One of the fun and/or infuriating things about Metal Earth Models are the exclusive models. And by exclusive, I mean that you can only buy them at certain locations, or packaged with specific products, or maybe are released for a limited time. There’s even one you can only get by sending in your proof-of-purchases! I’ve chatted with some people who find this to be appealing, adding a sense of a hunt to the hobby. And I’ve heard from the other side of the coin, the people who hate that they do this.
I try to stay neutral on the topic, personally, because I just want Fascinations to succeed however they can so they can keep releasing new models. But I do get frustrated about the ones where you have to be in the right country to be able to get them (global shipping is expensive!). Of course, I’m only really annoyed about that because I live in the home country of Metal Earth itself, so I’m not used to the exorbitant shipping fees that international hobbyists have to deal with for every model.
Anyways, Metal Earth Exclusives exist, and I thought it would be a good idea to compile a centralized list of those exclusives, along with details on where you can find them. And these exclusives can sort of be broken down into categories of exclusives, so I’m going to break them down into those same sections here on the blog, just to simplify things. So you know what they are up front, here’s the list of categories:
One final note before we get into the lists: eBay is your friend when it comes to finding many of these exclusives, but you’ll also risk paying a premium to get them. And for some of them, eBay is practically your only option at this point. Where possible, I will provide a link to a place where you can purchase it online, or specify where it’s available in shops.
Change Log
So I realized, since I’ll be updating this list, it might be helpful to have a section at the top that can direct people who have already read through it to any new additions to the post. So it will reside here:
- 2023.08.01 – Missed one. Studio Tour Tram added, too.
- 2023.07.31 – Added Bowser’s Castle, Peach’s Castle, gold Enchanted Storybook Castle, Fantasia Carousel, and two Droid Depot models: Battle Droid and Droideka. Also Hagrid’s Motorbike and E.T.
- 2021.07.27 – Crossed off BAM! Harry Potter models, no longer exclusive
- 2021.07.01 – Added Colored Haunted Mansion and Droid Depot D-O
- 2020.11.25 – Added R-Type R-9A (package deal)
- 2020.11.05 – Added table of contents/links
- 2020.11.05 – Added Ikaruga and Tower of Terror models.
- 2020.??.?? – Crossed off red Ford models as they are no longer exclusive.
- 2019.08.16 – Sub-divided Disney Parks section… it’s just too big!
- 2019.08.16 – Added BAM-Exclusive Hogwart’s Express (in Color)
- 2019.07.09 – Clarified “Bank of some sort” in Disney D23 Expo exclusives (thanks @geewzzz)
- 2019.07.09 – Added MEGA Models
- 2019.07.04 – Added Epilogue section
Limited Releases
This is kind of a loose ends category, for things that aren’t so much exclusive exclusive, as they were just handled differently.
50th Anniversary Enterprise NCC-1701 (in Gold) – Released as a special limited edition for the 50th Anniversary, this model was a limited run and has since been discontinued. Best bet is to find it on eBay.
Gold Marvin the Martian – Only available directly from Fascinations, to obtain this model, you must first purchase all of the other Looney Tunes Legends models, and then mail in the proofs of purchase. While Supplies Last.
R.O.G. Mechanical Eye Sculpture – This model is available for free from Asus/ROG when you purchase select gaming laptops, or visit a ROG booth at a sponsored event. I’ve seen it on eBay once, for $110.
Package Deals
In this category, you’ll find the models that were only released as part of a bundle with some other sort of product. Usually a movie or a game.
Blade Runner Spinner Car – Included in a Wal-Mart exclusive edition of the Blade Runner 2049 Blue Ray / DVD Combo Pack, which has since been discontinued. Find it on eBay.
Halo Guardian – Included in the Special Edition release of Halo 5, which has since been discontinued. Find it on eBay.
Ikaruga – Included only in the Special Edition physical release of the Ikaruga game for Nintendo Switch or Playstation 4.
