Tool Kit Suggestions

Generally speaking it is better to a few quality tools than a barrow load of cheap ones. I appreciate most of us don’t have endless budgets, but good tools I bought 50 years ago still serve me today! I've listed the tools that make up my kit and a list of  Suppliers.

  • 80 watt temperature controlled soldering iron with bits.
    1. Antex
    2. Antex
    3. Ersa
  • Flux pen & liquid flux
  • Files 150mm Flat
    1. No3
    2. No5
  • Files 200mm Flat No3
  • Files 150mm Half Round
    1. No3
    2. No5
  • Files Needle 150mm No4 or No5
    1. Round
    2. Square
    3. Flat
  • Riveting tool, this is an item you should not skimp on
  • Good quality “side” cutters
  • Smooth jawed pliers
  • Tweezers
  • Self-gripping tweezers
  • Forceps
  • Cheap plastic clamps
  • Scalpel & blades
  • Small hammer
  • Pin Chucks 0-1, 1-2 & 2-3mm capacity.
  • Drill bits 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 1.0, 1.05, 1.4, 1.8, 2 & 2.5 as minimum
  • A set of broaches
  • 1.27mm allen key (for slater wheels)
  • Boiler Clamps

    Suppliers

  • MSC - Suppliers of Drills etc.
  • Cousins UK - Files
  • Squires Tools - General bits and hand tools
  • Lee Marsh Models - Rivet press
  • Blundell - Ersa Icon IC1100-A Single Solder Station
  • MetalSmith Ltd - Wire, tube etc.
  • NMRS Models - NMRS Models Backheads, buffers etc.
  • ABC Gears - Motor/Gearbox etc.
  • Coastal DCC - DCC equipment