If you are new to building military models or looking to expand your collection, having the right tools and supplies is essential to creating accurate and detailed replicas. From cutting and shaping to painting and detailing, here are some essential tools and supplies you will need:
Cutting Tools
- X-Acto knife: This precision knife is perfect for cutting and trimming small parts with accuracy.
- Modeling scissors: Sharp, fine-tipped scissors are ideal for cutting out decals and trimming parts.
- Sprue cutters: These specialized cutters are designed to cleanly remove parts from the plastic sprue without damaging them.
Shaping Tools
- Sandpaper: Different grits of sandpaper are essential for smoothing rough edges and surfaces.
- Files: Needle files or sanding sticks help in shaping and refining small parts.
- Emery boards: These are useful for finer sanding and shaping tasks.
Adhesives
- Plastic cement: This adhesive is specifically designed for bonding plastic parts together.
- Super glue: For bonding metal parts or attaching resin accessories, super glue is a strong and fast-drying adhesive.
- White glue: PVA glue is great for attaching clear parts or decals without damaging them.
Painting Tools
- Paintbrushes: A variety of brushes in different sizes and shapes are needed for painting details and larger surfaces.
- Airbrush: For more advanced painting techniques and achieving smooth, even coats of paint.
- Paint palette: Use a palette to mix and thin paints for airbrushing or brush painting.
Paints and Finishes
- Acrylic paints: These water-based paints are easy to clean up and provide vibrant colors.
- Enamel paints: Oil-based enamels are durable and give a glossy finish, perfect for weathering effects.
- Primer: Use a primer to ensure better adhesion and smooth application of paint.
Detailing Supplies
- Decals: Water-slide decals add realistic markings and insignia to your model.
- Weathering powders: These powders help create realistic wear and tear effects on your model.
- Panel line accent color: Use this to highlight panel lines and add depth to your model.
Miscellaneous Tools
- Tweezers: Fine-tipped tweezers are useful for handling small parts and decals.
- Masking tape: Use masking tape to create clean lines and protect areas from overspray.
- Cotton swabs and brushes: These are handy for applying weathering effects and cleaning up excess paint.