OK - my first reply was a bit tongue in cheek - I need more than a pocket screwdriver to do my modeling. However, the OP's reference to 'essential' tools begs the question - can you model with only the essential tools?
I think not, so for those newcomers who need to build a tool kit here is an inventory of what is on and around my workbench. Established modelers will likely find reading the list a waste of time because you probably have almost everything on the list, but please address any additions that you feel are necessary/essential to the hobby.
This is in no particular order:
- work bench! Sorry - couldn't resist
- cutting mat (self healing)
- glass sheet for cutting harder materials
- reading lamps (I have three all focused on the primary work area)
- magnifying glass
- Optivisor or equivalent
- scale ruler
- steel ruler (to be used as a straight edge as well as a measuring tool)
- spring clamps
- mini 'C' clamps
- mini bar clamps
- screwdrivers - large and small with all types of heads
- 4 prong screw gripper
- small vise grips
- wire cutters
- wire strippers for both larger and smaller gauge wires
- needle nosed pliers - smooth jawed and toothed
- hobby vise
- files - big, small, square, round, triangular, curved...you name it
- spring loaded tweezers, bent jaw and straight
- non spring loaded tweezers
- coupler pin pliers
- round tip pliers (for shaping grab irons)
- pin vises
- drills - big and small with multiples of the commonly used smaller sizes like #72, #80....
- small taps - #2-56 is essential
- Dremel tool and bits AND Safety Glasses
- razor saw
- X-acto knives with an abundant supply of #11 blades as well as a few others
- safety razor blades
- small wire brushes
- small square, ideally with a removable head so it can be used to hold things perfectly upright
- tin snips
- paint brushes
- paint brush cleaner
- artist's spatula
- pipette
- 99% alcohol (or there abouts)
- tooth brushes, one with the bristles clipped short
- small magnets
- soldering irons big and small
- solder - I have so many different types I can't count them, but my favourite for electronics is Kester Electronic Solder available through Ngineering amongst others. It has a small silver content and a rosen core - works great for decoders
- weigh scales
- multi meter
- variable voltage rectified power supply
- jumper wires
- various resistors
- Kadee coupler height gauge mounted on a 12" piece of track on a 2 1/2" x 13" piece of 1/2" plywood
- Kadee coupler assembly jig mounted so it can be held in my vise
- air brush
- compressor
- spray booth
- foam cradle
- used margarine tubs
- small funnel
- empty Athearn boxes - lots
- stackable small storage bins
- larger multi drawer storage units on castors
- Labelle grease and oil
- 'Glooze-it' (clear gel adhesive in a tube - there are several brands)
- CA - thick and thin
- epoxy - 90 second if you can find it
- Alene's tacky glue
- carpenters glue
- home made glue applicator, which is basically a dulled needle stuck eye first into a small wood handle
- various weights for holding glued joints down while they dry
- Micro Scale: Kristal Clear; Micro Set; Micro solve; Micro Flat
- Sharpie markers - big and small tip
- various colour paint pens
- yellow highlighter for taking the whiteness out of white LEDs. Usually requires several applications but it works
- masking tape
- paper towels
- programming track
- hand held vac
- last but not least - a tool rack to hold all the hand tools
I am sure I have missed something. If this post serves no other purpose, it will tell you how much you have invested in your workbench!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
possibly a road prospect laser level?
Realisticly a knife, wire strippers, glue, ruler, drill bits and a good quality drill/impact combo
All this and we haven't even gotten around to buying any locomotives, rolling stock, buildings, scenery, etc.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Dave Nelson!
!
The only continuously clear spot on my workbench is the place where I put my (occasional) rye and coke!
Seriously, my most essential tool is a simple pocket size slot screwdriver with a magnet on the handle. The blade is about 1/8" wide. It applies epoxy, soldering flux, grease, glazing putty... it stirs paint and epoxy... it opens Humbrol paint cans... it pries things apart, it pushes things together... I would be lost without it! I get really ticked at myself if I put it down someplace where I can't immediately find it.
Edit: OH, it also turns screws!
In addition to all the tools others have already mentioned, one that I've found truly indispensible is my Zona spiral hand drill & spring - thanks to this little tool, I almost never break any miniature drill bits the way I did using a regular pin vise.
