It took me three tries to finally get a pin vice that works with the teeny drills.
I'd add a "truck tuner" to the list if not there.
On the nice to have additions, I'd include a digital caliper, for measuring wheel axle lengths, about $24 or less (check HF on sale). And if you're into soldering loco wiring (e.g., for DCC) a soldering station (about $55) is a real treat worth considering.
For heat sinks with rail soldering, I use alligator clips, so a supply of them is handy for several reasons. And clothespins for simple clamps.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
My number one tool is a cordless Dremel it just about replaced my pin vise for drilling holes.
My tool box contains modeling tools including a Xacto saw,small side cutters,pliers and jewelers files and hammer..I also have sprue cutters.
I never found much need to yard sticks,heat sinks,wire cutters and other like tools. I do use a level and cordless drill though.
Ya just don't need those tools when you build small ISLs with a small fascia and bracing that is set up on a 8' folding table. I don't need blocks even on a 12' long ISL.
I "eyeball" my track to ensure its straight. That may be old school but,it still works.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Optivisor for geezers like me.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Pin vise for drilling small holes - check
Track cutters Xuron makes the best - check plus Demel w/ cut-off wheel
Small Jewelers file for cleaning up said track cuts - check
Tweezers for holding small parts like track nails - check
Set of small screwdrivers numerous uses. Even the dollar store variety seem to work - check
Soldering Iron - check
Multimeter for testing Mine came From Lot-Less and works fine - check
Trip pin pliers - don't have but needle nose get the job done.
Kadee coupler height gauge - check
NMRA gauge - check
Cordless drill - for benchwork mainly (built mine with cordless drill and sabre saw only)
Needle nose pliers - check
Wire cutters - use wirecutter, stripper tool
Exacto knife with sharp blades - check
Scissors - check
Paper Cutter (I use a lot of photos from Textures.Com) for fences manhole covers sewers etc. - you mean like chopper?
White glue - check
CA glue I buy it in a plastic bottle not the messy squeeze tubes - check
also Tenax 7R for building and Testors liquid cement, add on Testors canopy cement
There is one tool I have that has gotten little use but might be handy a Dremel tool - Demel is my primary track trimming tool - I use Xuron to cut rail quickly to size but then trim for a precise fit with the dremal always. It also comes in handy for grinding off sharp drywall screws that stick through benchwork wood, and grinding wood down in places with appropriate attachments.
more tools:
Heat sinks and flux for soldering wires and rail.
Yard Stick, Trammel, rulers etc.
Bubble level for bencwork and square.
Hot Glue gun for various things, scenery, attaching wood in places etc.
Box Cutter
Sanding blocks for evening subroadbed track surfaces.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Hi all:
I am starting a list of essential tools everyone should have and want to know if I missed anything:
Pin vise for drilling small holes
Track cutters Xuron makes the best.
Small Jewelers file for cleaning up said track cuts
Tweezers for holding small parts like track nails.
Set of small screwdrivers numerous uses. Even the dollar store variety seem to work.
Soldering Iron.
Multimeter for testing Mine came From Lot-Less and works fine.
Trip pin pliers
Kadee coupler height gauge
NMRA gauge
Cordless drill.
Needle nose pliers
Wire cutters
Exacto knife with sharp blades
Scissors
Paper Cutter (I use a lot of photos from Textures.Com) for fences manhole covers sewers etc.
White glue
CA glue I buy it in a plastic bottle not the messy squeeze tubes.
There is one tool I have that has gotten little use but might be handy a Dremel tool.
Ok what am I missing?
Joe Staten Island West