Essential Modeling Tools

When creating anything, the right tools are necessary to do the job right. From building a car to building a home, having the right selection of tools allows you to build your project to its exact specifications and with the highest levels of quality so that your work stands up to the test of time. When building model airplanes, cars or military vehicles, it’s no different – the right tools are critical to building accurate models.

There’s a wide range of model tools available, from basic tools to creating models to advanced tools used by professional modelers and the most dedicated enthusiasts. Choosing the right tools for your modeling project depends entirely on the type of model being built, the materials of the model, and the level of detail that you’re looking to accomplish.

Much like how the toolbox you use for your car or home starts off with the basics, so should your modeling tools. Shown here is Squadron’s Essential Tool Kit, containing cutters, pliers, tweezers, and sanding sticks. This basic set of tools helps to accomplish a variety of common modeling tasks – trimming parts, sanding rough edges, and molding parts. Like a set of screwdrivers and a hammer, these basics are some of the most often used tools by modelers at every skill level. Other basic tools include paintbrushes, and glue applicators specifically designed for working on small scale models.

But of course – not everything can be accomplished with basic tools. For adding layers of color to military dioramas or model planes; an airbrush allows the modeler to apply color precisely. Airbrushes can be used with a variety of paints, allowing for infinite color variation. Airbrush tools can also be customized with different components to provide different paint effects. Other popular tools for advanced modeling include suction tools for placing parts in precise locations.

At Squadron, we carry a full line of tools and diorama supplies, as well as high quality, accurate models of airplanes, tanks, ships and more. No matter what you can dream up – we have the tools and supplies to help you build it! 

Diorama Basics - Creating a Diorama to Bring Your Models to Life!

Nothing feels better than creating something with your own two hands – be it a picket fence, rebuilding a car engine, knitting a sweater, or creating a model airplane. But we know that the true enthusiasts are never happy with keeping things simple. Gearheads are always looking for ways to improve their cars and further increase performance, handymen and women are always looking for a new DIY project to improve their homes, and those passionate about modeling are looking for ways to make their experience more exciting by creating more complex models. If you’re looking for a new challenge that results in a beautiful finished project, military dioramas and other diorama sets might be just what you’re looking for.

A diorama is, essentially, creating a scene, and can be done with anything from model cars to plastic dinosaurs. Each diorama begins with a base or frame – the background or landscape. You can either build this yourself out of materials like papier-mâché and paint; or purchase a pre-painted diorama and customize it to your delight.



Once you have the landscaping set to your desires, you bring the scene alive with plastic airplane models, tank models, human and animal figurines – anything that you would like to include in your
own personalized scene. Glue is used to hold each figure to the diorama’s base. Once the final scene is set, you can either encase your diorama or leave it open, but be sure to be careful as models can be fragile.


With hundreds of combinations of landscapes, figurines and models; military modeling can be taken to new levels with diorama building. You can easily show off the glory of your favorite airship in a historic setting, or re-create some of history’s most epic battles with authentic replica planes and scenery constructions. Your imagination is the limit when it comes to making a diorama!

Whatever scene you can dream up, Squadron can help you get started. We offer a full selection of model planes, model tanks, pre-fabbed dioramas, and accessories like paint and glue; so that you can make it a reality. Start building something awesome today!