Is the model ready made

No it's not. This is a plastic model kit that you have to build yourself. It's a very easy kit to build with about 20 to 25 parts. You will need Model or Super Glue.. And a few colors of paint. It's a really cool model when you're done. I've built two of them in the last year or so.

do you have to build and paint this? ...I'm rubbish at the painting part!

You 'might' be able to get away without painting; the model comes with decals for the exterior trim and some of the interior features (control panels, etc). You do have to put it together, and the decals would have to be cut with an exacto pretty precisely. That said, it's a pretty cool model. I hope this helps.

Is this the same size as the original Aurora model kit?

I believe so Captain. The backdrop is really wonderful with a little bit of a surprise. Beautiful kit with excellent new box cover. Love it!

Does it come with figures?

There are three figures. Two male, standing (can't tell which characters) and one female, sitting. All three unpainted and molded in creamy light green. I think the female is Betty Hamilton judging from the hairdo.