R-Type R-9A – Included only in the Special Edition physical release of the R-Type Final 2 game for Nintendo Switch, XBOX or Playstation 4.
Store Specific
This group of models are available only at specific chain stores, or their subsidiaries. Of course, nothing prevents someone from buying it there and selling it on eBay, so it can often be found there, too. But with a markup.
1908 Ford Model T (in Color) – This colored version of the standard 1908 Ford Model T model is only sold in-store at HobbyTown. The model appears to be identical in structure to the classic model, but does feature some brass accents where the parts used to be steel. These models appear to also be available at a single Amazon seller. This is now available to general retailers to sell.
1965 Ford Mustang (in Color) – This colored version of the standard 1965 Ford Mustang model is only sold in-store at HobbyTown. The model appears to feature different wheels than the classic model, complete with brand new hubcaps. These models appear to also be available at a single Amazon seller. This is now available to general retailers to sell.
Harry Potter: The Burrow (in Color) – This colored version of the standard Harry Potter model is only sold in-store at Books-A-Million / 2nd and Charles, as part of their line of exclusive Harry Potter memorabilia. Unfortunately, it is not listed on their website, nor is it listed in their systems for in-store special orders. Basically you either have to get lucky and find them in stock, or request an associate put you down to be notified when they receive a shipment. I’ve not yet seen this on eBay. This is now available to general retailers to sell.
Harry Potter: Hogwart’s Express (in Color) – This colored version of the standard Harry Potter model, with additional tracks and base, is only sold in-store at Books-A-Million / 2nd and Charles, as part of their line of exclusive Harry Potter memorabilia. For sale on the Books-A-Million website. I’ve not yet seen this on eBay. This is now available to general retailers to sell.
Game of Thrones: Targaryen Sigil – Available only at Barnes & Noble, this model will be sold bundled with the Drogon model, while supplies last. Also available on the Barnes & Noble website.
Red Dead Redemption: Maxim Gun – Sold exclusively at the Rockstar Warehouse and GameStop / EB Games. You’ll have better luck finding it at the Warehouse.
Red Dead Redemption: Sawed-Off Shotgun – Sold exclusively at the Rockstar Warehouse and GameStop / EB Games. You’ll have better luck finding it at the Warehouse.
Red Dead Redemption: Train – Sold exclusively at the Rockstar Warehouse and GameStop / EB Games. You’ll have better luck finding it at the Warehouse.
Star Wars: Target Red Millenium Falcon – Only sold at Target.com (and possibly in select stores). This model was originally bundled with a Special Editions of Solo: A Star Wars Story, but was later separated into it’s own product. This model has recently be moved to clearance, so it appears to be end-of-life.
MEGA Models
For what I can only assume is marketing / eye-catching purposes, Metal Earth has produced two MEGA models. These models are not generally available for purchase in a retail setting, and are quite difficult to get your hands-on in an un-assembled state. They can be purchased by retailers in a pre-assembled state for use in displays. And they are not just blown-up versions of the standard models, these have a lot more detail to them, but are also much larger. I have only ever seen them for sale in one specialty shop online, YourToyMart, which is currently closed due to respect family health issues. The only other way (and the way I acquired mine) to get these models has been as special prizes in contests held by Fascinations. I won one contest, and was gifted the winning prize from another by the winner (I had placed second, and she already had it). I feel very lucky.
MEGA Eiffel Tower – Far and above the largest Metal Earth model available, you will have trouble finding a place to display this beast at roughly 20.5 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches (about 520 x 190 x 190 mm).
MEGA R2-D2 – Measuring in at roughly 10 x 7 x 5 inches ( about 250 x 175 x 125 mm), this model dwarfs it’s classic-scale equivalent.
