Model Building Basics 1, whats on your work bench ?

The tools to create these kits are a necessary cost to building these scenes. The collection of these tools is an investment in all your modelling travels. Many of these tools are used throughout the process and are described in the category for which they are first used. This means even though they are not listed elsewhere, they may still be heavily used in the following categories.

Not all the tools are described right now, only those used in the initial construction process. A great kit can be made with a few of these tools and it is definitely your choice to pick what you need. I am just describing what is either in my tool box or my box of jigs. Each kit needs one or two unique components and these we left out for obvious reasons. I am sure you will get a taste of all within  these guides.

In terns of tools, only buy what you need for each project. These accumulate and build into a well stocked work bench. Each kit will have suggestions, take note of your needs and drive or call the Hobby Shop.

• Cutting tools, No. 11, 16 and 24 type razors are the industry standard. I use a heavy duty construction knife be it Olfa cut-off or standard drywall knife. I use this to cut down on cost and also for their durability. If cuts need to be cleaned up a Sand paper block is used. My sandpaper blocks are made by gluing the paper back to wood blocks of various size. Northwest Shortline makes two great alternatives called the Chopper 2 and the True Sander. Both will work great towards getting your wood cut fast and accurately.

• Distressing tools, just a heavy wire brush will work great for this. However there are tools that are made specifically for this task and will work too.

• Glues and adhesives, Weld bond is a low cost glue that is water resistant, dries clear and will suit for window glass. It is by far my main glue on the bench. Its low price is in direct contrast to canopy glue while easily matching the same properties. For any other use I have found five minute epoxy invaluable as a backup. Sometimes I will also use Crazy Glue, but not very often.

• Paint brushes, these don't last long and should be thrown out when their age starts to show. These can be picked up in multi-packs of various size and shape that cost under $10.This includes Airbrush compressor and such, when your ready.
  

• Misc. Tools, these include various sized Tweezers and files. Scissors, scale ruler, small square, pin vise with small bits and a fabric needle (for nail holes).

As said already, these are all not necessary, but will go a long way in doing the job “Right”

Paints, many people claim dollar store paints are the best low cost acrylic solution. Paints are the one product I will say is you get what you pay for, and believe me I am CHEAP. This becomes most apparent when you start to paint detail parts and other small highly detailed components. Having said that Dollar store paints will work very nicely on wood walls, but that's about it in my opinion.

Paint brushes, these don't last long and should be thrown out when their age starts to show. These can be picked up in multi-packs of various size and shape that cost under $10. For painting detail parts you will want to buy some nice small artist brushes.

Don't forget to consider an Airbrush compressor and such, when your ready. The paint finish is unmatched but does require a confident hand.

Weathering solutions, Isopropyl alcohol (available at pharmacies) the 99% variety works best and Indian Ink (available at art and office supply stores) is used as a staple weathering solution. Its basic use is for ageing scale wood creating a greyed appearance that seams to bring out the wood grain. To make your own add one tablespoon of Ink to a 500ML bottle of Alcohol. Two or three tablespoons of ink is used for whats considered “Heavy” weathering. I use only “Light” which amounts to One tablespoon. Another fine line of weathering solutions come a from a company MIG Productions. Specifically the pigments and washes work GREAT for all types of weathering.