Fascinations Metal Earth Apollo Lunar Rover 3D Metal Model Kit

This one was pretty challenging, but definitely worth the time. I liked the idea of painting some accents to bring out the details. Some advice- use JB Weld adhesive on the antenna connections. They tend to wobble even if you bend the tabs nice and tight, so I used some of that and they are very solid now. JB Weld is good to have anyway since it's the only way you can get by if you break a tab. This is a really good looking kit! I hope Earth makes some more early space type stuff.

I've put together more than 80 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 80 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).

This was a challenging one. I really enjoyed putting it together, though I did break a wheel well (completely my fault).My suggestion with this one is to set the wheel well base on top of the chassis to help with bending the curved wheel wells. I tried it at first to just get it to fit the rims of the wheel well and it didn't fit against the wheels. My breakage was a result of correcting the bends.Overall, a really fun project.

Let me give it to you straight... this is my first last and only metal earth model. If you aren't a model builder this may not be for you. I'm at 3 hours?!? Into this and still only on page 6 of 8. Things not included? Tiny hands, loads of patience and Tylenol. Oh yeah!! On top of this on page 6 two pieces broke... just brilliant!

This is one of the more difficult Metal Earth models. It's totally fine until you have to attach the upper and lower chassis together. Really difficult step but can't be helped I suppose. Still a beautiful end result as always.

have not built yet

I got it as a gift and my brother loved.

I purchased a few other metal models. I have not put the rover together yet but it seems really great. I'm glad I purchased it.