Scale Model Basics: The 12 ESSENTIAL scale modeling tools for new and returning modelers

Will you be creating follow-up video of "Optional but Recommended" Items? High on my list would be a good set of readers/magnifiers for those of us who are more "seasoned". Thanks for another great video!

Russell and William: Great hearing from both of you!

Hernan, I'm not sure I have enough information to give you a solid answer to your difficulties. Remember, Tamiya Basic is meant for small repairs, not big ones. Also, make sure you're giving it plenty of time to dry--24 hours should be sufficient. Lastly, it will shrink as it cures, so you'll most likely have to put a second round of putty on and let it dry, too. Then you should be able to go in and sand.

James, that's a good question and one that pops up frequently. How long superglue lasts depends on storage, how often you open the bottles or tubes, and how much is left in the bottle. Cool, dry place is the best spot for your superglue. Some like to store it in a refrigerator--I've never gone that far. My workbench is inside, so it never freezes and never gets overly hot. It's also away from direct sunlight. I have tubes of superglue that have been around for years that are still good when I open them up. However, once you open them and start using the glue, the race is on. As you introduce air and outside contaminants, the glue will start to seize on the nozzle and cap, and it's only a matter of time before that starts to affect the glue remaining inside the bottle or tube. Once you've used half or more of the superglue, that means there's more air inside the container than glue, so that will start a curing reaction. That's why I recommend buying the small bottles of superglue rather than the large ones--I don't go through it as fast as I did when I was building RC planes, so I rarely will finish off a bottle of superglue before it's gone bad.

Great Video! But you left out a rag or towel to dry your brush after cleaning. And maybe a couple of paper towels or Kleenex in case you accidentally cut or poke yourself.  So, you can temporarily compress a cut, as you make your way to where you have the band aids.

My go to putty is the old Squadron white putty. However since that is no longer available I'm trying to use Tamiya Basic Type. I'm not getting good results with it . It appears not to stick to the plastic. I wash the plastic parts in hot water and dish washing soap before I start the model. Any thoughts?

Tim, loved the article on tools of the trade. I've been an off and on again scale modeler since about 1967, all depending on life situations. As I'm now retired it is way more on, my lovely wife will attest to this. I remember when I started, I was "Borrowing" stuff from my mothers make-up bag. Tweezers, nail files, anything I thought would work. I can still hear her calling out as to where her stuff was, along with wanting me to turn that garbage down (Led Zeppelin). We have come a long way.

Thanks, Tim. That was very helpful. Question about superglue: What is the shelf life? I've read everything from 6 months to as little as a month.