Indispensable tools?

toothpick, sanding sticks, tamiya extra thin

I guess I'm the only one who values tweezers in the top 3!

#1: Princess Auto set of tweezers

#2: Sticky Tack (or as some say BluTak)-invaluable to stick parts to mayo lids to them airbrush!

#3: a fine paint brush....at least something that is capable of painting cockpit details

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My most essential tool is a really good light for the bench. I have one of those ring light magnifiers.  The jointed arm and the jointed light itself have knobs at the joints to allow movement to any position, then lock it there.  In my opinion you cannot do really good model work unless you can see well.

An X-acto knife, sandpaper, and superglue. Although the latter of the two are technically a supply I can't live without them. I know that you asked about what three things you need, but consider at least ONE more item - a good cutting mat will save you a lot of damaged table tops, and dull, broken blades.  A light with an adjustable headband is always helpful as Don said about having a good light source. You can't build what you can't see. If you're going to use superglue - ACETONE. It's your friend. I can't think of any other more useful items other than these since they're what I've spent thousands of hours building countless models with!

~ Cobra Chris

My not so short list.

1. Definitely really good LIGHTS. Agreed.  As well as a healthy assortment of pointy and broad paint brushes.
2. Forcepts that are by default closed.  handy for holding small things for painting.
3. The paper towels that let you pick a size.  I rarely need a full sheet, but small sheets are excellent for lots of uses.
4. Post it notes.  Really handy for keeping photo-etch parts I'm cutting from not flying off, also good for masking.
5. Plastic lids (from shipping tubes, maybe 3/4 inches wide)  Really handy for putting glue in (CA included) and using toothpicks to apply as needed.
6. Toothpicks for gluing, but also painting instrument panels, wing position lights, slots inside of wheels.  I use the square ones for stirring paint as when I put them down they dont roll anywhere.
7. Channel Lock pliers (or just pliers)  for opening paint bottles.
8. Sheet of glass: for cutting decals, or PE parts or for just when I need a perfectly flat surface for something.

CNicoll

Post it notes.  Really handy for keeping photo-etch parts I'm cutting from not flying off, also good for masking.

 

Love it for masking over delicate surfaces, such as decals, even after clear coating.