A list of preferred modeling tools? Is there enough space in this forum?? I guess everyone will have heaps of ideas, so here's a few of mine that are a little out of the ordinary but really come in handy when you need them.
-measuring devices - I've got micrometers and a dial vernier caliper which comes in very handy for scribing constant width non-standard strips for cutting
-a good set of pin vices (mine are Starret - they're very good)
-a small engineers square
-an adjustable protractor
-MOST IMPORTANT - an understanding and patient partner!!!!!!!!
-a good set of different shaped pliers - jewellers supply shops are very good sources for this, or try Micro-Mark - they can send you a catalogue or check them out online (www.micromark.com)
-Quick-Grip micro clamps
-A variable speed motor-tool, again the jewellers supply store sell really good ones that hang from a wall or soomething and have a flexible shaft. They're a little more user friendly that a hand held Dremel
-a good set if different shaped tweezers - including the self locking hemostat types
-a good set of 6inch and 12 inch steel rulers (I've got two sets - an el cheapo set for cutting and a set of Toledo rules for MEASURING only)
-Badger nake good airbrushes, as do Paasche. The Badger internal mix single action is a really serviceable unit - when you get into the swing of things then get a double action for much finer work
-a set of small jewellers hammers and a small anvil
-a small bench vice
In all, just try to be guided by the type of work that you are planning on doing - if you want to build out-of-the-box, many of these things won't be needed. If you plan on getting into scratch building, most of them will be a "must have".
There's about a thousand other things - paints, brushes, thinners, a hair dryer, sandpapers, etc, etc. Your wallets the only limit (nasty).
Good luck!!
Lee Tree