I am sure you bought a toy model bike, car or plane when you were a kid and loved it, so in turn that same sense of wonder will come over you again I am sure. I can remember so well the first few toys I bought, and I am sure these metal architecture model kits will put a smile on your face, just like they did mine.
I can remember my first model, an old castle kit, looking at how big it was beside the Micro Machines I used to play with, and I loved it!
Do you remember first seeing a plane in the sky and thinking it was real?
Maybe, that sense of wonder will come again when you build your own replica of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, or The Coliseum, maybe not, but that is what these kits are about.
I love walking through the model making shops in places like Tokyo and seeing just how sophisticated these model makers get, this is the epitome of that art form.
I hope you will enjoy these, as much as I do.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Fascinations ICONX Saint Basil's Cathedral 3D Metal Model Kit | Best Overall |  |
| fascinations Metal Earth Eiffel Tower 3D Metal Model Kit | Budget Pick |  |
| Fascinations ICONX Big Ben 3D Metal Model Kit | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Fascinations ICONX Saint Basil's Cathedral 3D Metal Model Kit
2. Fascinations ICONX Notre Dame Cathedral 3D Metal Model Kit
Pros:
- Instant assembly
- Pre-weathered look
- Great model for all ages and skill levels
- Excellent customer service
- Educational and appealing to look at
Cons:
- Plastic packaging likely to get damaged during transit
- No extra assembly instructions provided
- Some glue required for assembly
The Fascination Metal Arch ICONX Notre Dame Cathedral is an easy-to-assemble model with superior detailing and endless possibilities. This educational model utilizes 19 brass girders and 42 interlocking pieces that allows you to assemble a miniature of the famous cathedral in just a few minutes.
What’s great about this product is that it features a pre-weathered look and comes with specialized painting. Even the tiniest details are reproduced with painstaking perfection to replicate the awe-inspiring real-life version of the cathedral.
The ICONX model kit is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and comes with educational value. Since you can easily assemble the model, you get to learn some facts about the famous Notre Dame Cathedral while constructing it.
3. Fascinations ICONX Roman Colosseum 3D Metal Model Kit
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Includes easy-to-follow instructions
- Great for those new to model building
- Some interesting historical facts
- Top quality build and choice of materials
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Smaller than expected
- Can be difficult to clean up in the event of glue-stick mistakes
These unique, affordable kits from Fascinations are top quality and can be assembled by anyone with a bit of patience. They’re a great starter model for those who are new to the world of models.
The Fascinations ICONX model kit collection offers a unique way to learn about history, geography, and science. Each one includes interesting facts about the history of the target location.
These models are great for those who are new to the modeling hobby because they’re quite easy to assemble. However, the building process might not be very interesting for experienced builders. These models would make a great addition to any model train set as well.
4. Metal Earth 3D: Himeji Castle Model
Pros:
- Decent price
- Includes 2x AAA batteries
- Easy to assemble
- Excellent customer support
- High-quality and durable construction
- Paper instructions are easy to follow
- Collapsible for storage
Cons:
- Can be challenging for children
- No glue is included in the package
What we like best about the Metal Earth 3D Himeji Castle is that it's a 3D interactive kit which can be used for both 3D measurement and even 3D mapping. The kit is easy to test for the size of the paper by holding it up to your own door or wall in your home – with the fine hinges and the detailed window design you'll stand back and admire your very own 3D building.
The Himeji Castle is a detailed replica which comes with two full size walls which fold out for a full castle experience which can stand up to twelve inches tall when fully assembled. The kit comes with the option of two different designs – plain and detailed – for the three main towers with a great attention to detailed and color. It also works great as a garden size decoration and comes with two AAA batteries for added convenience.
5. Metal Earth Fascinations ICX014 502881
Pros:
- Made by a renowned company
- Durable and creative
- Excellent quality
- Age-appropriate design
- 30-page guidebook with the model
Cons:
- Metal sheets can be ingnitory for kids
- The building does not move
- Small parts might be a concern
When it comes to developing a passion for architecture among the younger generation, perhaps the best way to do that is with a kit that can help them construct their own model. The Metal Earth Fascinations ICX014 502881, Chrysler Building Construction Toy is one such marvel.
This model is made by Metal Earth, which is a reputable manufacturer of the most intricate metal model kits. It’s intended for children of 14-years and older, and comes with a 30-page guidebook so they can learn more about the creative minds behind the Chrysler Building. This kit is a bit of a time-saver as it’s almost pre-assembled, so all you need to do is follow the instructions to get the desired shape.
6. Fascinations Metal Earth Leaning Tower of Pisa Building 3D Metal Model Kit
Pros:
- Superb level of detail
- Weatherproof
- Can be assembled without adhesives
- Durable
- Detailed instructions
- Easy to put together
- Semirigid and very lightweight
- Ideal as early model kit projects
- Can also be framed
- Very portable
Cons:
- There are very few models to choose from
- Models are expensive when compared to competitors
Fascinations is a leading brand for metal model kits. Their models are made from a revolutionary metal casting technology that makes them durable for years of enjoyment.
