iHobby Expo 2010 preliminary show report

HO scale locomotives

Electro-Motive Division SD70ACe and SD70M-2 diesel locomotives. SD70ACe: Union Pacific (Western Pacific heritage scheme, one road number). SD70M-2: Canadian National, Florida East Coast, and Norfolk Southern. Four road numbers each unless noted. Direct-current models, $189.98. With Digital Command Control and SoundTraxx Tsunami sound decoder, $289.98. July 2011. Genesis series. Athearn Trains, 310-763-7140, www.athearn.com

General Electric U50 diesel locomotive. Southern Pacific (three road numbers) and Union Pacific (four road numbers). Five-pole skew-wound motor, Digital Command Control decoder Quick Plug, see-through radiator intakes with blower details, railroad-specific details, and two speaker mounting locations. $269.98. September 2011. Ready-to-Roll. Athearn Trains, 310-763-7140, www.athearn.com

70-ton three-truck Climax steam locomotive. Cass Scenic RR, Clear Lake Lumber Co., Climax demonstrator, Moore-Keppel & Co., and painted black but unlettered (with and without red windows and white stripes). Die-cast metal construction, light-emitting diode headlight and backup light, prototype-specific pumps, and Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II knuckle couplers. With dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder, $350. With dual-mode DCC decoder and sound, $495. Ready-to-run. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Alco RS-3 diesel locomotive. Boston & Maine, Denver & Rio Grande Western, New York Central, Pennsylvania RR, Southern Ry., and Western Maryland. Dual-mode Digital Command Control decoder, die-cast metal chassis, RP-25 contour wheels, and Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II knuckle couplers. $99. Spring 2011. Ready-to-run. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Baldwin modern 4-4-0 steam locomotive. Baltimore & Ohio, Great Northern, Louisville & Nashville, Seaboard, Southern Ry., and painted black but unlettered. Die-cast metal boiler, chassis, and frame; RP-25 contour metal wheels; and Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II knuckle couplers. With dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder, $300. With dual-mode DCC decoder and sound, $445. Ready-to-run. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Electro-Motive Division GP9. New paint schemes: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (zebra stripes); Baltimore & Ohio (Capitol dome); Canadian National (green and yellow); Louisville & Nashville (black, cream, and red); Pennsylvania RR (keystone heralds); and Union Pacific (“Dependable Transportation” slogan on cab). Dual-mode Digital Command Control decoder, die-cast metal chassis, RP-25 contour wheels, and Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II knuckle couplers. $89. Ready-to-run. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Milwaukee Road bipolar electric locomotive. Milwaukee Road (six paint schemes). Five-pole motor with flywheel, die-cast metal body, and Proto-Sound 3.0 system. Will operate on MTH Digital Command System or Digital Command Control. $449.95. November 2010. MTH Electric Trains, 410-381-2580, www.mthhotrains.com

Alco RS-2 diesel locomotive. Green Bay & Western; New York Central; New York, New Haven & Hartford; Pennsylvania RR; and undecorated. Two road numbers per paint scheme. Five-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels, nine-pin Digital Command Control decoder harness, die-cast metal chassis, RP-25 contour wheels, and Proto-Max metal magnetic knuckle couplers. $99.98. December 2010. Ready-to-run. Proto 1000 series. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, www.walthers.com

Electro-Motive Division GP20 diesel locomotive. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (pre-1972 scheme), Conrail, New York Central, Union Pacific, and undecorated. Two road numbers per road name. Five-pole skew-wound motor, RP-25 contour wheels, railroad-specific details, and Proto-Max metal magnetic knuckle couplers. Direct-current models, $169.98. With Digital Command Control and QSI sound system, $259.98. Ready-to-run. Proto 2000 series. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, www.walthers.com

HO scale streetcars

Single-truck Birney safety streetcar. Baltimore, New York & Queens, Philadelphia, Sacramento, and Third Avenue Ry. System. Dual-mode Digital Command Control decoder, can motor, all-wheel drive, working trolley poles, and light-emitting diode headlights. $160. December 2010. Ready-to-run. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

