If I may give my own opinions?
\ said:
What would people say the 'minimum' requirements as far as tools go are ?
As few as you can get away with and can afford.
I personally manage with files, sprue cutter and a knife so sharp it will cut your finger without you noticing
Everything else is obvious, like paints, brushes etc
\ said:
One that fulfils two requirements
a) It sticks
b) You are happy with the results
\ said:
What products are people painting their models with ?
Paint
But serious, again, whatever works best for you. I personally go for Humbrol Acylics, if I cant get those then Velejo
Model Air, then Velejo
Model Colour, then Humbrol Enamel then anything (COnsidering
Tamiya ATM)
As PP said, JOhns shop is a great place. I used him this week for the first time ever and I found the service good, so I used him again and the service was even better still. John will now be my no.1 choice, and if you cant decide what to get just by looking then give him a ring, his advice is as good as the service he provides