Tools of the Trade: Essential Modeling Supplies

We have had a section of the blog dedicated to talking about the different tools we use for our hobby endeavors for a few years now. We have grown as hobbyists since the blog was started and felt it was time that we updated this list.

Hobby knife - X-acto #1 Precision Knife with #11 Fine Point Blades:

The most important tool for this hobby is, without a doubt, having a good knife with disposable blades. It is essential for removing mold-lines and excess plastic from pieces after they are removed from the sprue. While there are many types and brands, we have come to prefer the X-acto #1 Precision Knife, equipped with the #11 Classic Fine Point Blade. The #11 blade has a fine point that is excellent for delicate detail work, and the spine has a flat surface that is good for removing mold lines, eschewing the need for buying a separate mold-line removal tool.

A simple X-acto knife with a classic #11 blade has served use well for many years.

Tools of the Trade: essential modeling supplies

A selection of some of the most useful modeling supplies.

A lot of time and effort is spent on blogs and forums detailing armylist building, tactics, and painting, but the basic modeling equipment that made all of this possible is often overlooked and little mentioned. Having been playing Warhammer 40,000 and assembling models for the better part of 16 years, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience on the matter, and wanted to talk a little about the supplies I use.  I have broken the post up by each tool for ease of navigation. Hopefully you will find some of it helpful. As always, I would love to hear about your thoughts and experiences!