HO scale freight cars

General American Type 30 50-foot 20,000-gallon acid tank car. General American Marks Co. (GATX reporting marks, three versions), Vulcan Materials Co. (UCLX reporting marks), and undecorated. Four road numbers per paint scheme. Photo-etched metal platforms, separately applied brake details, uncoupling levers, Genesis series 100-ton trucks with rotating bearing caps, and McHenry upper/lower shelf couplers. $39.98 each. April 2011. Genesis series. Athearn Trains, 310-763-7140, www.athearn.com

42-foot coil steel car. See-through running boards, removable hood, and interior floor detail. CSX (blue and gray schemes), Kansas City Southern, Northwestern Oklahoma, Norfolk Southern, and SeverCorr. Price to be announced. Atlas Master line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, www.atlasrr.com

Thrall 53-foot three-unit articulated well car. Brandon Corp. and TTX. Prototype-specific walkways, etched-metal details, separately applied brake details, and pin holes in wells for containers. Will operate on 18" radius, recommended radius is 22". Price to be announced. Ready-to-run. Atlas Master line. Atlas Model Railroad Co., 908-687-0880, www.atlasrr.com

50-foot boxcar. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Atlantic Coast Line; Central of Georgia; Delaware & Hudson; New York Central; and Union Pacific. With and without running boards as appropriate. $22. Ready-to-run. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

United States Railroad Administration 55-ton two-bay hopper. Baltimore & Ohio, Chesapeake & Ohio, Clinchfield, Delaware & Hudson, Pennsylvania RR, and Western Maryland. With removable coal load. $22. Ready-to-run. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

41-foot refrigerator cars. Fictional paint schemes: Altoona Brewing Co., Black Forest Brew Haus, F.W. Cook Co., Pilsen Brewing Co., Reno Brewing Co., and Spearman Brewing Co. All cars have magnetic knuckle couplers. Six-pack, $65.88. Model Power, 631-694-7022, www.modelpower.com

American crane. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Burlington Northern; Canadian Pacific; maintenance of way; Pennsylvania RR; Union Pacific; and painted yellow with data only. Self-propelled with new motor drive and gears; factory-rigged cables; and positionable boom, hook, and cab. $69.98. January 2011. Ready-to-run. Platinum Line. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, www.walthers.com

Association of American Railroads 52'-6" drop-end mill gondola. Canadian Pacific; Conrail; Detroit, Toledo & Ironton; Elgin, Joliet & Eastern; Penn Central; and Union Pacific. Three road numbers each. Proto-Max metal magnetic knuckle couplers and RP-25 contour metal wheelsets. $27.98. February 2011. Ready-to-run. Platinum Line. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, www.walthers.com

HO scale structures

Cityscapes building kits. Ambassador Hotel ($99), bus station ($69), department store ($89), Metropolitan Building ($99), trade tower ($119), savings & loan ($79), and variety store ($79). Injection-molded plastic kits. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Motorized turntable. Eight-pin Digital Command Control decoder dummy plug, spring-loaded direction switch, gear drive, factory painted maintenance shed, and operator’s cabin. For use with Bachmann E-Z track, can be adapted for other track systems. $140. Spring 2011. Ready-to-run. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Main Street USA structures. Argosy Booksellers ($39.98), Cristie’s Pet Supply ($29.98), Derry’s Pub ($34.98), Glover Park Hardware ($29.98), Magnolia Hotel ($34.98), Perfect Perk Cafe ($34.98), Simmons Five & Dime ($29.98), Thompson Bros. Paint ($39.98), and Village Pizza ($34.98) Injection-molded plastic kits with color signs. December 2010-February 2011. Cornerstone Series. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, www.walthers.com

Country cottage. Includes scene-setting details, window glazing, and dry transfers. $36.99. Landmark Structures Pre-Fab Building Kits. Woodland Scenics, 573-346-5555, www.woodlandscenics.com

