James Webb Space Telescope 3D Metal Model Kit Fascinations

Not for novice modelers. Precision construction required with close attention to the instructions.

I'm an experienced model builder, and I'm used to working with photo etch metal. I like the look of this model, but there are parts that are extremely finicky. Most of it went together pretty easily, but it's almost impossible to bend some of the locking tabs without bending some of the more delicate structures, especially when you get toward final assembly. The diagram was unclear about which way one set of tabs should be folded (the tensioners for the sun shields), which caused the tabs to break off when I had to fold them back in the other direction. It looks really nice in my display case, but I'm deathly afraid to touch it. It's not as difficult as some of the other Metal Earth models, but I wouldn't recommend it as your first project.

I've have some experience over decades in plastic models and Lego sets. One wooden puzzle before trying this as my first kind of kit with metal. Had some frustrating moments but figuring out better ways to work and over coming that is part of the fun for me. Loved it and may order again to build a more stable one. The last few steps bringing it all together are easy to mess up and the whole thing is a little wobbly. I also didn't order a tool kit and tryed to do it with me own tool kit. Hardest part with my own tools was getting the parts out of the sheets. Need really fine pine cutter.

Parts are extremely detailed and very small. Tweezers and precision side cutters required, and I used small dabs of E6000 glue at many of the tab joints to secure them. Would definitely buy another kit

This is the third Metal Earth model I've completed and I wonder if I am starting to notice a theme. Even though I love the end result of every model that I've done, there have been a few steps in each model that have been borderline impossible to do, requiring me to fudge a little in the build. I wonder if the designers are intentionally inserting challenges in order to cause the builder to get creative and troubleshoot. It's just a theory, but I'm hard pressed to imagine Metal Earth designers testing the builds and not being aware of the challenges. I have to admit, that figuring a way to get everything to fit sufficiently well (that is not "by the book") does seem to give a sense of relief and accomplishment. With this one, in some of the final steps I literally thought for awhile that all my efforts up to that point were going to be for naught, because at first I couldn't figure a way to connect the actual telescope to the base and then the Sun shield. But eventually I got there. Some reviews have stated this model is wobbly when completed. I'm not noticing that. NOTE....I did find a hot tip on Reddit that said to not bend any of the Sun shields. I am grateful that I followed that tip. So far, I have done the Voyager spacecraft model, the Hubble model and this one and they are all equal favorites. For anyone who hasn't done Metal Earth models, these require major patience, going slow, following instructions, tweezers, very pointed wire clippers, a magnifying glass, reading/watching tips from experts and dedication. This one probably took me about 4 hours and I can do about 30 minutes at a time.

One of the easier Metal Earth models with nice details. Only issue I encountered was getting the sun shields bent just right so they’d fit into the end pieces and the gold mirror array scratched really easily when my hand slipped with the tweezers. Hint: when working with the tiny pieces, have something under your hands to catch them if they fall or be prepared for a long search (a shallow tupperware or baking sheet works great).

It is so tiny need bifocals to work on it. Still not together.

I got it as a birthday present for a friend who is a space geek. He is very skilled at building small models and was thrilled with the kit. When he got done, I was amazed at the detail and the fine fit of the pieces!

These are really nice models. This one was my third, after the Apollo lunar lander, and the Hubble Space Telescope. They are great for model makers. But be aware they do require a bit of effort as they can be very fiddly to build. Some of the parts are very small and can be difficult to form into shape. The efforts is worth it , as the completed models are very nice. Just the right size as well.

La maquette correspond parfaitement à mes attentes. Je recommande le vendeur très sérieux.

時間は掛かりましたが問題なく到着しました

Es bastante bonito con mucho detalle y buena calidad

Item as described. Looking forward to see it assembled, but it is a Christmas present.