 There
are different tools that you are going to need to be able to
build your models: measuring tools, edged tools, clamping tools,
brushes and airbrushes, paint, glue, power tools, etc.
Below
you will find a descriptions of each of these tools. |
|
| Measuring
Tools:
You will need a selection
of plastic or steel rulers. You will use them not only for
measuring but also for tracing and adding details to your
model. Remember if you are a serious modeler planning to modify
some plastic kits, you will need a ruler to measure reference
plans and calculate scales from photographs.
|
Knives Set |
| Edged
Tools:
Commonly know as the "X-Acto
knife" or "Hobby Knife". For
most modelers it is the most used and important tool. It is
a good idea to have a good set of different blades and handles.
The photo on the right shows you a nice "Hobby Knife
Kit".
Another type of edged tool
is the "U" shape razor saw. If you are planning
to make heavy modifications to your plastic kit, make sure
to consider a razor saw.
|
 Precision Knives |
| CAUTION: Do
not let small children operate this type of tool
without adult supervision. |
| Clamping
Tools:
Standard or cross-action
tweezers are indispensable. These tools are ideal for
handling small
pieces or holding parts for painting.
Standard clamps are also very
useful for holding components together for glueing and holding
parts of different sizes for painting.
Rubber bands, masking tape,
wood clothespins, and even paper clips can be used for clamping.
|
Clamps
|
|
| Airbrushes:
The airbrush is a miniature
spray gun that blends a stream of air with paint depositing
the resulting mixture smoothly over a surface. The required
air is generally supplied by a compressor. The most common
and simplest airbrush is the external mix single action (a
color bottle or cup is plugged into the back of the fluid
tip)-- See photo shown on the right.
|
Airbrush |
| Paint:
Types of paint:
- Enamel:
This is the most common type of paint for modelers. Manufacturers
of this type of paint are Testors, Humbrol and Pactra among
others.
- Lacquer:
This type of paint normally comes in spray cans.
- Acrylic:
These paints can not be mixed with enamel paints, they are
water-thinnable (no water-soluable)
|
Paints |
| Accurate
Colors:
Many kit manufacturers reference
FS (Federal Standard) numbers for the colors
used by the airplanes. These FS numbers also identify many
paints for scale modeling in the market today.
Remember that some paints,
specially those for metal finish are very volatile. Work in
a well-ventilated area and/or use a protective mask.
|
 Federal
Standard Color Reference Chart |
| Glue:
Also known as "Cement"
comes in different types:
- Tube
cement: Thickened plastic that comes packaged in
a squeeze tube, it has a relative quick drying time.
- Liquid
cement: It requires the use of a brush for application
to the seam of two surfaces held together in contact. In
most cases this type of glue is more effective because when
applying it flows along the joint and dries rapidly. This
type of cement actually dissolves the surface of the plastic
parts held together, producing a solid bond.
- The
"Superglues": They dry in 10 to 45 seconds.
This type og glue is excelent for glueing antennas, landing
gears and other small parts.
|
Tube cement
|
|
Power
Tools:
- The
Dremel Motor- Tool is a miniature power drill
that supports an extensive line of miniature bits, polishing
wheels, saw blades, grinders, etc.
|
Machine gun hits, made with a miniature drill.
|
|
CAUTION: Do
not drive your miniature power drill at high speeds because
it will generate more heat melting the plastic you are
working on.
|
| CAUTION: Do not let small children operate this type of tool
without
adult supervision. |