Meg A. Watts Transformers. Factory assembled and painted structure with rooftop details, water tower, transformers on crates, positionable overhead wire spooling assembly, and signs. $99.99. Built & Ready Landmark Structures. Woodland Scenics, 573-346-5555, www.woodlandscenics.com

HO scale details and accessories

1941/46 Chevrolet trucks. ½-ton pickup: Armour Yellow with black fenders, Brewster Green, Boatswain Blue, Omaha Orange with black fenders, and Swifts Red. 160" single-tandem flatbed truck: Swifts Red, Brewster Green, and Railway Express Agency. Delivery trucks: Railway Express Agency, Swift’s Premium, and Union Ice Co. Tank trucks: Esso, Phillips 66, and Pure Oil Co. Tractor cabs: Brewster Green and Swifts Red (single- and double-tandem versions in both schemes). Tractor-trailer: Railway Express Agency. Plastic body with detailed interior, separately applied chrome-plated parts, clear headlight lenses, detailed ABS chassis on heavy-duty trucks, and engraved die-cast metal chassis on light-duty trucks. Pickups and tractors, $14. Delivery and tank trucks, $15, tractor-trailer sets $18. Spring 2011. CMW Holdings/Classic Metal Works, 419-842-8114, www.classicmetalworks.com

1953 Ford Country Squire station wagon. Carnival Red, Fern Mist Green, Glacier Blue, Raven Black, and Woodsmoke Gray. Plastic body with detailed interior, engraved die-cast metal chassis, separate headlights and taillights, and chrome plated parts. $13. CMW Holdings/Classic Metal Works, 419-842-8114, www.classicmetalworks.com

Figure and vehicle sets. Dewie’s Dozer ($18.99) and Paul’s Fresh Produce ($26.99). Each set includes a vehicle, one or more figures, and details. Auto Scenes. Woodland Scenics, 573-346-5555, www.woodlandscenics.com

Figure and detail sets. Miscellaneous freight (crates, boxes, bags, and sacks) and taking the stairs (six figures using stairs). $18.99 each. Woodland Scenics, 573-346-5555, www.woodlandscenics.com

HO scale track

90-degree crossing. With plastic ties and Electrofrog (live) or Insulfrog (dead) frogs. Price to be announced. Streamline 83 series. Peco, +44(0)1297 21542, www.peco-uk.com

Turnout control modules. Push-button control units for turnouts. Can be used individually or in groups. Price to be announced. Peco, +44(0)1297 21542, www.peco-uk.com

N scale locomotives

Baldwin 4-6-0 steam locomotive. Chicago & North Western, New York Central, Union Pacific, and painted black but unlettered (with and without red windows and white stripes). Dual-mode Digital Command Control decoder, coreless motor with flywheel, die-cast metal boiler and chassis, separate domes and stack, RP-25 contour wheels, and Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II knuckle couplers. $150. Ready-to-run. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Electro-Motive Division GP7 diesel locomotive. Baltimore & Ohio, Chessie System, Clinchfield, New York Central, Pennsylvania RR, and Union Pacific. Dual-mode Digital Command Control decoder, can motor, all-wheel drive, die-cast metal chassis, RP-25 contour wheels, and Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II knuckle couplers. $99. Ready-to-run. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

General Electric 70-ton diesel locomotive. Bethlehem Steel, Louisville & Nashville, Southern Pacific, and painted but unlettered (four different colors). Dual-mode Digital Command Control decoder, can motor, all-wheel drive, die-cast metal chassis, RP-25 contour wheels, and Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II knuckle couplers. $115. Ready-to-run. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Electro-Motive Division E9A and E9B diesel locomotives. Union Pacific. Two road numbers each. Five-pole skew-wound motor, split-frame mechanism, golden-white light-emitting diode headlight, and body-mounted Kato magnetic knuckle couplers. For use with City of Los Angeles passenger train. $95 each. April 2011. Ready-to-run. Kato USA, 847-781-9574, www.katousa.com