Disney Parks
The largest collection of exclusive models can be found at Disney Parks. And to make matters even more difficult, some of these models can only be found at specific parks and/or stores within the parks. However, to counter that, most of these can also be found on eBay, by people who buy and resell them, as well as a number of them being available on the Disney Parks section of shopDisney. Also, this section is just too big, so I’m breaking it up into subcategories: Architecture, Characters, Movie Stuff, Rides / Features, and Star Wars.
Disney Parks – Architecture
Cinderella Castle (Now in Color) – Re-released in solid blue color, this model is nearly identical to the silver one, with some minor changes to the etched patterns. Strangely though, the marketing photos for the model show several structural differences, but the photo on the package and the build match the silver model’s structure. Also available on shopDisney.
Disney World Main Entrance Sign
Disneyland Main Entrance Sign (D23) – This two-sheet version of the Disneyland Main Entrance Sign was originally sold only at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2017, and actually pre-dates the single-sheet version. After the expo was over, it was sold at one store in Disneyland: Disneyana, located in the Bank of Main Street.
Disneyland Main Street Station – Also available on shopDisney.
Elsa’s Castle – Also available on shopDisney.
Enchanted Storybook Castle – only available at Shanghai Disneyland.
Premium Series Enchanted Storybook Castle – only available at Shanghai Disneyland.
Shanghai Disney Resort Main Gate – only available at Shanghai Disneyland.
ICONX Sleeping Beauty Castle (D23) – This gold, larger-scale version of the Sleeping Beauty Castle was originally sold only at Disney’s D23 Expo in 2017. Subsequently, it was sold at one store in Disneyland : Disneyana, located in the Bank of Main Street.
Sleeping Beauty Castle (Disneyland Paris) – A different form of the Sleeping Beauty Castle exists at Disneyland Paris, and so a different model can be bought there, and only there.
Sleeping Beauty Castle (Now in Color) – Re-released version of the classic silver Sleeping Beauty Castle model, but all in pink. There are also some minor changes in the etched patterns on the surfaces. Also available on shopDisney.
Tower of Terror Hotel
Disney Parks – Characters
Donald Duck – only available at Shanghai Disneyland.
Goofy – only available at Shanghai Disneyland .
Mickey Ear Hat
Mickey Pants Ear Hat
Minnie Ear Hat
Pluto – Only available at Shanghai Disneyland.
Stitch Ear Hat
Disney Parks – Movie Stuff
Avatar: Amp Suit – Only available at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are some rumors of a hobby store carrying this model, but I haven’t determined which store.
Avatar: Blue Banshee – Only available at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Avatar: Green Banshee – Only available at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Avatar: Purple Banshee – Only available at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Avatar: Scorpion Gunship – Only available at Pandora – The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There are some rumors of a hobby store carrying this model, but I haven’t determined which store.
Cinderella Carriage – Also available on shopDisney.
Indiana Jones: Ark of the Covenant
Nautilus – Also available on shopDisney.
Disney Parks – Rides / Features
Disney Train – Although this appears, at first glance, to be a color version of the Disney Parks Train, it has significant structural design differences. Also available on shopDisney.
Fantasia Carousel – only available at Disneyland Shanghai
Fantasyland Trash Can
Frontierland / Adventureland Trash Can – though identical in design, this model was released as both the Frontierland Trash Can and Adventureland Trash Can. Not sure why the name changed.
Haunted Mansion – Also available at shopDisney.
Haunted Mansion (Now in Color)
It’s a Small Word Trash Can
Main Street, USA Trash Can
Mark I Monorail – also available at shopDisney.
Mickey’s Fun Wheel (Now in Color) – Re-released in color.
Disney Parks – Star Wars
AT-AT (in Color) – This colored version of the All Terrain Attack Transport model is only available at Disney Parks.
Droid Depot: Battle Droid – More than just a head! Exclusively available at the Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions.
Droid Depot: BB-8 – What’s cuter than a BB-8 model? A color BB-8 model giving you a thumbs up! Exclusively available at the Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions.
