issue in this approach.

The head is where you will initially come across this. Similar to Donald, once you've fastened all the tabs, the sides of the head actually take on a slight curve. This is something that isn't really mentioned in the instructions, which are written in a simplified manner and don't even include a parts diagram because all the numbers are etched into the back of each part. Attaching Goofy's lower jaw (part 7) can also be frustrating because the instructions ask you to attach the lower jaw to the assembled piece after securing the left side of Goofy's face (5) to the rear of his head. There is a small notice that reads, "Connect these two tabs first," but I would actually suggest doing so before beginning to attach the left side of the head. By the way, they are the two tabs that join the lower jaw to the back of his head. While aligning the slots may need some balancing, it's preferable to try to squash the lower jaw between the two adjacent surfaces. That isn't enjoyable. I know since I had to do it that way because I didn't plan.

Attaching the legs to the pelvic area is the other fun part. Actually, it's interesting how the legs are formed in the first place. They display a mainly formed version of the parts with a few arrows pointing to the locations of the tabs and slots, not the actual orientation of the pieces. To find out how they got there, some spatial gymnastics were required. Even so, it took me time to determine the proper orientation for attaching the feet to the appropriate leg ends. In any case, the strange angles at which the legs meet the pelvis make it difficult to attach them to the torso. I had minimal trouble getting Goofy's right leg to go on (it required some persuasion, but not much).

On the other hand, the left leg (or foot) required some brute force maneuvering to attach. I had to attach one tab essentially, then use the third hand that was growing out of my back to swiftly secure the other tab after twisting and persuading the leg and pelvic portion into the proper alignment. I was joking regarding the third arm.

The remainder of the build went smoothly, aside from those few issues. Since his head is held in place by two opposing tabs, it does wobble a little, but it seems proportionate. Hehe. Another peculiarity I want to draw attention to is that the lower jaw piece appears to be plain silver rather than skin-colored where it should be. Although the model's "silver" skin around the lips is visible in the packaging shot, the instructions seem to suggest coloring it. Strange.

Goofy finished the build in a single sitting, clocking in at about an hour. The build video is shown below. But first of all, I would like to thank @tomz961 once more! It still amazes me that I have these unique gems in my collection, and I owe it all to you!