Alco RS-2 diesel locomotive. Green Bay & Western; New York Central; New York, New Haven & Hartford; Pennsylvania RR; and undecorated. Two road numbers per paint scheme. Five-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels, die-cast metal split-frame chassis, RP-25 contour wheels, Accumate magnetic knuckle couplers. Will operate on code 55 or larger rail. $99.98. December 2010. Ready-to-run. Proto N series. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, www.walthers.com

Electro-Motive Division GP20 diesel locomotive. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (pre-1972 scheme), Conrail, New York Central, Union Pacific, and undecorated. Two road numbers per road name. Five-pole skew-wound motor with dual flywheels, die-cast metal split-frame mechanism, all-wheel drive and electrical pickup, constant intensity directional headlights, and Accumate magnetic knuckle couplers. $99.98. February 2011. Ready-to-run. Proto N series. Wm. K. Walthers Inc., 414-527-0770, www.walthers.com

N scale streetcars

Peter Witt streetcar. Baltimore Transit Co., Brooklyn & Queens Transit, Chicago Surface Lines, Los Angeles Ry., St. Louis Ry., and Toronto. Dual-mode Digital Command Control decoder, eight-wheel drive, can motor, light-emitting diode headlight and backup light, and photo-etched brass safety screen. $140. Ready-to-run. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

N scale freight cars

Canadian cylindrical covered hopper. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Canadian National; CP Rail; Canada Grain; Government of Canada; and Heritage Fund. $15. Ready-to-run. Silver Series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Pullman-Standard PS2-CD 4,427-cubic-foot-capacity three-bay covered hopper. Injection-molded plastic model with separate bay and roof hatches, etched-metal running boards, 36" wheels, and body-mounted Magne-Matic couplers. Price and road names to be announced. Ready-to-run. Micro-Trains Line Co., 541-535-1755, www.micro-trains.com

N scale passenger train

1950s Union Pacific City of Los Angeles passenger train. Storage mail; baggage- dormitory; two 44-seat coaches; dome-coach; lounge; 10-roomette, 6-bedroom sleeper; dome-diner; 5-double-bedroom lounge sleeper; 11-double-bedroom sleeper; and dome-lounge-observation. Kato magnetic knuckle couplers, low-flange wheels, and illuminated signboard on observation car. Interior lighting kit available separately. $270. April 2011. Ready-to-run. Kato USA, 847-781-9574, www.katousa.com

N scale structures

Assorted structures. Fresh Market, Planters Feed & Seed Supply, Main Street Mercantile, and Sonny’s Super Service. Includes details, window glazing, and dry transfers. $24.99 each. Landmark Structures Pre-Fab Building Kits. Woodland Scenics, 573-346-5555, www.woodlandscenics.com

Dansbury depot. Factory assembled and painted structure with benches, mailbox, train signal, luggage cart, station sign, and street lamps. $64.99. Built & Ready Landmark Structures. Woodland Scenics, 573-346-5555, www.woodlandscenics.com

N scale details and accessories

Uncoupling magnet with brakeman figure. $3.50. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

1953 Ford Country Squire station wagon. Carnival Red, Fern Mist Green, Glacier Blue, Raven Black, and Woodsmoke Gray. Plastic body with detailed interior, engraved die-cast metal chassis, and chrome plated parts. Two-pack, $14. CMW Holdings/Classic Metal Works, 419-842-8114, www.classicmetalworks.com

O scale locomotives

Porter 0-4-0 steam locomotive. Painted but unlettered (with horizontal and vertical cab panels). Die-cast metal boiler and frame, can motor, and brass valve guides. With dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder, $150. With dual-mode DCC decoder and sound, $275. Spring 2011. Ready-to-run. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Porter 0-4-2 steam locomotive. On2-1/2. Greenbrier & Big Run Lumber Co., Tioga Lumber Co., and painted but unlettered (three versions). Can motor, die-cast metal boiler and frame, brass valve guides, and Bachmann E-Z Mate Mark II couplers. With dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder, $150. With dual-mode DCC decoder and sound, $275. Ready-to-run. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

