Essential tools for easier modelling

Model Rail’s scenic expert Peter Marriott outlines the top five tools and materials he prefers to use when modelling.

Having the right tools and materials to hand makes modelling tasks so much easier and quicker. We often become so familiar with the tools and materials we use that we don’t even think about them – using them becomes instinct, just like using your hands! That’s why, when being asked to supply my top five tools and materials, I had to think very hard about how I build layouts in order to compile the list. Here are the results, which can be used in any scale. They’re not expensive and should be in any modeller’s arsenal.

1PRECISION GRASS APPLICATOR

This static grass applicator from WW Scenics is specifically designed for planting 2mm and 4mm grasses in tight spaces. The Pro Grass Precision Applicator runs on a 9V battery and supplies a 15kv DC charge. It’s ideal for working in confined areas that need to be grassed and enables a thin line of weeds to be planted easily around buildings – a useful tool for adding some finishing touches to a layout.

Woodland Scenics Foam Nails were used a lot in the construction of this scene: holding the foam landscape pieces in place while the glue dried, making holes for the fence posts and holding the alligator clip of my electrostatic grass planting tool.