Tools for beginners?

[Mathew]

Hi guys,
Im looking for some ideas or suggestions on what tools to have to work on locomotives/layout. Im overwhelmed by whats available and really dont know whats worth getting. Below is a list I found that seems to have a good assortment. For a new guy like myself, would this be worth going by? It seems to have items for working on your locomotives and layout in general. Id rather get some insight before i go on a spending spree.



www.railroadinfo.com/modelrr/tools.html

[gtw4633]

That looks to be a good list of tools. I have a pretty small toolbox and I tend to buy drill bits and detail parts on a case by case basis. Stuff I try to always have handy, Tweezers, Bent Needle nose, Needle nose, Superglue, Various Phillips head and Flathead Screwdrivers. Pin vise and assorted small bits. Rail Nippers, I use mine for cutting Rail and plastic parts. Don't cut anything harder than nickle silver with them or you'll ruin the cutting surface. For Building a layout I have a variable speed Cordless drill assorted bits, Needle Nose pliers, Table Saw, Jig Saw, chop saw, and a skill saw, although you really only need a skill saw. Caulk Gun and water based Glue.

[Mathew]

Thanks Jay, now all I have to do is find who carrys what and get to ordering!! ;D

[gnsteve]

Mathew, your question will have as many varied answers as the number of guys responding. I've been collecting tools for quite a while and wouldn't want to give up very many of them. But to start out, your attached list isn't bad. I would recommend you buy at least two X-acto knives so you aren't changing blades between the #11 & chisel (and others) all the time. Also buy #50 - #60 drill bits. I would move from list 2 to list 1 the variable speed Dremel tool and the scale rule. Mine are from General, #1251 & #651. I use the short one many times on every project. And if your eyesight isn't what it once was, a pair of Optivisors will be the first tool you reach for at the bench.

[Mathew]

Aug 24, 2009 22:47:52 GMT -5 gnsteve said:

Mathew, your question will have as many varied answers as the number of guys responding. I've been collecting tools for quite a while and wouldn't want to give up very many of them. But to start out, your attached list isn't bad. I would recommend you buy at least two X-acto knives so you aren't changing blades between the #11 & chisel (and others) all the time. Also buy #50 - #60 drill bits. I would move from list 2 to list 1 the variable speed Dremel tool and the scale rule. Mine are from General, #1251 & #651. I use the short one many times on every project. And if your eyesight isn't what it once was, a pair of Optivisors will be the first tool you reach for at the bench.

Ill be sure to add those to the list. As far as my eyesight, I have to wear glasses anyway so investing in the optivisor you mention would be a good idea.

[DRLOCO]

The Micro-Mark catalog is like a toystore of model making tools (and other model railroading supplies) including some scenery materials, and waybill card systems.
www.micromark.com/
You can go totally crazy in that catalog and buy all kinds of interesting things...but start small--there's no need to buy it all now. Just start working on something, and you'll find out pretty quick what work for you.

I will second the use of a small screwdriver set, 2 hobby knives (for the afore mentioned #11 and #17 blades) nippers, needlenose, and pin vice for small drill bits (and buy those little bits in bulk, they break easily!)
I personally find that a set of dental cleaning tools come in really handy (the bent pick especially) when it comes to decals or dry transfers, it's more forgiving than an exacto knife when you're moving the decal around. and since you're working on locomotives, I would suggest Micro-Scale Micro SOL and Micro SET. these are decal setting solutions that really help the decal film disappear, and get the decal to snug down around things like hood latches!

[rdg5310]

You can get overwhelmed very easy when it comes to tools. You really should just start off with the basic tools that will get you going with your current projects. When buying power tools such as Dremal or Proxxon you can't go wrong with the money spent. When buying hand tools, it's all about what works for the job. As time goes on you'll get more tools for your projects as you advance and do more. I seem to never stop buying tools or trying different new tools that are available. Just this morning I was going through Model Expo's catalog and looking at replacing some older tools and buying a few new tools that I believe will aid in my modeling.

[icghogger]

I agree with Ron, Mathew. Go slow, getting the basics mentioned in previous posts to your thread. Add tools only as you see the need for projects you are currently working on, and depending on how much you do. Over time, you will accumulate everything you need for most jobs.

Try to pick up an air brush and air source (compressor, air tank, etc.) as soon as finances allow. As for power tools, a Dremel. Proxxon or Foredom can set you back between $50.00 and $150.00, so take your time when deciding as they all do pretty much the same thing and all of them use the same bits and cutters. As a piece of advice, don't buy used power tools (I learned that one the hard way), but DO shop around. Plenty of bargains can be found out there! While power tools are nice and do speed a project along, they are not always necessary and do require some patience and building of skill levels to master their use.

Good luck, and let's see some of your work! ;D

[Mathew]

Thanks everybody for all the suggestions. I cant wait to get started. Im working on getting a shell preped to be repainted so hopefully Ill have something to show soon.

[Deleted]

Mathew,

I suggest NOT getting the Plastruct glue. Unless of course you like instant headaches. That stuff is has a seriously strong odor. I suggest two types of liquid cement. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement (green cap) and Ambroid Proweld. The proweld is VERY strong and if overused can do some serious damage to plastic. My cememt of choice used to be the Ambroid stuff, but now is the Tamiya.

If you have access to an automotive paint shop, that is where you can get a great assortment of fine sand paper and cheap. Buy two sheets of various grits and you will have it for life.

If you want the BEST assorment of pin vises around, get the whole set from Starrett. You can get them at Small Parts Inc. or any other good small tool store. The whole set will run around $100.00, but they are true and they are GREAT!

Best filler putty I have found is from Tamiya as well.

Get yourself a set of PBL sprue nippers. No imitation. get PBL brand.

MASCOT makes a really great set of files.

You can't go wrong with ZURON nippers either.

We could go on and on, but as you get more into building your models and layout, you will find out easy what you need.

If you have an ACE Hardware inyour area, they are good for getting drill bits. I bought every size from #80 up to 1/8" there and what they were out of or did nto have, I filled in at my local hobby store.

Whatever you do, DO NOT skimp on your tools. Just remember, with tools you get what you pay for. Meaning if they are cheap, then they are CHEAP!. You want to buy tools that will last.