O scale details and accessories

Figures and details. Road crew (six figures with shovels, axes, and jackhammer) and road crew details (signs and tools). $21.99-$22.99. Scenic Accents. Woodland Scenics, 573-346-5555, www.woodlandscenics.com

Large scale locomotives

2-8-0 Consolidation steam locomotive. Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Baltimore & Ohio; Union Pacific; U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Western Maryland; and undecorated. Details and price to be announced. Aristo-Craft Trains, 973-351-9800, www.aristocraft.com

Budd Rail Diesel Car-3. Amtrak; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Boston & Maine; Canadian National; Chicago & North Western; Great Northern; Long Island RR; New York Central; New York, New Haven & Hartford; and Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines. Detailed interior and light-emitting diode headlights. Price to be announced. Aristo-Craft Trains, 973-351-9800, www.aristocraft.com

2-4-2 steam locomotive. Based on Southern Ry. of England prototype. Painted black but unlettered (with and without red windows and white stripes) and green and black with white stripes. Factory-installed speaker, all-metal wheels, and metal bearings and gearbox. $325. Spring 2011. Ready-to-run. Big Haulers. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Baldwin Industrial 2-6-0 Mogul steam locomotive. 1:20.3. Colorado Mining Co., Midwest Quarry & Mining Co., Yellow Pine Lumber Co., and painted black but unlettered with white stripes. Can motor, all-wheel tender pickup, updated pilot truck, operating front and rear light-emitting diode headlights, and detailed cab interior with working firebox door. $295. Ready-to-run. Big Haulers. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Two-truck Climax steam locomotive. 1:20.3. Bayside Lumber Co., Clear Lake Lumber Co., Climax demonstrator, Elk River Coal & Lumber Co., and painted black but unlettered (with white running board stripes and red windows, white pinstripes, and white running board stripes). Can motor, choice of three smokestacks, and firebox flicker and ashpan glow. With dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder, $1,250. With dual-mode DCC decoder and sound, $1,400. Spectrum series. Ready-to-run. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

Large scale streetcars

Presidents Conference Committee streetcar. Baltimore; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Hamburg, Germany; Los Angeles; Marseille, France; Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (Boston); Melbourne, Australia; NJ Transit; Philadelphia Traction Co., San Francisco; Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (Philadelphia); Toronto; and undecorated. Low-profile motor, working trolley pole, detailed interior, new gearbox design, and working lights and doors. Price to be announced. Aristo-Craft Trains, 973-351-9800, www.aristocraft.com

Large scale freight cars
Narrow gauge boxcar with Murphy roof. 1:20.3. Colorado & Southern, Denver & Rio Grande Western, Florence & Cripple Creek, and painted (oxide red and oxide brown) but unlettered. $210. Ready-to-run. Spectrum series. Bachmann, 215-533-1600, www.bachmanntrains.com

S scale details and accessories

Muscle cars. 1968 Buick GS 350, 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS, 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T, 2010 Chevy Camaro RS, and 2010 Ford Mustang GT. Die-cast metal construction with positionable hood, detailed engines, and vinyl tires. Price to be announced. GreenLight Collectibles, 317-287-0600, www.greenlightcollectibles.com

Electronics/controls

Remote-control train control system. For HO and O scales. Battery operation component with battery charged from track power. Supports multi-train control on same track, momentum, and all stop. Includes transmitter with backlit screen and text-like programming. Uses direct sequence spread spectrum signals. Controls up to 99 locomotives or switch machines. Price to be announced. Aristo-Craft Trains, 973-351-9800, www.aristocraft.com