-Ken in Maryland (B&O modeler, former CSX modeler)
I'll add some non-essential luxuries: a chop saw, circular saw, jig saw and belt sander for benchwork and track work. A drill press came into play seldom but was nifty to have; e.g., for drilling holes in an aluminum control panel. And a band saw. And a (only Harbor Freight) table top belt/disc sander. These ranged from a 70's belt sander to some retirement splurges (band saw, drill press, both well less than $200) to a recent HF bench sander. I love the web reviews; it helped select moderate priced but reliable items such as the drill press...you can spend from $ to $$$.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Something I use every day, the shop vac.
Ron
The corkscrew is the tool I use most often to satisfactorily address the results of the day's modeling efforts.
Dave Nelson
I'd like to add my trusty Craftsman screwdriver/drill, Micro-Mark's truck tuner and paint stirrer. And I'd also like to add Model Railroader's forums. They've been an invaluable tool for great ideas! (Neil is my check in the mail?)
BATMAN I have just about any tool I would ever need in my workshop. One tool I bought was this little level and I credit it for giving me sound trackwork. Derailments are almost always the fault of the tool driving the train. Brent
I have just about any tool I would ever need in my workshop. One tool I bought was this little level and I credit it for giving me sound trackwork. Derailments are almost always the fault of the tool driving the train.
Brent
I'll second this one. A free four-inch level turned my trackwork from crap to gold.
Streamlined steam, oh, what a dream!!
I'll add one of my favorite scenery making tools. This is great for free handing plaster rock work (among other things). The small square edge is great for making random angled edges for rock. Its a stainless steel spatula used in science labs.
http://www.flinnsci.com/store/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=14209
carpenter's square, compass, wood glue, quality tape measure, sanding devices of all kinds, good ultra sharp tweezers, wire cutters, wire strippers, good 35 watt soldering pencil, the thinnest resin-impregnated solder you can find (get two spools), magnet on a wand, jeweler's screwdriver set, needle file set, compound miter saw, power drivers (one for drilling, one for screws), clamps, wood screws in at least three lengths, coffee, a non-sleep-deprived brain, a plan, a plan B, good lighting, hopefully directional, a good back, reasonably good knees, an apple or a sandwich every three hours, more coffee, water, chisels, fine sand paper, ...
Essential tools, in general?...Or, one's that we lack and would like to add to our "portfolio"?
In general, my Top 10 would be - in order of importance:
Specific tools I'm lacking? I'm actually pretty set, at the moment.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
For weathering I use an assortment of small cups. I use'd to use cheap plastic shot glass's, but this morning as I was having breakfast with my grandson the little jelly containers that you find on restaurant tables make a good container to hold small amounts of chalk,weathering powder,or whatever you might use them for. Also the foil seal has a shiny back so if you model the modern era it would make great window tinting. Otto
Over the years I've collected most of the tools I need but as I've gotten older I really need a good lighted magnifier.
Joe
A 2"x4 ft aluminum rule.
Vertical belt sander (great if you handlay track).
Sabre saw.
Optivisor.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
I couldn't get along with out my Dremel tools.
I have two of them. One in the computer room where I do most of my model building and one in the layout room.
The second is my Hecko Soldering Station. What a great unit !!!!!
Third is everything else. You get what you pay for. Quality comes at a price, but it is worth it.
Johnboy out..........................................
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Well, if building a layout I find that at a minimum I need:
Safety glasses, saw, tape measure, clamps, drill with bits, screwdrivers, saw horses, pencil, planes, chisels, .
After the benchwork is up I usually need to add:
A trammel, pushpins, glue, level, surform plane, wire cutters/strippers, suitcase connector tool, soldering gun, dremel motor tool with bits, small hammer, needle nose pliers, utility knife.
I'm sure there are more that I use from my collection of tools.
Enjoy
If using suitcase wire connectors (some don't like them), the right type pliers for closing them. If changing wheelsets, a micrometer. And an Optivisor or equivalent. And a good work table light, and a good headlamp (I'm amazed how much brighter one LED headlamp can be vs another). And a beer mug.
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Wire strippers, Wire Crimpers, Soldering Iron, Volt Meter, and band aids.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
Hi Guys,
Just a fun little topic I like to bring up now and then and seeing as we are getting close to the holiday season and people might contemplate building a model railroad, I thought this might be a good topic to hear from other modellers. What would you guys might add to your list?
For me it would be quality screwdrivers, wide assortment of files and adhesives. And a good selection of xacto knives, small needle nose pliers. I also find dental picks to be very handy. Look forward to seeing your guys lists. I'm sure I have dozens more but these were off the top of my head.
Jeremy