Starter Kit For Modelling
{Beginners in any form of modelling whether it be model airplanes, ships, or railways will need a basic kit of tools to supplement anything provided in the kits they buy. This is a list of 'must haves' for any would-be model maker who wants to get through building their first model without having to make another visit to the hardware store.|There is nothing more frustrating when building a model airplane, boat or train than finding that you don't have the right tool for the job. So here is a list of 'must haves' for any would-be modeller who wants to get through building their first model without having to make another visit to the hardware store to buy the tools they didn't know they would need.|Most beginners in modelling, whether it be for trains, boats or model airplanes are overtaken by enthusiasm and a built-in optimism that the kit they buy is going to contain all the parts he or she needs - and that the parts are all going to fit together perfectly! Unfortunately, neither life, nor model kits are usually quite like that so here's a quick list of useful tools it would be useful for any beginner to have available.}
{It is useful to have a range of adhesives available. CA or Superglue, epoxy resins and a hot glue gun are all very useful depending on the type of modelling you choose. Both the CA and epoxy come in a range of formulations with different setting times and you will need to check with your local model shop or other modelling friends the types you are most likely to need.|There are all sorts of adhesives available now and it is useful to have a range available. Superglue (cyanoacrylate or CA), a hot glue gun and epoxy are all very useful depending on the type of modelling you choose. You will need to check with your local model shop or other modelling friends the types of CA and epoxy you are most likely to need as they come in a range of formulations with different setting times strengths.|It will depend on the type of modelling you go in for and the materials used as to what sort of adhesives you will need. But some or all of these will come in useful. Superglue (cyanoacrylate or CA), a hot glue gun and epoxy are all very useful depending on the type of modelling you choose. Both CA and epoxy come in a range of formulations with different setting times and strengths so check with your local model shop or other modelling friends the types you are most likely to need.}
Basic tools would include a sharp modelling knife, a pair of long needle-nose pliers, some small wire cutters and a small hobby razor saw. A pair of very small screwdrivers, one flat blade and one cross head, Phillips type. There is nothing more frustating than being unable to undo a screw because you dont have the right size screwdriver. A set-square - to ensure you are able to draw straight lines and right angles and a sharp pencil.
If you modelling includes anything with electrical components then a digital multimeter will be necessary as you will need to check the current and output of all sorts of items. A small soldering iron for connecting wires and components and you can't do that without soldering.
AA batteries the most common size in use so a Ni-cad battery charger for AA cells with 2 sets of batteries is essential. You will need two sets so that you can have one charging either from mains or a car socket while you are using the other.
A selection of good quality rubber bands as most bands included in kits are of poor quality. A pack of Velcro for securing any removeable items in your model. Finally, a roll of strong, good quality, parcel tape has a multitude of uses.
You can find out more about the tools you will need for your model cars, boats and airplanes by visiting this article on toolkits.