Fascinations Metal Earth London Tower Bridge 3D Metal Model Kit

My boyfriend and I love building these small models. They're perfect gifts for engineering-minded kids or adults, alike! The best thing about these models is that most anyone can do it, and the results are quite impressive. If you have patience and an eye for detail, this is for you.Make sure you have a pair or two of needle nose pliers, as the components are very tiny, and virtually impossible to deal with by hand. Also be careful not to alter the metal other than the way it was intended, as it is pretty difficult to get back into place. You can't expect to bend a joint back and forth, over and over, and it not break. This is super thin metal, so you only have room for one or two mistakes.The Metal Earth models are very sturdy, and don't break very easily. There were several instances where we bent a joint entirely in the wrong direction, and we were able to bend it back with no issues.I definitely recommend this model if you haven't built one before! I really enjoyed building it. It doesn't take too long compared to some of the others, it is a reliable brand, and it turns out great!

Happily looked at photos before ordering for my girl scout troop. This model is quite small. I did get one for myself and loved putting it together - but so grateful I didn't order for my 5th & 6th graders! The pieces are fairly bendable so a little care is needed in removing them from the panel and bending along the scored lines. Tweezers are a must. The holes to align the tabs with are tiny. Definitely need good light and good eyes. But the finished product is sturdy and looks really good. I'll definitely do others.

AWESOME looking model when finished. I found this one not to be to terribly difficult to put together (some are way more challenging), but it still looks very impressive when complete.Just a note - PLEASE heed the manufacturer's warning that these are NOT toys and are not for children. These kits require patience (particularly the 3-sheet models, which can take a couple hours to complete). These do not go together like simple puzzles.Also, without a few tools, you simply cannot complete them - in particular, needle nose pliers are helpful and flat-nose pliers are basically required. The company sells a branded kit, but I bought it and I can tell you the quality is VERY mediocre.

to llittle

I've put together more than 100 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) and/or tweezers, 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 100 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).

Fun to assemble and doesn't take too long. It took me maybe an hour or two at most. It's also a nice looking decoration on your desk or shelf.

This product is fun to put together and looks good sitting out on a table. Nice detail.

I thought this would be a cool project with a cool knick knack at the end but it was mostly a huge headache. All the pieces kept breaking at the corners, which effectively ruined the entire model on only step 2. I mostly chalk it up to my inexperience and a very delicate product but still it was not fun or easy whatsoever. My suggestion is if this is your first model choice, find one that's easier and work your way up to this. There's definitely some techniques you will need to pick up from experience.