What is The Easiest Metal Earth Model? A First Project for Beginners

The most frequently asked question is: which Metal Earth model is the simplest to construct? The pastime is expanding rapidly, and newcomers are constantly curious about where to start. I recall asking myself the same question when I was a novice.

Which Metal Earth model is the simplest to construct? According to many seasoned builders, the Millennium Falcon from the Star Wars franchise is a fantastic beginning project. It's undoubtedly easy enough, and it offers a truly entertaining and thrilling build.

However, there are distinct and positive reasons to recommend this particular kit, even though it isn't the easiest of all available kits. It fulfills every requirement you should have when you're first starting.

… However, what if you're not a huge fan of Star Wars?

Now, let me share my requirements for a fantastic beginning project. With this checklist, you can choose from various Metal Earth models that will work perfectly. I'll include a couple more options you might want to consider at the end of the post.

Use these five guidelines to determine a good starter project …

1. Take Note of the "Skill Level" Rating

This is a no-brainer place to start. The firm produces every Metal Earth kit with a rating symbol directly on the packaging. I've made a whole post about the sign you can read if you're unsure how to interpret it.

The manufacturer's assessment of the skill level rating is based on a detailed analysis of each kit and how it compares to one another.

You might not always agree with the skill level they've allocated as you grow to know the kits better over time. A kit can be more straightforward or more complex than they said. I have to admit that I have scratched my head a few times! However, the rating will usually provide you with a decent guide.

The four skill levels and their respective meanings are displayed in the following table. This data was directly extracted from the Metal Earth website.

Beginner Semi-casual builder Casual Builder Experienced hobbyist

Features: Full play value, de-gated pieces. Features: More pieces, more significant 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.

I would advise sticking to "Easy" when speaking to kids. However, "Moderate" will work perfectly for most individuals. Save the better ratings for after you've completed a few.

Now, there might or might not be a comparable skill or difficulty rating if you buy metal model kits from manufacturers other than Metal Earth. Building some of these different kits may be a lot of fun, and they have significantly increased the variety of topics available for our pastime.

However, I advise you to continue using Metal Earth for your initial kits. They have more beginner-friendly kits in their inventory, and you won't have to compare other manufacturers' skill-level grading systems, which could differ slightly.

2. How Many Sheets of Metal Parts are Included?

When there are more sheets, there are more parts to handle. I advise against starting with a kit that has more than two sheets.

An extra bonus is that these more straightforward kits with fewer part sheets are typically less expensive. One is readily available for less than $10. It would be a waste to invest a lot of money in a more complex model and then wreck it because you're still learning the abilities, so this is ideal for your initial tries.

Quick Tip: Some earlier models are generally more straightforward than the current ones because they followed simpler designs.

3. Try to Estimate How Many Curves and Circles You'll Have to Bend

The photo of the finished model on the package will give you a good impression of this.

You'll eventually learn how to manage curves and circles with little drama, adding to the pastime's enjoyment and fulfillment. However, they can be complicated for the novice for some time.

Some architectural model kits are wise investments in the beginning. Straight sides and right angles are standard in basic constructions. For instance, consider the Washington Monument. The Metal Earth version of it is easy to understand because of its extremely basic design.

Of course, there are exceptions! The Sydney Opera House, for example, features some complicated curves. The kit is appropriately rated as having a "challenging" skill level.

Additionally, I advise you to put action figure-type kits on hold for now. Marvel aficionados will enjoy building Ironman (ranked as "challenging") or Black Panther (rated as "expert") once they have some expertise. However, they are absolutely not for novices.

Quick Tip: Search your house for cylindrical objects you can bend against if you need to manage curved surfaces in simpler kits. Depending on your required size, some examples include pencils, drill bits, toothpicks, etc.

4. Are many attached parts used to provide details on the model?

This is another sign of a more complex model, and the build will be significantly slowed if many of these small elements are added. Additionally, it's enjoyable to complete some models rapidly when you're first starting out.

Later on, taking on a more complex project that requires several hours to finish can be one of the hobby's true joys. When it's finished, you may feel a great sense of accomplishment.

However, if it's taking a long time, a newcomer will be tempted to start hurrying. Rushing causes you to make mistakes, which can be frustrating.

Finally, but certainly not least...

5. What Are You Going to Enjoy Building?

Your first try is fantastic and gives you great satisfaction. Doing so will give you the self-assurance you need to continue building more; if you're enthusiastic about it and want to do your best, this will be far more likely.

Many metal model kits are available, and the selection is constantly expanding. The Metal Earth brand alone includes hundreds of well-known topics.

Do you want to build tanks, ships, planes, or automobiles? Do you want to develop NASA models and concentrate on space travel? What about well-known sites? What about cartoon characters, animals, or birds? In between serving clients, my neighborhood hobby business owner enjoys creating lovely metal butterflies.

Then, you can explore their licensed models selection, including Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Transformers, Harry Potter, Marvel, and Star Wars. And the list continues.

There will likely be a model kit that will inspire you to get started.

Where It All Began for Me …

As I mentioned at the outset, the Millennium Falcon (see the Innovators website by clicking HERE) is an excellent option because it satisfies every requirement listed above, possibly except the final one. Because your enjoyment is entirely dependent on your preferences.

The P-51 Mustang was the Metal Earth model that initially caught my attention because I have always been fascinated with World War II aircraft. I purchased that kit and carried it home, eager to construct it as I had no one to guide me differently. Luckily, it was a straightforward situation. It has an "easy" grade and is one sheet of metal.

But the Millennium Falcon was the very next model I constructed (this time after researching what would be the most manageable Metal Earth model). And I now advise any novice to do it.

However, if Star Wars doesn't inspire you... Try one of these substitutes. They're all excellent beginner kits.

Some Other Perfectly Good Options

As was previously noted, the Washington Monument. The Eiffel Tower: Although I haven't constructed it myself, a buddy has suggested it as a fantastic choice for novices.

When I initially learned about the Golden Gate Bridge, I assumed it would be a complicated model. Surprisingly, though, it's not. Produced on a single parts sheet, it is straightforward, and the manufacturer rated it as "easy."

The Lighthouse of Alexandria is a stunning model that presents few issues.

Another simple and enjoyable project is the Cable Car.

The Ferris Wheel: Although I haven't constructed it, someone on Reddit brought it up. They noted that it includes extra pieces in case you break any, which makes it a good beginner kit. Repetition is necessary for building it and can help you hone your abilities.

Now … Jump In!

Building Metal Earth models is a lot of fun. And with so many options, you're getting into a pastime that will keep you busy for the rest of your life.

Additionally, the kits are affordable compared to many other pastimes, and you won't need to purchase much-specialized equipment.

Take the most basic Metal Earth model you can find and try it. If you make a mistake, it's only a few dollars. Give it another go.