Whatever your modeling preference rail, sail or wing, scale modeling tools are going to be required. You don't need to spend 100s of dollars but you will need to start collecting some quality gear either as a beginner or an intermediate modeler.

You can get by with as little as an Ex-acto knife, a couple of paint brushes, a tube of liquid model cement, a bottle of paint thinner, Scotch tape, tweezers and paints you have selected for the model you are working on.

With these items, you can get started on any decent beginners model. But you want to keep your modeling on a "family friendly" basis so include things like a self-healing cutting surface, a method of disseminating paint and glue fumes and a specific work area that can be easily concealed when not in use.

I've cut myself with blades like this. A three-edged triangular blade works better than an ex-acto knife when it comes to shaving off excess plastic, but the razor on the ex-acto can be indispensable. Also, make sure NOT to get a plastic handled razor. They just don't work that well, remember, metal is more durable, stronger and all around better.

As your modeling hobby grows, you will be expanding your "tool crib", but only add scale modeling tools you have a need for. Don't buy a packaged tool kit because it will often have items you'll never use.

Depending on the type of modeling you tend concentrate on, your tools will change. You can bet you will start adding a variety of detail painting brushes along with a brush for wide spaces and an airbrush may become your painting tool of choice. Liquid quick-dry cement may be needed, particularly for small parts.

A variety of sandpapers will help you smooth wooden surfaces, clear flash from plastic parts and works as an emergency pencil sharpener.