This is the second installment of our series about the best scale modeling tools for different experience levels. These are the others:
Tools For Scale Modeling 1 - Basic level tools.
Tools For Scale Modeling 3 - Advanced and Niche Tools - Sept 27th.
By now, you’ve successfully built several kits, and your passion for scale modeling is evident.
You're ready to step up your game with more complex kits and strive for more polished and realistic results in your finished models.
This requires more than basic skills—it's about refining your techniques and upgrading your tools.
Let’s break down such tools by following the process of the construction of the model.
The Build
As we detailed in the first article of this series, a simple hobby knife can be used at the beginner level to cut parts from the sprue.
While this works, it often leaves rough edges, can damage delicate parts, or causes stress marks on plastic pieces. To achieve more polished results, you’ll need something that offers more precision and control to maintain the integrity of your parts.
Side cutters are the first essential upgrade. Regular side cutters allow you to cleanly cut parts from the sprue, reducing the chance of damaging thin or fragile pieces. For even finer work, single-blade nippers can remove sprue gates and nubs without crushing the part, leaving less material to sand away afterward.
Once your parts are cut from the sprue, or even when you already have some subassemblies glued together, it’s time to refine them by removing mold lines, seams, and leftover nubs.
For this, a variety of sanding and filing tools are essential to smooth out imperfections and prepare parts for assembly and painting.
Sanding sticks and metal files should be your go-to for precise shaping and smoothing. These come in various grits and sizes, allowing you to handle both small, delicate parts and larger surfaces. Sanding sticks are flexible and can reach tight corners, while metal files offer more aggressive material removal for tougher seams.
Sanding sponges are perfect for refining curved or uneven surfaces. Their pliable texture allows them to conform to the shape of your model, providing an even, smooth finish without flattening out any details.
Of course, you may find yourself needing to modify parts or create small holes for better detail and realism. While manual drills work for basic tasks, an electric option offers more versatility and control for complex projects.
Besides, an electric mini drill is a versatile tool not only useful for drilling.
With interchangeable bits, you can drill precise holes in plastic or metal, modify parts, and even add fine details that are difficult to achieve with basic tools. This power tool also works for grinding and sanding down areas, speeding up the process and providing more consistent results than manual tools.
As kits become more complex, you’ll encounter smaller, more delicate parts that require careful handling. The kit may also include small frets of photo-etched (PE) parts.
Precision tweezers are a must-have for handling these tiny parts without bending or damaging them. Tweezers with fine tips allow for delicate placement of decals, little plastic pieces, and PE components. PE bending pliers are designed specifically for bending small photo-etched parts. They ensure clean, controlled bends without damaging the thin metal, which is crucial for fitting PE parts onto the model accurately.
The Painting
When it comes to painting, using a brush is fine for beginners, but airbrushing offers a far superior finish, allowing for smooth, even coats of paint that brush strokes can’t achieve. An airbrush is one of the most important tools to invest in as you advance in scale modeling.
A good airbrush should offer precision and versatility. For intermediate modelers, a dual-action airbrush is highly recommended. Dual-action airbrushes give you greater control by allowing you to adjust both the amount of paint and the airflow simultaneously.
This makes it easier to create fine lines, gradients, and smooth transitions between colors, which is often needed to replicate complex paint schemes, camouflage patterns, etc. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a durable design, as you'll be using this tool frequently. It should also be easy to disassemble and clean, as keeping your airbrush in optimal condition is key to getting consistently great results.
Equally important is a compressor that can deliver a steady, adjustable airflow. A good compressor should have a built-in moisture trap to prevent condensation from affecting the paint application, which can cause splattering or inconsistencies.
The ability to adjust the air pressure is crucial for different painting techniques—higher pressures for large areas, and lower pressures for finer details or delicate work. Choose a compressor with a quiet motor, especially if you plan on doing longer painting sessions, and ensure it has a tank to provide consistent pressure, preventing surges in airflow that can ruin a paint job.
Together, a quality airbrush and compressor will make the painting process more efficient and give your models a professional, polished look that truly sets them apart.
Finishing touches
Decals are often the final touch on a model, and placing them correctly is crucial to the overall appearance. Poorly cut decals can leave uneven edges, which can ruin the aesthetic of an otherwise well-built model.
To avoid this, use stainless steel decal scissors . These are specifically designed for cutting small, intricate decals with precision, ensuring a smooth, clean edge. Stainless steel prevents corrosion, meaning they’ll stay sharp and effective over time.
The final stage of model building is where you can really bring your kit to life. Weathering techniques allow you to simulate wear, dirt, and other environmental effects, making your model look more realistic and lived-in. This step is what distinguishes intermediate modelers from beginners.
Weathering brushes are essential for applying washes, pigments, and other weathering effects. Fine-tipped brushes allow for precision work when applying pin washes to recessed panel lines, while flat brushes are great for applying larger areas of pigments or dry brushing.
Special shaped brushes such as fans or saw-shaped brushes are perfect for replicating streaks and other effects.
Speaking of special brushes, a set of dedicated dry brushes will help you highlight the raised details on your model, enhancing textures and making details pop. This simple technique can add a layer of realism that makes the model appear naturally aged or worn
Conclusion
By upgrading your toolkit with these advanced scale modeling tools, you’ll be able to enhance every stage of your scale modeling process, from assembly to finishing. The right tools can transform a good model into a masterpiece, and with the precision, control, and versatility they offer, you’ll find the building process smoother and the results far more rewarding.
