Doggy not sure what models you are making.
Mine are all aircraft. This is the basic list of things I use.
Cutting items form the sprue. Stanley knife is OK but better is a sprue cutter. They are like side cutters but the underside of the blades are flat (no bevel as side cutters) so they can cut close to the piece.
Pieces from the sprue need trimming where cut. I use a Morton Knife for which you have replacable blades & in a number of different shapes. Also need a range of to begin with sanding blades of different grit values.
Set of mini drill bits with a drill holder. Called a pin vice. They have a chuck & come in different sizes. You turn by hand. DO not bother with a wheel or ratchet type.
Tapes
Tamiya OK but the Shop (does all listed here) has another maker which is not as expensive & I think better. I would get 3 sizes up to half inch. Get the holders as they are much easier to use.
Glue. I use Mr Cement. With this you can assemble for instance a fuselage then apply to the joints. The glue is drawn in & actually welds the plastic together. Also I use two CA glues a thin & a thick. Need a glue for clear plastic for windows screens etc.
Filler. Mr Surfacer 500. Some times use for small difficult areas Vallejo Filler in a tube with a long probe.
Selection of Wet & Dry papers 600 1200 & 1500
Tweezers. Get stainless steel with a spring. Aluminium I have discarded as not good. Get pair of open type & the type that hold the piece tight with out finger pressure.
Set of mini files.
That then constructs the aircraft ready for painting.
Airbrush see John's in the shop. Go for top gravity paint delivery. One that has interchangeable needle/nozzles. My advice do not go for cheap models.
Compressor most here use AB series. Go for one with an air tank. By experience they make a difference to those without a tank. Need fitted as most are a water filter.
Paint. I would go for to begin with for
airbrush use Vallejo
Model Air. Easy to use & very friendly to the user. There are many other but get used to one to begin with. Vallejo M Air is prepared specially for airbrushing but thinning is required at times so you will need Vallejo thinners. Also Vallejo
Airbrush Cleaner & a set of brushes for cleaning the paint ways in the
airbrush. Also Vallejo produce good airbrushing Varnishes which you will need.
Small set of good sable hand brushes.
SO that paints the aircraft.
Decalls. I coat with gloss Vallejo Varnish to avoid silvering. I use mainly water but you will also need most use Micro Sel & perhaps Micro Set.
To finish Vallejo Varnish Gloss, Satin or Matt. Matt finish is really matt.
These are all available in the shop & are my take on things & are the very basic things to produce a model. You will find a myriad of things in the shop & I just add all the time to this basic list.
Just checked some i have missed
Templates for lost panel lines & scriber. Also for remaking lost rivets a rivet wheel remaker.
White tack (blue stains I found). Clamps. Cotton buds. Toothpicks. Turntable for painting. Cutting Mat. Very sharp small scissors, dressmakers are good.
A load of patience. Something to hit on occasion (not wife). Magnified eyes to spot a lost piece on the floor. And finally this Forum.
Laurie