Hi Everybody...
I need to get some tools, but I am unsure of what should every model railroader have in his toolbox. What are some like to haves...
One thing I do want to get is an Air Brush and compressor. What is a good Brand to get and how many acessories should I get...
Most of all where is the best place to get the items. I don't mind paying top dollar if it is worth top dollar...
Thanks in advance...
MicroMark has a great online tool catalog for hobbyist You can also request one of their printed catalogs as well. I get one about once a month or every other month.
http://www.micromark.com/
Ryan BoudreauxThe Piedmont Division Modeling The Southern Railway, Norfolk & Western & Norfolk Southern in HO during the merger eraCajun Chef Ryan
Thinking about the things I use the most with my trains:
A good set of small screwdrivers, regular and Phillips head. Small needle-nose pliers. Small wire snippers, plus a decent-sized pair for larger gauge bus wire. Insulation strippers. A decent soldering gun or iron, depending on your preference. A decent multi-meter, but you don't need to go overboard on that.
I've got a lot of carpentry tools, but I didn't buy them specifically for doing work on the trains. I did buy a little clamp for holding boards at right-angles while I fastened them together, though. I use a good square, straight-edge and a utility knife with replaceable blades a lot.
My specialty tools are the Xuron rail nippers (used for nothing else but cutting rails) and the Kadee coupler pliers and spring pick. Of course, a Kadee coupler gauge can be counted as a tool, too. I bought a hot-wire cutter for foam. If I had it to do again, I'd get the "knife" type next time. The one that's got a wire stretched across two prongs only has about a 6-inch reach.
I use small, cheap paintbrushes from the craft store. When they wear out, so what? I go get another one. I've got a putty knife and a caulking gun, too.
A Dremel rotary tool. I bought it for the trains, and I don't know how I lived without it.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I couldn't live without my sets of jewler's screwdrives, pliers, and files (all are Sears Craftsman). In addition, I have several standard size Craftsman screwdrives, pliers and files. As well as utility and X-acto knives. I also recommend a Dremel with a flex shaft (I love mine).
I get my specialty modeling tools, (sprue cutters, rail nippers, pin vise and drill bits, etc) from my LHS.
I have a soldering gun (for trackwork) and an iron (for everything else). I also have both a digital and analag multi-meter. I use the analog the most (it's easier to read). For wiring, I also have an automatic wire stripper, and a crimping tool.
I use inexpensive $2 paintbrushes and craft paint for scenery work.
I like my Badger airbrush.
Nick
Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/
regross99 wrote: Hi Everybody... I need to get some tools, but I am unsure of what should every model railroader have in his toolbox. What are some like to haves... One thing I do want to get is an Air Brush and compressor. What is a good Brand to get and how many acessories should I get... Most of all where is the best place to get the items. I don't mind paying top dollar if it is worth top dollar... Thanks in advance...
As stated above, Micro Mark is a good source of the small, specialized tools you'll need.
Several companies now offer small compressors for under $100, much cheaper than a regular air brush compressor and capable of driving small air tools. All of them I've seen come with a regulator, so they can be set for the different tools. Check Sears or your local home center. Watch for sales.
While you're at Sears tool department, check the screwdriver section. They sell a nice precision screwdriver set, sizes most needed by modellers, and they've even come out with a cushion grip version since I got my set. Plus, they sell them as individual screwdrivers as well. Then check out the pliers, they also have a nice set of stainless steel precision pliers with grips in a nice folding soft case.
And always a good bet, a good cordless drill, at least 14.4 volt size.
Beyond that, how much more are you interested in? There's a lot more that can be added to the list if you're talking about building benchwork, laying track, wiring the layout, etc.
IRONROOSTER wrote:Get an OptiVisor #5 (don't get an off brand). I would also add an xacto knife set; the cordless dremel moto tool (make sure it's the one with lithium battery [10.8 volts IIRC]); needle nose tweezers (get a good set and make sure the tips close without a lot of pressure); small screwdrivers (slotted and phillips - get a set.); pin vise with ball handle; set of tiny drill bits with indexing case; good paint brushes for painting and cheap brushes for plastic cement; small anvil; small pliers with smooth jaws and blunt end; small file set (one for plastic, one for metal);emery boards;NMRA/NASG standards gauge for your scale - real important, check everything with it;etc., etc.EnjoyPaul
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam