So im completely new to building model kits and all that Jazz, and thanks to scifi movies and war movies, I’ve taken a liking to battleships/starships.
So my delima is, choosing between Tamiya and Revell, once I’ve set my eyes on one of those model, i wanna start off by buying the neccessary tools
Is there a website where i can buy all the needed tools for model kits in a bundle? Or will i have to scour the globe to get all the tools?
Javi,
I highly recommend the Revell 1/350 Bismarck.
Tools are problematic. Some existing household tool items may work fine like some small wire cutters that cut flat on one side, or needle nose pliers or sand paper in 100 to 440 grit and, of course, scissors.
Otherwise, here are a few tools that I started with.
Pin Vise, Sprue Cutters, metal files, needle nose pliers, tweezers, magnifying glasses, Clips and Clamps to hold parts, tape, more tape, good Lighting, rubber bands, Dust mask, good size table, and a cat-free area. I hope other folks will fill in things I missed on future Posts
.
(Pin Vise)
There are “Kits” of tools but the included tools are not always the best.
Squadron.com has had a nice Tools page here: https://www.squadron.com/model-building-tools-and-supplies-s/2522.htm
Their pages will give you a good idea of the tools. I do not buy from Squadron anymore… I’ve had no problems, just never anything there I need.
Good tools will last a long while and are worth it. Nothing worse than clamps that fail or magnifying glasses that ruin your eyes. I hope other members will post some recommendations for specific Manufacturers or name-brand items.
Nino
Xacto knife
T e d
I rely on my Optivisor. I can wear it over my normal glasses.
Stuff you can buy at CVS- flexible nail boards, square cutting nail clippers, tweezers.
Stuff you can buy at the food store- Toothpicks, little paper cups.
Stuff you can buy at Ace- paint thinner for cleanup, sand paper, drills, super glue.
Either Bismark is good. I think Revell’s latest one is much more up to date in terms of detail quality.
I second the X-acto knife (with plenty of spare blades) and the Optivisor (best tool I ever got from my Father -in law). X-acto makes some hobbist tool kits that will have most if not all of what you need. I get a lot of stuff from Micro Mart. I don’t remember if they have tool kits but they do have a huge selection of tools and stuff. Check out any local shows that may be happening in your area for vendors that have tools for sale. Beware, some are better than others. Just ask around.
Good Luck and Happy Modeling.
Start looking locally before buying online. Xacto knife set you can find in most LHS, Harbor Freight, Walmart, Lowe’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby. In fact, you probably can find most of your hobby tools at your local Hobby Lobby. No need to order from Squadron, Sprue Brothers, etc… when you have a 40% coupon. Why pay ridiculous prices at Squadron when Hobby Lobby is far cheaper.
I‘d look in your local Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, or any arts & crafts store before venturing out to Squadron and other hobby online stores. Check out your local hobby store too.
Without a doubt the most comprehensive source of model making supplies and kits is Micro Mart
You must mean Micro Mark,I couldn’t find any info on a Micro Mart ?
I would say tools yes 100 % but kits not so much
Scalehobbyist
Spruebrothers
Dragonusaonline
Freetimehobbies
Are all great choices for kits.
Hmmm.
I don’t know about that .I do feel a certain affinity for just the Tamiya version .Beautifully molded and looks great when done . As to tools here’s my list, X-Acto or Excel knives ( the list of vendors is long ). Files and sanding stuff, strips and boards .Sally’s Beauty Supply . The rest at H.D. or Lowes.Unless you are lucky enough to have an Ace ( they closed ours two years ago.)About the same time Radio Shack shut down .
Yupp, Micro Mark it is. Blame it on fat fingers and tiny keys. The last catalog I got has pages of kits. Primarily ships, boats, and trains.
They also have tool bundles, though you can probably save money by buying only the tools you really need, rather than what MM thinks you need. Also, MM is not the best prices on tools. You can save money shopping at other places.
my wife works for Sally’s and keeps me well stocked in sanding supplies. I would also suggest a simple ship to practice on before diving into the Bismarck. The Tamiya 1/350 fletcher class destroyer is a excellent kit to build and practice on.
If you are looking for Star Trek models, Federation Models (federationmodels.com) or CultTV Man (culttvman.com) are your best sources for the models themselves. I second or third the MicroMark site for unique tools. The basic stuff you can get locally. You might also try a model train shop if you have one locally. They have all the tools you need to get started as well as usually carrying stock styrene and glue from Evergreen or Plastruct (when you need to modify or scratch build).
Good luck, and happy modeling!
Bob