The Ideal Model Building Toolkit
As you embark upon your model kit building journey, you will undoubtedly find the tools which work well for your creativity. To get started on this amazing path however, here are suggestions of tools that will help provide the best experience! (all except reusable and specifically noted items are available in Sayre Hobby Shop in Sayre, PA)
Toolkit Essentials
Assorted Nail Files
A range of coarseness from "fine" to "gritty" will be helpful to smooth out rough blue edges located in small spaces
Needle Nose Mini-Pliers
Plastic Cutting Nippers
Toenail Clippers
Not joking! You'll be surprised how handy these are for taking off fine plastic ends
Sandpaper
A range of coarseness from "fine" to "gritty" will be helpful to smooth out glue or paint over-spray
Paint Brushes
A range from "fine" tips to a "quarter-inch" tips
Modeling Knife
You need a sharp and precise blade in the knife, and, most times these knife blades are interchangeable. Be sure to purchase the ones you prefer to use and also get extra so you are never without!
Clear Adhesive, Sticky Tape
This will help you align parts or hold them together until you are ready to connect and glue them
Magnifying Glass
Hand-held is ok, however, you'll be using your hands for finer work. Look into purchasing a headband magnifying glass or one that is mountable on a desk and moveable once mounted
Scissors
Large and small sizes. These come in handy when you find your creative, reusable parts from unexpected containers
Super Glue
Sometimes model parts don't line up. When that occurs, you need to fill the gap that was created due to lack of alignment. Fill the gap with Super Glue and the gap will "disappear"!
"Kicker"
This product activates Super Glue to allow the Glue to cure in about 30 seconds. This becomes a HUGE time saver when model building
Clear-Drying Model Cement
Varying viscosities of model cement are available. It comes in thin, extra thin, and super thin. As your modeling abilities improve, you will find the one which works right for model-building style. Remember...using too much model cement never ends well, so be careful in your use of it
First Aid Kit
You will be working with sharp objects...always keep your surface clean and a kit on-hand for those suddenly-needed bandaids!
NOT available for purchase at Sayre Hobby Shop
Dremel-style, Battery-operated tool
A must-have for cutting and shaping metal pieces.
NOT available for purchase at Sayre Hobby Shop