Mini-Cam and wireless receiver. Features 2.4GHz receiver with SD slot for capturing video of model trains on a laptop computer. Includes audio/video wires for capturing movies on television, DVD, and VHS. Wireless Mini-Cam operates up to five hours with a 9V battery. Applied Technical Solutions, 773-205-2277

Drop-in sound decoders. For Atlas GP7-GP35 and Kato GG1. Two- and four-digit addressing, 28 functions, directional lighting, and 16-bit Brilliance sound system with speaker. $102.98 each. Model Rectifier Corp., 732-225-2100, www.modelrectifier.com

Tech 6 Sound Controller 6.0. Controls one DC locomotive or up to six locomotives with dual-mode Digital Command Control and sound. Includes walkaround handheld throttle with digital display. Supports 28 functions and has 6 amp capacity. $279.98. Model Rectifier Corp., 732-225-2100, www.modelrectifier.com

HO scale Digital Command Control (DCC) motor decoders. MC1H102P8: Two-function decoder with eight-pin plug, $19.95. MC2H104AT: Four-function decoder designed to replace light boards in Atlas HO scale diesel locomotives and some InterMountain Railway Co. locomotives, $23.95. MC2H104OP: Four-function decoder with nine-pin JST to eight-pin wiring harness. Can be used in many DCC-ready models with an eight-pin socket. $23.95. MC2H104P9: Four-function decoder with nine-pin universal JST wire harness. For use in pre-DCC and brass locomotives. $23.95. SoundTraxx, 970-259-0690, www.soundtraxx.com

N scale two-function Digital Command Control motor decoders. MC1Z102 with six-pin NEM651 connector ($24.95) and MC1Z102SQ with attached wire harness ($29.95). Suitable for models that don’t exceed 1 amp stall current. With SoundTraxx Hyperlight lighting effects and Hyperdrive motion control system. SoundTraxx, 970-259-0690, www.soundtraxx.com

Scenery

Assorted trees. Fall maple: 3"-4" (three-pack) and 5"-6" (two-pack), $20 each. Lodgepole: 2"-5" (eight-pack), 6"-8" (five-pack), 10"-11" (two-pack), and 16"-18" (single tree), $30 each. Maple: 3"-4" (three-pack) and 5"-6" (two-pack), $20 each. Redwoods: 6"-9" (five-pack, $30), 11"-12" (two-pack, $30), 14"-18" (two-pack, $35), 22"-24" (two-pack, $45), and 21"-23" (two-pack, $50). Grand Central Gems, 801-891-7255, www.grandcentralgems.com

Airbrushes

Patriot Arrow. Single needle/nozzle design with tapered 1/16 ounce color cup. $117. Badger Air-Brush Co., 847-678-3104, www.badgerairbrush.com

Renegade Jet. Dual-action internal-mix airbrush. Modified 1/16 ounce mounted color cup, .21mm tip, and “stopset” trigger. $155. Badger Air-Brush Co., 847-678-3104, www.badgerairbrush.com

Adhesives

IC-Loc thread lockers. Blue: Medium strength. Apply before assembly. Allows parts to be disassembled. Red: High strength. Apply before assembly. Permanent bond. Green: High strength. Wick into threads of assembled nuts and bolts.10ml bottle, $5.99. Bob Smith Industries, 805-466-1717, www.bsi-inc.com

Tools

Micro wire looping pliers. Surgical grade stainless steel. Three small rounded mandrels for wire looping. Wide lower jaw can be used as chain nose pliers. $25. Burfitt Tools Australia, 0407 338 990, burfitt.com.au

Sanding needles. For removing flash and casting seems on wood, metal, plastic, and resin models. Washable and reusable. 320-, 240-, and 150-grit. Twelve-pack, $5.99. Alpha Precision Abrasives Inc., 519-475-4977, www.alphaabrasives.com

Professional photoetch scissor. For easily and safely removing photo-etched parts. Micro-Shear blade bypass cutting method leaves smooth, clean cuts without damaging or pinching parts on fret. $23.99. Xuron Corp., 207-283-1401, www.xuron.com