RE: Gonna build by first kit, what do I ReallY need?
i found that no matter how prepared i am to build a kit, i make trips to the LHS once a week because i need "one more thing"...sometimes i beleive i spend more on gas going to the hobby store than i actually to on the plane that i'm building, so work some gas money into your budget!!
The things i COULD NOT live without while building:
Lots of exacto blades
a couple of exacto knives, cuz they are always under something were you can't find them
razor saw w/ mitre box
sanding bars in a few lengths
sanding sponges
fine tip sharpie
pencil
18" ruler
6" ruler
two right triangles
lots of pins!! i build on top of sheet rock
and like Fokker said...CONFINDENCE!! and don't be afraid to improvise the build to your liking!!