Strong tools equals stable layout. Here is an area where it pays to buy the best. Tools will do several things for you, the most important of which is make this jack of all master of none hobby you’ve chosen bearable. Without files, clipper, rulers, squares and a multitude of additional effort enhancing instruments… detailing and drafting turnouts, landscapes, tunnels, trestles and trees would be a true challenge.

Now… if you’re an avid modeler, you know the tools needed in your toolbox, although there may be a handful of newbies out there who may need a check list, so here goes…

• Screwdriver
• Mill file
• NMRA gauge
• Needle files
• Paint brushes (1″,  2″,  ½”) 
• Nippers
• Soldering iron
• Hobby knife
• Tweezers
• Needle nose pliers (6″)

What Are YOU to Do With These Instruments of Mass Creation

Screwdrivers are self explanatory. There are hundreds if not thousands of joints needing attention. The attention we recommend is a stiff screw in a beveled hole!

Mill files come in handy for smoothing all sorts of edges, from metal rail to plastic shavings.

NMRA gauges are sanctioned by the National Model Railroad Association. Their precise measurements will be useful in the adjusting of wheels assessment of gauge or width of track. This handy tool of the trade will run anywhere from 10 to 13 dollars. Not bad for such precision!

Needle files are used for truly fine detailing. The smallest of small, the tiniest of tiny… these jobs will require equally talented tiny tools!

Paint brushes… Yeah, you guessed it, paint brushes are used in… yep, painting!

I don’t think its necessary to elaborate on the simple strokes and detailing strides of  coloring, although at some stage in your modelers hobby, you’ll be waxing on and waxing off as The Karate Kid would say!

Nippers or flush cutting pliers… AWESOME for nipping rails into shape. Look out for flailing debris upon snipping. A pair of your coolest, safest safety glasses are recommended!

Soldering Irons will smelt your heart away (LOL). Touching the tip of your hot iron to a connection through rosin signals the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Once you’ve developed a steady hand and an eye for decoding color wire connections, your absolute dependence on your soldering iron will be undeniable! Usually a 30 watt-er will do the trick.

Knife… In truth, It doesn’t matter the size just make sure it cuts  although Hobby Knives are the BEST! Some of you art guys may know this as an X-ACTO Knife. These handy helpers have gritty handles for stern grip and sharp as tack blades and points for precision carving.

Tweezers are always good to have around when handling tiny miniatures, especially model train sets . Be warned my modeling friends, as I found good tweezers to be quite expensive… considering their relatively simple design compared to price. Most places want a good $5 to $8 bucks for a steely eyed pair!

Needle nose pliers – Snouty little devils will set you free when there are tediously small things to handle. Grab tiny fibers, little accessories and twist miniatures into position with the under appreciated aid of needle nose pliers.

There may be some tools we left out the equation. Feel free to leave comments, as we want to hear from you!

By the way, if you have little ones who are into Thomas the toy train then click the highlighted links. In addition don’t be a stranger to www.railroad-modeler.com, we’re here for you… so stop in and leave a post or drop off a comment… see you soon!