Tip, tool or technique...

I've always been pretty good at detail painting, attention to little details as I build etc. over the years. Add to that fact that I used to build 1/72 exclusively & I could manage with a small tool-kit. I even brush-painted exterior camo for the longest time. I think the "next step" tool for me was my airbrush. I'm no wizard with it - a basic little Badger 150 - but it makes those finish coats, especially in 1/48, much cleaner.

In chronological order:

X-Acto knife (versus my Cub Scout pocket knife)

Testor's liquid cement

My Badger 350 airbrush.

FineScale Modeler Magazine

Mark

Sprue cutters and liquid glue...does anyone believe they can build a proper model anymore with only tube cement? 

I remember when all of my finished models had remnants of sprue attachment points on them and glue marks all over the place...wait, they still do---never mind...

Airbrush,I really cant do without it.

Weathering powders & Micro Mark punch set.

Respectively the powders have taken weathering to the next level and the punch set the scratch building.

My set of rust colored and 1 black soot weathering powder is not Mig Productions but a smaller brand that works excellent dry or as a wash, heck I even paint it in a slurry and brush off the excess after its dry.

The punch set impresses me with the speed and precision I can make round bits for scratch building. Items that took hours before being cut like bologna from a rod stock are now 'punched' out of flat stock in mere seconds. 

*Honorable mention is a surgeons scalpel set and Micro Mark raised detail remover.

An airbrush is something i have used since early on in mode3lling, but its somthing i couldn't model without. But like a couple of other guys, sprue cutters have really made a big differance. I also only got my first pair a year or so ago, and before that i used scissors for the most part. Now i have a pair of cutters and i love em.

As for techniques, i only did my first wash last year. Before that i just dry brushed. It has made a big differance, but i still need more practice.

But all of this was down to getting online.

My beloved airbrush!

When I was in my late teens, I gave up modelling for two reasons - other distractions & my dissatisfaction with my finished builds, namely the paint finish. Back then (20+ years ago), I knew that the next step was an airbrush, but being out in the sticks & without the internet as it is now, I didn't even know where to get one, let alone which one to choose or where to get the money from.

For getting back into modelling this time around, I got an airbrush before I even got a kit & I am glad I did, I can now turn out reasonably good models & almost as importantly, I have a nice shiny toy to play with.

I can only echo whats already been said.......

Sprue cutters, only bought my first pair this year.  Before that, I too soldiered on with nail scissors, nail clippers, straight scissors from a first aid kit and am amazed I didnt buy a pair years ago.  Less damage to the part, and less to sand off.

Washes, very easy and simple and makes such a difference.  Never used 'em as a kid, in fact none of those early models were weathered at all.

I know  what this will sound like but the best tool I've found is right here. This website. Most of my time here I just look up older posts and read the advice of modelers with more experience. This and the magazine that goes with it are the two things that have made a noticeable improvement in my skills and results.

The many, many ideas I've got from all you great modelers here on the forum.  I can't pick just one.  I got back into the hobby just a few years ago and have been really inspired by all the good tips and techniques I've seen here! 

Have a great Thanksgiving all!

Ken

I don't know if it is THE tool, but a tool I resisted and kick myself for not buying sooner is a real sprue cutter. I used wire cutters, pocket knife scissors, nail clippers etc, for years, thinking sprue cutters were just a gadget for those with too much money. It really does make things better since I spend less time cleaning up the sprue attachment points and repairing detail where the sprue pulled out some of the plastic.

For techniques dry brushing and washes would be right up at the top.

I would have to agree with hkshooter.  The internet is the biggest tool in my toolbox.  on the flip side its also my biggest obstacle in completing a model.  Every time without fail, when I am close to completing a project i come across something online that either I need to include, or improve, and back to the bench it goes.

As for techniques i would have to say the wash.  the wash changed everything for me and my models.  I first saw it 20 or so years ago.  A couple of boyscout where building models and one went to town with a dry wash. He transformed that tank into a work of art.  I was sold!

My one golden rule for modeling:

'Make sure the damn boat is big enough'

Interesting question, Manny. I'd have to say the biggest one for me is the internet. I model like I do today because of it.