First metal etching

1/700 Trumpeter Arizona.

The sets that are for a particular model usually say so.  To see if a particular kit includes PE you have to research descriptions of the kit.  Big mail order vendors like Squadron usually include that info in their online catalog.  The more recent the kit, the more likely it is to include PE.

Also, some online catalogs have a link you can click on if they have accessories for that kit.  That will show if PE sets are available for that kit.  Otherwise, go to PE vendors like Gold Metal or Tom's modelworks, and their catalog lists PE sets for specific ships.

Any of DRAGON'S  " Smart Kits " would fit the bill .You do have to buy an aftermarket set for rails and all , but they do come with a starter set of P.E. . Good kits too !

tankerbuilder

Any of DRAGON'S  " Smart Kits " would fit the bill .You do have to buy an aftermarket set for rails and all , but they do come with a starter set of P.E. . Good kits too !

Disagree.   For a ship PE NOOB,  Dragon's kits are a poor choice.  Both the plastic & PE have a lot of fiddley-bits which are difficult to place.   Dragon's concept is why do something in 4 parts when 20 will do.   Dragon's instructions are also somewhat vague.  They are good once you have a kit or three under your belt.

I do agree that starting in 1:350 will give you a chance to learn some techniques on a larger scale/larger parts before moving on to a smaller scale/smaller parts.

My recommendations for PE learner kits are the Tamiya Fletcher and the Trump USS England.  Both are smaller kits which will not overwhelm you with the number of parts and assemblies required.   You will see progress and the kit will be done rather than being stuck aside for fear of ruining a large/expensive kit.

I checked a couple out, still haven't made up my mind. Which ever one I pick, will I need any special tools or anything like that? I have the basic modelling supplies, pliers, tweezers and the like...

If you use super glue to attach get some accelerator to set it quickly. I would get a medium thickness glue for a first go, but you can try thin as well.
Make sure you have a stock of extra blades and a a few different types of tweezers, maybe even some pointy forescepts.
Also get some razor blades, the kind from Home Depot for scraping, they will be usefull for bending parts. I wouldn't get a PE bending tool just yet until you know you will be doing more.