The leaning tower of Pisa is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but is also a site of national pride in Italy. In this set, you can construct the tower and stand up 180mm tall, 98 x 64mm in width and 6mm in depth. Each part is treated with a protective layer that helps protect it from the elements.
This model is also great for children as the manufacturer offers a video tutorial on assembly. Although it’s a bit too detailed for young children, the model will easily amuse your five- or six-year-old kids.
7. Fascinations Metal Earth Sydney Opera House Building 3D Metal Model Kit
Pros:
- Amazing quality
- Great value given the size of the model
- Very lightweight
- Sturdy kit with everything included
- No painting required
- Perfect gift for fans of Sci-fi and architecture
- Architects and designers love this kit
Cons:
- Not suitable for kids under the age of 14.
The Metal-Earth model is a cute, minimalist-looking build with an amazing attention to detail and precision. The entire model is made up of 10 pieces that are extremely easy to assemble. It has fold-out assembly instructions that are clear and helpyful, with clear lines and colors. The metal used in this model is quite sturdy and the kit comes with all tools required to complete it.
According to the company, the product comes with 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the purchase, you will be able to return it within 45 days and will receive a full refund.
This is an astonishing building model that is sure to impress the architecture-loving folks in your life. This is a great companion for an architect, designer, collector, and fellow sci-fi lover.
8. fascinations Metal Earth Eiffel Tower 3D Metal Model Kit
Pros:
- Tough design with accuracy
- Easy assembly
- Contains detailed instructions
- Comes with a display stand
- Extremely well-designed and durable
- Beautiful as a display piece
- Suitable for all ages – from kids to adults
- Durable packaging
- Trivia facts included
- Educational and insightful
Cons:
- No room for customization
- Not suitable for children under 8 years old
- Larger models are fragile
This 3D metal replica of the Eiffel Tower is quite stunning, to say the least. A tri-color, three dimensional, century-old architectural icon, the Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris, France.
With this kit from Fascinations, you can build this stunning piece of French history right at your home. This 1:160 scale replica contains over 500 interconnecting parts that you can assemble with ease. The end result is a stunning 3D replica of one of the most famous sights in Paris. This metal kit makes a beautiful display piece. It also comes with a display stand, so you can flaunt the final product on your desk or other surface. To complete it, you get some fascinating background info.
9. Fascinations ICONX Big Ben 3D Metal Model Kit
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Includes detailed assembly instructions
- Highly accurate
- Useful tips included in the package
- Design is durable even after repeated use
- Great as a display piece
This gorgeous model kit depicts the architectural masterpiece that is Big Ben, which sits at the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London. It is the most photographed clock tower in the world. The model comes with a handy metal ball-and-socket joint system, and it includes a detailed instruction booklet and a few useful tips, so you don’t run into any problems while building this cool 3D model kit.
This is a great choice for anyone with an interest in architecture and engineering – or anyone who simply wants to learn how to build a detailed model. The Big Ben 3D model kit is extremely accurate and is built to last even after being subjected to prolonged use as a toy or display piece. That’s why this metal model kit is on our list of top pick of the best metal building kits for adults and best 3d metal model kits.
10. Fascinations Metal Earth Burj Khalifa Building 3D Metal Model Kit
Pros:
- Comes with full detailed instructions
- Small size for convenient portability
- Easy to assemble
- Looks exactly like the full-scale structure
When you look for extra-ordinary metal architecture models, this 3D Metal Model Kit for the Burj Khalifa is the best choice. Featuring exact spacing, sharp edges, and excellent details, the entire kit comes in a neat, compact box. You will be able to almost instantly notice the differences in the design when compared to your typical architectural model kits.
You can assemble the entire structure in less than a couple of hours. The structure’s base is made of a thick metal sheet with an etched image of the tower’s base. All the pieces are held in place by thin steel wires, which makes the structure rather study without adding any extra thickness.
The structure’s metal parts are made of iron that’s been coated with a special polymer, which not only makes them rust-proof, but also gives them freedom from cracks. In short, you get a high-quality, long-lasting model of a famous landmark for a very reasonable price.
Conclusion
When it comes to constructing a model, you have the choice of using pre-painted metal models or the raw metal variety. For the raw metal variety, you will need a few different tools, but the advantage is that you can paint it and add decals just the way you want. You can also replace individual pieces of the kit if they get damaged with another one from your spares box.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Fascinations ICONX Saint Basil's Cathedral 3D Metal Model Kit | Best Overall | |
| fascinations Metal Earth Eiffel Tower 3D Metal Model Kit | Budget Pick | |
| Fascinations ICONX Big Ben 3D Metal Model Kit | Upgrade Pick | |