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Unassembled steel sheets and a display stand for the USS Nautilus submarine model kit

Metal Earth

Metal Earth USS Nautilus (SSN-571) Submarine Hobby Collectible

SKU CH-B2D6-TKZPH

A challenging 182-part steel model kit of the historic USS Nautilus submarine with a display stand

  • TypeSubmarine
  • GenderUnisex
  • AgeAdult
  • World's first nuclear submarine recreated in 182 precision steel parts
  • Challenging build rewards patience with museum-quality true-to-scale detail
  • No glue or paint needed — just tweezers and steady hands
  • Includes display stand for 11.2-inch assembled model
  • Officially licensed US Navy collectible honours 1955 "Underway On Nuclear Power" milestone

USS Nautilus Steel Model Kit

This Metal Earth kit reproduces the historic USS Nautilus (SSN-571) submarine in laser-cut steel. It contains 182 parts and is rated at a challenging difficulty level for adult builders and collectors. The model is officially licensed and arrives in a brand new box. No glue or paint is required for assembly.

Assembly Experience and Display

Assembly relies on folding and tabbing the steel sheets together, so tweezers or similar tools are recommended to manage the small components. The finished model measures approximately 11.2 inches long, 1.4 inches wide and 2.7 inches high and includes a display stand. The kit has no openings and is intended as a static display piece rather than a functional toy.

Historical Significance Decides Fit

The USS Nautilus was the world's first nuclear-powered submarine and achieved the first submerged transit of the North Pole in 1955. This kit suits buyers who want a detailed replica of that specific vessel. It will not satisfy anyone looking for a model with interior access, moving parts or a simpler build.

Highlights

  • World's first nuclear submarine recreated in 182 precision steel parts
  • Challenging build rewards patience with museum-quality true-to-scale detail
  • No glue or paint needed — just tweezers and steady hands
  • Includes display stand for 11.2-inch assembled model
  • Officially licensed US Navy collectible honours 1955 "Underway On Nuclear Power" milestone

Specifications

BrandMetal Earth
TypeSubmarine
GenderUnisex
AgeAdult

Questions about this item

How do I install the 182 steel parts without glue, and which step do builders usually get wrong?

Use tweezers to bend tabs and slot each piece together following the sheet sequence; the most common error is folding a tab the wrong way before its matching slot is ready, which weakens the joint.

What maintenance or replacement will the finished USS Nautilus model need later?

No moving parts or consumables exist; only occasional dusting with a soft brush is required, and no replacement components are expected.

What limit appears first when the assembled 11.2-inch submarine is displayed continuously?

The thin steel sheets can slowly warp if exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity, so keep the model in a stable indoor environment to preserve its shape.

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