TOY REVIEW: METAL EARTH 3D LASER CUT MODELS UH1-HUEY

Today our review is somewhat different from our regular toy reviews, we’re not reviewing action figures but instead a model kit. This time we’re trying out METAL EARTH 3D LASER CUT MODEL UH1-HUEY helicopter. It’s actually my first entry to the world of model kits with my previous experience only being limited to building GUNDAMS. This review would focus on the history of the referenced model, packaging, assembly and construction of the model kit.

HISTORY

The UH-1 Huey Helicopter is one of the most widely used helicopters in the armed forces. The UH1-HUEY series were used in the Vietnam War in 1963. These helicopters were primarily used as a utility helicopter and serves as a MedEvac, command and control, air assault and transporting personnel and materials. The UH1-HUEY is considered as one of the widely used in the world from the 1950s to the present, with more than 9000 units in production and used by around 40 countries. 

PACKAGING

The Metal Earth Huey UH1-HUEY Helicopter Model Kit comes in a single package that includes the metal sheet with the laser 3D cut-outs along with the instruction booklet.

CONSTRUCTION

This is my first attempt of constructing a model kit and I was in for a surprise. First, after looking at the packaging, I said to myself, this seems pretty simple enough, I can do this! I read through the instruction manual and it was pretty straight forward and didn’t have any trouble understanding how I can build the UH1-HUEY but that is what I thought.

Building the actual UH1-HUEY was no simple task. You start off by taking each individual piece out of the metal sheet casing. There’s about 13 parts in total and the pieces are really small. You need to have keen attention to detail to know which part goes where. The construction of the UH1-HUEY is divided into 3 parts, the cockpit and upper body/casing of the helicopter, the main rotor blade and mast, and the base of the UH1-HUEY with landing skids.

You start the assembly by folding the metal parts and inserting the small metal tabs to another piece and then tighten. That’s the main instruction for the construction. You need to use a needle/long nose pliers for assembly. Unfortunately, I didn’t have one and I ended up using a regular metal pliers. Not having the actual pliers made the construction difficult for me. It’s really hard connecting and inserting the pieces together especially the small parts.

As you can see in the photos I wasn’t able to build the main rotor blade and mast and the seats inside. It was really hard connecting those parts due to its small size (one of the smallest ones in the kit) and I might have applied too much force which caused the parts to bend and then it broke. That was a major surprise for me. From that point I know I won’t be able to complete construction of this UH1-HUEY. Really felt disappointed that I couldn’t even construct a model kit. I was about to give up halfway through the construction but I decided to finish and see what my final model would look like.

Building the base and completing the UH1-HUEY was unexpectedly easy enough. I was already getting the hang of the construction when I got to the finishing touches and the parts for the base were among the biggest parts of the set and connecting them together was fairly easy. Looking at the actual kit that I build I’m satisfied with the results. I know I’m missing the motor blade (which in reality, is the most important of the helicopter to fly) but the other parts ended up nicely. I think I would have done better with a larger model kit than the UH1-HUEY.

OVERALL

The actual METAL EARTH 3D Laser Cut Model UH1-HUEY when finished.

Overall, I’d say that building the UH1-HUEY wasn’t a complete disaster; I still managed to build at least 2/3^rd of the UH1-HUEY. With my previous experience to building model kits only limited to GUNDAMS, building the UH1-HUEY was a great learning experience.  As compared to a plastic model kit with the UH-1 Huey you work with a metal sheet that after a few bends, the metal turns to get soft and break. You need to have a soft touch and a lot of patience in constructing the parts. Having the proper work tools would greatly help in construction.

Comparing the finish product to the actual UH1-HUEY I’d say that it’s accurate to the original. It has the standard design/build of the actual UH1-HUEY. The attention to detail given to this model kit is splendid, the designs and markings on the metal sheet was well done and easily noticeable. In a well light room, a desk or display case the UH1-HUEY would simply stand out since its made out of a metal sheet and it would reflect the light. If you’re a fan of model kits the UH1-HUEY would be a good try. As I previously mentioned, it’s a different experience compare to plastic model kits. You no longer need to paint this model kit and it would sure stand out on its own. Another is that Metal Works model kits are cheaper compared to most model kits out in the market. The UH1-HUEY though is primarily for regular/advance model kit builders. I wouldn’t recommend it to first time builders, in my opinion, beginners (like myself) should start practicing building on large plastic kits, model kits that aren’t too intricate or complicated. For now, I’d say that model kits such as the UH1-HUEY should be left in the hands of professionals or well experienced builders.

Thanks to our good friend Benedict Bartolome for letting us try out METAL EARTH 3D LASER CUT MODEL UH1-HUEY. If you’re interested in toys and model kits you can visit TOYNERD HOBBIES at their Facebook page.