what i used to make my figures

must haves

+ fodder (figures, accessories) + paint brushes (multiple sizes) + spare vinyl (cool-whip containers, etc)
+ epoxy putty (milliput, apoxie sculpt, etc) + super glue + sand paper
+ dremel w/ attachments + reference materials (comics, etc) + free time
+ acrylic paints (testors, citadel, tamiya) + sculpting tools (dental picks, etc) + patience

nice to haves

+ air brush & compressor + disposable income  
+ files (various shapes & sizes) + blow dryer  
+ oven drying modeling clay (super sculpty) + detailing/trim tape  
+ plumbers epoxy