51L: The finely detailed railway model. Suggested toolkit for completing white metal kits

Standard tools & equipment for completing white metal kits

This is a suggested list of required tools aimed primarily at the novice modeller. It may be regarded as a basic list to allow you to complete your model to a good standard.

Depending on your preferred method of assembling white metal kits:

Either a temperature controlled soldering iron with low melt solder (70 degree) and suitable flux, or adhesives such as Araldite or other epoxy resin. Super glues may also be used and are good to 'tack' ie hold the model in place whist applying epoxy resin.
For fine parts use a Superglue. Other glues such as UHU, Multibond or thixofix may also be used but they are not recommended to attach plastic floors or roofs in place.
Work top with cutting matt.
A known flat surface such a piece of plate glass which for your safety has been ground at the edges to remove sharp surfaces.
Engineers rule, 6" but 12" comes in handy, if possible obtain one marked in scale 4mm feet.
Engineers squares, 2" ideal but 3", 4" and 6" come in handy.
Adjustable 12" engineers square, ideal to cut plastic sheet.
Glass fibre brush, preferably two one reserved for 'clean' work.
'Wet and dry' fine emery paper grades 800 - 1200 grit , 1200 grit is best. Use this wet perhaps with a small amount of soap this improves the surface finish.
Set of needle files including fine jeweller's types.
Fine wire brush or card to clean needle files.
One or more scalpels, or sharp knives such as modellers knives or perhaps 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 a side 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. Consider a pin chuck to hold drill bits. Eventually a small and a medium one will be required.
Solvent such as MEKPAK or equivalent and application brush. Bottle stand is desirable with tall containers. Ensure solvents are only used in well ventilated rooms. Beware of naked lights as many solvents are flammable.
Suitable two part filler such as Milliput or equivalent eg Plastic Padding.
A fine tooth saw.
Etched primer paint and etch primer solvent, essential for all metallic models.
Range of fine art quality paint brushes.

Many white metal kits contain etched components and you may wish to view our recommended etched brass tools lsit. We also have tool suggestions for working in resin. Most of these tools are readily available from specialist tool suppliers. Good supplies of tools are often available at local hardware shops. Our sister company, Wizard Models, supplies a range of adhesives, glues and solvents, brushes and paints.

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