For paint, I prefer Xtracolor or Modelmaster enamels. Filler - Squadron Green and White. I use Green for general filling and then if I need to do more filling I use the White (it's got a finer "grain" to it). Gap-filling super glue also makes a good filler, but you need to file/sand it right away or it gets too hard to sand easily. Sand Paper - Make sure you get "wet 'n dry" paper. It's the type of sandpaper with a cloth backing and not the paper backing you get on regular sandpaper. Most are a dark gray color. Also invest in some tri-grit sanding sticks (look in the cosmetics department of your local Wal-mart or whatever). Used properly, these will even let you polish clear plastic canopies. Thinner - For thinning paint I like to use the paint mfr's thinner. Altho you may not HAVE to use their brand, I seem to get in less trouble with the paint when I do. For cleaning your airbrush out (when you get one), I spray lacquer thinner through it to do the initial cleaning. Brushes - Get the best quality brushes you can afford. I've been steered to Windsor-Newton brushes and have been well satisfied with them. Knive(s) - Get your basic X-acto knife (at least one, I've probably got two or three on my desk that I use on a regular basis), and then get a variety of blades for it. I usually use the #11 blades. Also get a saw blade or two for it, they can be very useful for seperating parts from the sprue when the attachment points are very close to the part. A chisel blade is highly useful, too. That's primarily what I use for applying putty to seams. I also recommend getting a scalpel set. I bought one from Micro-Mark a while back and they are very handy. I got one with the thick plastic handle and use it mostly for trimming sprue attachment bits from parts, for trimming flash and cutting masking on canopies. These are extremely sharp, so you do need to be a little more careful with them than you would with an X-Acto. For masking tape, just get a good quality tape. You don't want the "Dollar General" tape, you want some good quality stuff. A lot of guys here swear by Tamiya's masking tape, but I've never used it so I can't comment. Good luck, and welcome back. 8-)
Don McIntyre Clarksville, TN