Standard tools & equipment for completing etched brass kits

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This is a suggested list of required tools and is aimed primarily at the novice modeller. Experienced modellers will have developed their own techniques to assemble and complete etched brass models. The following is a list of tools that we regard as a basic list. This list applies equally to etched nickel silver.

Etched brass kits require a little more effort and skill to complete to a satisfactory standard but the effort is well worth while. We would not recommend that bogie carriages should be undertaken by absolute beginners, however we believe our four wheel non passenger carriages are a good starting point. Please contact 51L for suggestions, advice or assistance should you wish. Please email 51L with your suggestions or additions to this list.

There is no 'correct way' to assemble a model it is a question of personal choice:-

• A temperature controlled soldering iron with 144 solder, suitable flux, eg Carrs' Red label or equivalent with application brush and bottle stand.
• Low melt solder, adhesives such as Araldite or other epoxy resin or a Superglue may be required for attaching white metal castings. Other glues such as UHU, Multibond, PVA or Thixofix may also be used particularly if a timber roof is supplied. The use of UHU, Thixofix or similar adhesives is not recommended with plastics which dissolve in the common solvents.
• A known flat surface such a piece of plate glass which for your safety has been ground at the edges to remove sharp surfaces.
• Cutting mat.
• Fine scissors to remove etchings from frets.
• Engineers rule, a 6" and 12", if possible obtain one marked in scale feet, Bill Bedford Models produce an excellent one.
• Glass fibre brush, perhaps a clean one for cleaning locomotive wheels and a dirty one when soldering.
• 'Wet or dry' emery paper, grades 800 - 1200 grit. Best used wet perhaps with a little soap to give a good surface finish.
• Set of needle files including fine jeweller's types.
• One or more scalpels, or sharp knives such as modellers knives or Stanley Knifes'. The type for which a range of blades may be purchased is best such as the Swann Morton surgical type. (It may be useful to have a range of knifes set aside for different tasks eg removing flash, cutting plastic, preparing transfers etc.)
• A set of small drills, including 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9mm should prove sufficient for most modelling tasks.
• An engineers set square, a range of sizes is helpful.
• Solvent such as MEKPAK or equivalent and application brush. It is also useful to have a stand for the solvent bottle to prevent spillage. Be aware that solvents are plastic specific and require good ventilation.
• Etching paint primer and etch primer solvent.
• Safety glasses

Note: most etched brass kits also contain white metal components, and you may wish to view our recommended white metal basic tools in addition. We also have tool suggestions for working in resin. Most of these tools are readily available from specialist tool suppliers. Our sister company, Wizard Models, supplies a range of adhesives, glues and solvents.

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