inflight needle is not mandatory. if you use one the BVM is probably the easiest to use.

pencil lines make good panel lines, be careful until you can clear coat over them. use a mechanical pencil at a fine point and softer lead. you can use fine line nib pens, but I find the black lines not subtle enough for panel lines.

get either the bvm or jmp system 2 tuned pipe. you can probably find them used for < $80.