The UK-based online retailer has a fresh selection of handy modelling tools now available.
Tyrell Models is quickly forging a reputation as a wide-ranging supplier of various useful tools. The range is growing steadily and just got bigger courtesy of five new items.
First to be examined here is the Dspiae Precision Modellers Knife (above). This elegant cutting implement is made from anodised aluminium and echoes the famous X-ACTO knife in how the blades are retained. They fit into a slot in a ‘chuck’, which is then tightened to keep the blade steadfast. The handle widens very slightly toward the front of its metal portion, and it has a screw cap at the rear, covering a compartment in which you can keep fresh or spent blades. Another useful feature is that its protective blade cover is square, to prevent the tool from rolling off your workbench. The knife offers great strength and although it's not cheap at £17.99, it is of high quality and should last a lifetime. A pack of 20 new blades is also available separately, for £9.99.
Above: The Dspiae Modellers Precision Hand Saw, with separately available Extra Fine blades (top-right).
Fine cutting
What’s become commonly known as the ‘razor saw’ is invaluable in many modelling situations, from styrene/resin part removal to conversion surgery. This new option, Dspiae’s Modellers Precision Hand Saw, is a splendid choice… mainly due to its ergonomic handle. This can be gripped easily with thumb and index finger on either side, or with either of those digits on top of the handle. There’s also a magnetic blade cover. Our sample came with a slightly flexible 4.5cm-long ‘Fine’ blade. At £19.99 it’s good value considering the great design, stylish looks and sturdiness. Two spare (and differently shaped) Extra Fine blades are available separately for £19.99, and while the teeth on these are barely discernible, they are ideal for delicate cuts – such as when removing small 3D-printed resin parts from their plinths.
Above and below: Galaxy Tools' Adaptive Curve Cutter has a multitude of uses, such as producing camouflage masks.
With the snappy title of Adaptive Curve Cutter of Tip Axial Rotation, Galaxy Tools’ handy device is a knife with a fine rotating (spring-loaded) blade, ideal for curved cuts – great for trimming decal carrier film, creating your own camouflage/glazing masks, or creating stencils/templates. It comes with a square cover to prevent the handle rolling, and a spare blade, for £19.99.
Next on the list is the Flashmaster Modellers Ultra Thin Flexible Blade (above). This is wickedly simple yet rather ingenious. Some modelling situations are difficult to overcome with a straight, rigid knife blade, such as removing flash from curved parts and mould seams from resin or styrene figures. These blades are super -thin, therefore conform to curves well… but due to their extreme thinness can also be used straight for truly delicate cuts – such as slicing tank hull numbers moulded on flat sections of styrene runner. Ten blades are in a pack, for £16.99, and you’ll need a slotted-chuck knife, such as an X-ACTO or similar.
Read about other tools available from Tyrell Models
The final item highlighted here is extremely useful for more advanced modellers, who work with very small parts… especially photo-etched (PE) metal. Handi-Vac’s suction pick-up tool (above) is a boon for handling small components, whether it’s simply to pick up the piece or to place it in position with glue on a model. It’s basically a small plastic and rubber pipette with four separate attachments (straight and angled), each of these having a different-diameter rubber pad on the end. All you need to do is squeeze the pipette, press the relevant pad on the part then lift. Suction is broken merely by tilting the pad. This is especially handy for picking up PE parts once cut from the fret. At just £9.99, it could be one of the tools you use most if you often employ PE details.
All these tools are available direct from Tyrell Models and will surely find favour with all types of modellers.
