A Starter Into Modeling - My Tools.

My preferred tools that I keep in my tool box are a pair of long and short straight tweezers, a short and long angled tweezers, a reverse tweezers for holding decals, and a flat head pair for moving decals into place.

 
I have 5 different paint brushes all of different sizes, if you want to do small detail you will need a very small brush. The better the quality of the brushes means less bristles left on your work. They may cost more but it means a better quality finish on your model and longer lasting brushes. I also have a 35mm wide paint brush to brush down your work station when your done, this ensures a clean workstation and less likely to get splinters if you just wipe it down with your hand.

 
Any hobby shop should have some contact cement (plastic cement), any brand is good and a clear part cement is a good option to get clear windows. Normal plastic glue can make the clear parts become opaque. Clear parts cement will last 2-5 times longer then normal contact cement as it's used less on most models or not at all on some.

 
A quality sharp knife is good to have (adult supervision is advised) and a basic Stanley knife is a must. I have a different knife for separate applications, one for cutting and trimming parts and one for trimming decals (keeps it sharper for longer).

 
A file is a handy tool to have if you want your pieces to be the exact shape. I have just a few so I can select the right one for the job. I got a set of 6 which wasn't that expensive but has come in handy a few times.

 
The tool that some people overlook is a ruler, they are handy when cutting decals of the sheet. They are also handy when you get more advanced to measure how long to cut the piece. If you decide to make a scale model without any instructions a scale ruler can become handy, helping to keep the scale the same throughout your model.

 
Quick clamps that can be used with one hand can be useful for holding parts together while the glue dries. I have found them handy when letting the glue dry properly, I can set the pieces aside and move on to something knowing that the pieces are held together. It ensures the glue dries properly and doesn't make you rush your model, it also allows you to do something while you wait for the glue to dry.

 
Some good quality mini side cutters are a must, it makes it easier to get the pieces off the sheets but won't break the bank. As you can see I have 2 different cutters that allow me to do a precise cut and trim of the pieces. I also have a set of mini pliers but these arn't necessary, just something I have acquired from building some more advanced models (DDR Fokker Red Baron, Aston Martin DB5 from Goldeneye).

 
Some old technology can still be useful today, like using a mini finger drill to drill small holes in some parts or remove paint from small holes. I find that most cordless drill are either to fast/powerful or just to big for the job. These small hand drills are perfect for plastic or soft wood (balsa wood).

 
I have found over time that trying to hold a magnifying glass, a part and paint it at the same time can be very hard for even the best of modelers. I have tried a magnifying glass with a stand, which can be good but once I found one that I put around my head it was a lot easier. You can then hold the piece and paint brush wherever you find comfortable and always have it magnified. Mine also have a light in each side so I can shine some extra light on the piece if I cast a shadow on it.

 
If you don't want to ruin your work surface or dull your knife quickly you might like to get a cutting mat. I use an A3 cutting mat but an A4 one will suffice if you already have one. They come in handy when cutting your decals so you don't destroy your work surface or blunt your knife to quickly.

 
I found these types of containers work best for your paints as they keep them upright and sorted when you need them. It also helps you know what colours your don't have for the model you are working on and need to get. Don't go out and get every colour available as you would need to win the loto to afford it. I have collected this amount of colours over many years and models. (Yes, you counted right I have 72 different colours, not including some spares) each carefully sorted and labeled in order.

 
I keep all my tools in a large toolbox neatly organised ready to be used at any time. I need to have my tools in the exact spot so I know exactly where they are when I need them. If I acquire any more tools I might need to get another toolbox or a larger one. I might soon have to get a toolbox on wheels as this one already weighs a ton.