Droid Depot: C-3PO – Finally accurate to the original trilogy, this Threepio is sporting his silver right leg. Available only at Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions.
Droid Depot: D-O – Featuring what appears to only be a different base, this exclusive packaging of D-O seems a little disappointing. But it is an exclusive, so it makes the list. Available only at Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions.
Droid Depot: DJ-R3X – An altered version of the Pilot Droid Rex, this flashy spin-master droid can only be found at the Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions.
Droid Depot: Droideka – This color version of the Destroyer Droid (as it is called in the classic silver version) is only available at the Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions.
Droid Depot: K-2SO – Differing slightly in pose, this Kaytoo model in glorious black coloring is only available at the Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions.
Droid Depot: L3-37 – Making her debut exclusively at the Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions, Elthree is a welcome addition to the droid lineup.
Droid Depot: R2-D2 – This color version of Artoo is only available at the Droid Depot shops in the Galaxies Edge park expansions. It features Artoo in a new pose, with his center leg stowed.
Droid Pack Model Kits – This bundle pack includes 4 droid models, all versions of existing models, but in color. Some of the droids are slightly smaller in size than their silver counterparts. Also available on shopDisney.
Landspeeder – Specifically, Luke’s Landspeeder, from Star War Episode IV: A New Hope.
Millenium Falcon (in Color) – Featuring an upright, round communications dish.
Pilot Droid Rex – This droid is not from any of the movies, instead it is a character on the Star Tours simulation ride.
Starspeeder 1000 – This is the vehicle that Pilot Droid Rex pilots in the Star Tours simulation ride.
X-Wing Starfighter (in Color) – This variant of the X-wing is based on the classic silver version, but adds color and loses the stick-figure pilot in favor of a solid canopy.
Universal Parks
After having dabbled in the exclusives concept at Universal Studios Japan via Fascinations’ sister-brand Tenyo Metallic Nano, Universal has started adding some exclusive models to their parks in the USA. While limited in selection at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this list grow quickly. Park-specific sales of these models is unknown at this point, but I’m assuming that the Entrance Arches and Globes are sold at their respective parks.
E.T. – The Extra Terrestrial – Includes a piece of cloth!
Harry Potter: Gringotts & Dragon – Appearing to be an ICONX-sheet model, this exclusive seems to be the existing Gringotts Dragon with the Gringotts building added in. Probably only available in the Harry Potter section of the parks.
Harry Potter: Hagrid’s Motorbike – Probably only available in the Harry Potter section of the parks.
Jaws: Hanging Shark – This model appears to be a direct import of the Tenyo Metallic Nano shark model from Universal Studios Japan.
Minions – Another import from Universal Studios Japan, this one is enhanced with color, over the plain silver version by Tenyo Metallic Nano.
Studio Tour Tram
Universal Hollywood Studios Entrance Arch – Available at Universal Hollywood Studios.
Universal Hollywood Studios Globe – Available at Universal Hollywood Studios. This gold/silver color scheme differs from both the Metallic Nano version and the color version of the Universal Florida Globe.
Universal Studios Entrance Arch – Available at Universal Studios in Florida.
Universal Studios Globe – Available at Universal Studios in Florida. This model appears to be a colored import of the Globe from Universal Studios Japan made by Tenyo Metallic Nano.
Epilogue
Man, after deciding to drop this post without first cleaning up all the graphics, I completely forgot that I didn’t add this section. Oh well, time to add it now.
I am human. I make mistakes. And I likely made mistakes in this post. Or I may have left out details, or even models. So, please, if you happen to see something incorrect, or have some additional information that might be useful, please let me know, either in the comments here, on Instagram (as @CodeWookiee), or on reddit (as /u/CodeWookiee).
I also plan on trying to keep this list up to date, though I might not get new information on it right away, I’ll get it here eventually. But feel free to poke me, in case I didn’t actually catch the info!