Single most-essential tool for kit building?

[Steven Otte]

Welcome, Matthew!

If you don't already have one, the absolutely most essential tool is the hobby knife. Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows and explains the tools that belong in any modeler's toolbox in this Basic Training video. Check it out. It's a free video.

http://mrr.trains.com/videos/expert-tips/2012/02/model-railroader-basic-training-video-essential-tools-for-model-railroaders

[Anonymous]

... a Swiss Army knife!

Seriously, I doubt that one tool will suffice to do a good job - you will need a little more than that.

 

[NP2626]

One tool?  One is not enough!  However, an X-acto knife and tweezers are very important.  Small jeweler’s files are a good investment, along with a small screw driver set, both Phillips and Straight blades.  Of course you will need the appropriate glues.  I have on hand the tube cements for plastics; but, I prefer the bottles with the brush for application, if you can find them.  When you find one, cut off most of the brittles do you end up with maybe 10 15 bristles, this allows you to pick up a drop or so of the cement and makes this applicator much more controllable.  Of course Testers now has glue bottles with small applicator tubes on them.  Tenex 7R and Plaststruct also make bottles with brush applicators that will work just as well.  I use both thick and thin CA glues and white or carpenter’s glue and even have a tube of the old Ambroid’s for gluing wood parts together. 

Glues are worth another whole thread.

[-matthew]

Hi all,

If you could recommend one tool or piece of equipment for kit building, what would it be? 

I'm pretty new to the hobby and I'm both overwhelmed and drooling at all the options for tools, jigs, etc.  As a newbie (and someone trying to keep to a monthly budget) I'm trying to keep myself to "essentials" and build up my workshop as I go.

I currently have a couple wood kits and a set of 4 Tichy MOW car kits to assemble.

Thanks

-matthew