Essential Tools for the Serious Model Builder

Elevate your craft with the right equipment

Embarking on a model building journey? The right tools can transform your experience from frustrating to fantastic. Whether you're a beginner aiming to level up or an experienced modeler seeking perfection, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to build your ideal toolkit. Remember, you don't need everything at once – just get what you need as you go along.

Summary
Absolute Essentials	Hobby knife, glue, paintbrushes, brush cleaner, paper towels
Painting Supplies	Acrylic paints, primers, masking tape
Additional Tools	Tweezers, sprue cutters, sandpaper, cutting mat
Advanced Tools	Airbrush kit, pin vise, magnifier lamp
Adhesives	Plastic cement, CA glue, PVA glue
Detailing & Finishing	Putty, decals, weathering products

Absolute Essentials for Model Building

Every serious model builder starts with a solid foundation of basic tools. These essentials ensure that your parts are cut, trimmed, and assembled with precision:

• Hobby Knife: The absolute essential. It's versatile and can handle most cutting tasks. Any kind will do the job. Check out our model tools section for various types.
• Glue: Tamiya Extra Thin Cement is a great all-rounder if you're getting only one type. Explore our range of adhesives.
• Paintbrushes: A fine brush for details and a wider one for larger areas. Visit our paint brushes collection.
• Brush Cleaner: Essential for maintaining your brushes. Find it in our paint brushes and cleaners section.
• Paper Towels: For clean-up and various other uses during your build.

Painting Supplies

Painting brings your model to life. Here are the key supplies every serious model builder should have:

Tip:You don't need to buy every color listed in the instructions right away. Focus on the main colors first and add details later as you progress.

Additional Tools

These tools, while not absolute essentials, can significantly improve your modeling experience:

• Tweezers: Nothing fancy needed, just something to handle small parts. We offer a variety of tweezers for all your needs.
• Masking Tape: Preferably 10mm modelers masking tape. Find it in our stenciling section.
• Sprue Cutters: For cleanly removing parts from sprues. You could even use a pair of small pliers from your cupboard to start. Browse our cutting tools.
• Sandpaper: A couple of pieces of 140 grit and 250 grit are good starting points. Find these in our sanding and polishing tools section.
• Cutting Mat: To protect your work surface. Available in our model tools section.

Advanced Tools

For those looking to take their model building to the next level, these advanced tools allow for more precise work and intricate detailing:

• Airbrush Kit: For smooth, professional paint application. Explore our airbrush kits and accessories.
• Pin Vise and Detail Files: For drilling and fine detailing. Available in our drills and taps section.
• Magnifiers: To aid in seeing small details clearly. Browse our model tools for magnifying options.

Adhesives

The right adhesive ensures your model holds together well. Different materials require different types of glue:

Detailing and Finishing

These tools and materials help add intricate details and ensure your model looks polished and professional:

• Putty and Fillers: For filling gaps and smoothing surfaces. Browse our putty and fillers collection.
• Decals: For adding detailed graphics. Check out our decals.
• Weathering Products: To add realistic wear and tear. Explore our weathering products.

Remember, different types of models may require specific techniques. For example, planes don't usually have a lot of mud or dust on them, while military vehicles might.

Choosing Your Models

When starting out, it's best to begin with a few cheap, simple models. 1/72 scale models are cost-effective and great for beginners. Here's a quick breakdown of some popular brands:

• Cheaper Brands: Airfix, Revell, Kinetic, HobbyBoss. These are affordable enough that you won't cry if you make a mistake, though the parts might not fit together perfectly.
• Better Quality: Italeri offers a step up in quality.
• Premium Brands: Tamiya, Eduard, Meng, Takom, Miniart, Tiger Models. These are more expensive but offer superior quality and fit.

Remember, the best thing you can bring to your model building, especially when painting, is patience. Take your time, enjoy the process, and your skills will improve with each build.

Conclusion

Equipping yourself with the right tools is the first step towards creating stunning models. Remember, you don't need to acquire everything at once. Start with the absolute essentials and gradually expand your toolkit as you grow in skill and tackle more complex projects.

For beginners, focus on affordable kits to hone your skills. As you progress, you can explore more challenging builds and advanced techniques. The joy of model building lies not just in the finished product, but in the journey of creation and learning.

Visit Hearns Hobbies to find all the tools and supplies mentioned in this guide. Happy building, and remember – patience is your most valuable tool! Anything else you need, you'll figure out as you go along.