If you have a good engineers tool merchants locally then they are worth supporting for what tools they can supply but they will probably only stock the more expensive British and European manufactured high quality tools. Engineer’s tool merchants are getting few and far between nowadays and your extra little bit of business will be most welcome.

  For most people the best option is to use one of the model maker’s tool merchants that specialise in a very efficient mail order service. The two that I would recommend not only provide a very friendly service but also are very knowledgeable about model making.

  So if you are unsure about what tools you require don’t be afraid to describe the job you are trying to do and let them recommend the best tools to help you. They are:

  Squires Model & Craft Tools, 100 London Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO21 1DD, Telephone 01243 842424, Fax 01243 842525. Give them a ring and ask them to send you a free catalogue.

  Don’t be afraid to mention that I have recommended them as the proprietor Roger Lewis has built some of my kits and so has a good idea of what tools to recommend.

  Eileen’s Emporium, P.O. Box 14753, London, SE19 2ZH. Telephone/Fax 020 8771 3366, Workshop Telephone/Fax 020 8766 6696, E-Mail info@eileens-emporium.freeserve.co.uk Send around £3.00 (1st class stamps would probably be best) for catalogue.

  Again don’t be afraid to mention that I have recommended them, as Roger is an experienced modeller and will also know what tools to recommend.

  Squires are a very good all round model makers tool merchants covering general tools for everything from railway modelling to boat building.

  Eileen’s Emporium specialises in specific tools and materials for model railway kit and scratch builders.

  Between the two they should be able to meet all your requirements and where there is an overlap in tools Eileen’s Emporium generally provides the more expensive quality alternative.

  You will probably find that Squire’s provides most of your initial requirements and then as you get more sophisticated with your projects you will use Eileen’s Emporium the most.