Best Metal Airplane Model Kits of 2026
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Metal airplane model kits are an excellent choice for aviation enthusiasts who enjoy building and collecting model planes. These kits typically include all the necessary metal parts, screws, and instructions to assemble a detailed replica of a real airplane. The finished product can be displayed on a shelf or used for imaginative play. Metal airplane model kits are available in a wide range of sizes and complexity levels, making them suitable for both children and adults. These kits can also be educational, as they provide an opportunity to learn about the history and mechanics of aviation. Overall, metal airplane model kits are a fun and rewarding hobby for anyone interested in airplanes and aviation.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Metal Airplane Model Kits
Metal Earth F-14 Tomcat Model Kit
The Metal Earth F-14 Kit is a fantastic 3D metal model for aviation enthusiasts aged 14 and up. It begins as flat metal sheets measuring 3 x 10 cm, making it easy to store and handle. You can follow the clear illustrated instructions to pop out the pieces, bend tabs, and connect them seamlessly. Once assembled, the model measures 6.57 x 5.75 x 2.28 inches, providing a satisfying project that sharpens your crafting skills while also creating an impressive display piece.
Metal Earth B-17 Flying Fortress Model Kit
Get the Metal Earth B-17 Model Kit from Metal Earth for ages 14 and up. No need for glue or solder - simply clip parts from the metal sheets. This B-17 Flying Fortress model is a 2.5 sheet challenge, creating a 3D model measuring 6.90 L x 5.30 W x 1.57 H inches at a 1:130 scale. Transform steel sheets into a detailed etched model by popping out and connecting pieces using tabs and holes, with illustrated instructions included. Display your completed model proudly and enjoy collecting and building more.
Metal Earth 3D Model Kits Set of 3
This Metal Earth 3D Model Kits Set of 3 includes F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and F-15 Eagle. These 3D laser cut models are made from steel sheets and can be easily assembled by connecting tabs and holes. The museum quality models are approximately 3 inches in size and suitable for ages 14 and up. It is a great choice for airplane model kit enthusiasts who enjoy creating high-quality and detailed models.
Metal Earth Tuskegee Airmen P-51D Mustang Model Kit
The Metal Earth Tuskegee Airmen P-51D Mustang Model Kit is a challenging, 2-sheet 3D metal model kit with highly detailed etched pieces. The kit is ideal for ages 14 and up and requires no glue or soldering. Once assembled, the model measures 6.20 L x 7.60 W x 3.10 H inches at a 1:60 scale. The kit includes easy-to-follow instructions and tweezers are recommended for bending and twisting the connection tabs. Display your completed model and collect them all.
Metal Earth A-10 Warthog 3D Model Kit
The Metal Earth A-10 Warthog 3D Model Kit is an unassembled hobby model kit ideal for ages 14 and up. The parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets and assembled without the need for glue or solder. The 2 sheet model has a moderate difficulty level and creates a highly detailed etched model, with an assembled size of 4.72 L x 4.41 W x 2.52 H inches. The kit includes illustrated instructions and can be used to collect and build all the models.
Metal Earth Supermarine Spitfire Model Kit
Experience the Metal Earth Spitfire Model Kit, a hobby model ideal for ages 14 and up. No glue or solder needed, simply clip parts from the metal sheets and use tweezers for bending. This 2-sheet model of the Supermarine Spitfire offers a moderate challenge, resulting in a detailed 3D model measuring 5.70 L x 4.70 W x 1.70 H inches at a 1:65 scale. Transform steel sheets into a masterpiece with illustrated instructions. Once assembled, proudly display your intricate model and start collecting more.
Metal Earth SPAD S.XIII Metal Model Kit
The Metal Earth SPAD S.XIII is a fun and challenging model kit designed for hobbyists aged 14 and up. It arrives unassembled, giving you the chance to build your own detailed 3D biplane. You don’t need glue or solder since the metal parts easily pop out from sheets and connect using tabs, making assembly cleaner and simpler. Using tweezers will help you bend and twist the small connection points with ease. The kit includes clear, illustrated instructions, guiding you step-by-step to bring this 1:58 scale airplane to life. It’s a rewarding project that results in a sturdy steel model perfect for display.
Metal Earth P-47 Thunderbolt 3D Metal Model Kit
The Metal Earth P-47 Thunderbolt 3D Metal Model Kit by Metal Earth is an ideal hobby model kit for ages 14 and up. This unassembled model comes packed in an envelope with easy-to-follow instructions. The best part? No glue or solder is needed! The parts can be easily clipped from the metal sheets, and for bending and twisting the connection tabs, tweezers are recommended. With a moderate difficulty level, this 2-sheet model of the P-47 Thunderbolt is highly detailed and has an assembled size of 5.30 L x 4.50 W x 1.90 H inches in a 1:94 scale. From steel sheets to a 3D model, simply pop out the pieces and connect them using tabs and holes. Once completed, you can proudly display your finished 3D model. Start collecting and building all the Metal Earth models today!
Metal Earth F-86 Sabre 3D Metal Model Kit
The Metal Earth F-86 Sabre Kit is a fun and engaging hobby model meant for ages 14 and up. It comes unassembled with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, making it perfect for beginners or experienced model builders who enjoy a rewarding project. You won’t need any glue or solder since the parts simply pop out from metal sheets and connect with tabs, which makes assembly cleaner and less messy. Using tweezers is recommended to bend and twist the tabs, giving you precise control over the build. This moderately challenging 3-sheet model results in a detailed 3D replica of the F-86 Sabre aircraft, measuring about 6 inches long, perfect for display once completed.
Metal Earth F-16 Fighting Falcon Model Kit
The Metal Earth F-16 Kit offers a fun and engaging hobby experience, perfect for those aged 14 and up. Since it comes unassembled with clear instructions, you can enjoy the process of building your own detailed model. You won’t need any glue or solder to put it together; the parts simply pop out from the metal sheets and connect using tabs, making assembly clean and easy. Using tweezers helps with bending and twisting the tiny connection tabs, giving you better control. This 3D model captures the F-16 Fighting Falcon of the Ukrainian Air Force in a compact, highly detailed design that’s great for display once completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who makes the best scale model kits?
Tamiya and Academy probaly are my top two go to brands, but I also buy a lot of old kits on ebay, such as Revell, ARII, and such.
2. How much does it cost to build your own airplane?
There's no absolute answer, of course, but homebuilt airplanes can be, and consistently are, completed for $50,000 to $65,000. Many cost considerably less, and of course, there's no upper limit. Building an airplane is a pay-as-you-go proposition.
3. What is the most popular scale for model airplanes?
The world's most popular scale is 1/72. This was the original scale used back in the late 1930's for some of the first plastic assembly kits produced in England. This scale became popular with modelers in the 1950s with the mass production of Airfix and Frog kits.
4. What is the easiest kit plane to build?
The Lightning EAB was designed to be an easy to build and economical to operate kit aircraft. The components used and techniques employed to build the kit do not require any special knowledge, tools, or building space. The kit is very complete and leaves little searching of suppliers for parts.
5. How much does a scrap plane cost?
Once a jet has been stripped bare of usable parts, its metal frame is redeemed for scrap value. A 747 can fetch up to $55,000 for its scrap alone.
During our metal airplane model kit research, we found 24 metal airplane model kit products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 15,845 customer reviews through our big data system to write the metal airplane model kits list. We found that most customers choose metal airplane model kits with an average price of $17.76.
The metal airplane model kits are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of metal airplane model kits, including Metal Earth and more. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,447 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.