Everything needed to build the model is supplied, but I have put together a list of items that I found that improve the experience. These are just suggestions, there is no need to do it exactly this way.
Work Space
This model is going to take a long time to build, so having a good work space to assemble it is important. I created a dedicated location with a small table and laid down a self-healing 24×37″ craft mat by Sullivans:
Sullivans The Cutting Edge 24″ X 37″ Cutting Mat
This has a crazy ectoplasmic orange background with a 1″ grid, imperial rulers, and is big enough to cover the entire model.
Screwdriver Set
Along the way, a few basic tools are provided along with the parts. For example, Stage 1 includes a Phillips screwdriver. I found that these tools are not that great, so instead I used this precision screwdriver/tool set by ORIA:
ORIA 86 in 1 Precision Screwdriver Set
This set has many other useful tools such as different sharp-point tweezers, razor knife, magnetizing block, pry tools, etc.
Another screwdriver set I picked up is fantastic, but it does not contain any of the other tools. This is the iFixit Manta Driver Kit:
Organizer
This model is assembled using hundreds of tiny screws. The screws are marked with designations such as AP, BP, AM, CM, etc. As there will be many types of plastic screws (AP, BP, CP, etc.) and many types of metal screws (AM, BM, CM, etc.), keeping them organized is extremely helpful. And, since extra screws are included in every stage, you will need someplace to store them all.
I bought a cheap 36-slot organizer from Amazon but any similar product would work fine. I taped the small designation labels included with the screw bags into each compartment to keep everything tidy.
Lubricating Oil
I still recommend pre-threading all of the metal holes with the correct screw before attaching things into place. This simply involves driving the intended screw into each hole and removing it before actually fastening anything together. The screws are made of harder metal than the die-cast parts so they should create threads in the metal. This will make the actual connection straighter and easier to use.
However, a game-changer for the metal screws is to pick up some 3-in-One Multi-Purpose Oil and add a tiny drop to the tip of each metal screw (or into the hole). Using this, the metal screws feed much easier and won’t bind, break, and strip nearly as often.
Custom Modifications (Mods)
If you plan on modifying your car, you may want to look into some of the many mods available to us before you start building.
See my MODS page for details.
The Community
Finally, there are a lot of other 1:8 scale Ghostbusters Ecto-1 partwork model builders online where you can learn more about the kit, build tips and tricks, videos, ask questions, and join discussions. Don’t be a stranger, we are friendly!
YouTube Channels
Before I bought my subscription, I found a few channels that are a great presentation of the build and may help provide insight into what it takes to build this model:
World of Wayne
This set of videos from Wayne Green documents his build of the Ecto-1 over in the UK. His videos are fantastic and provide a lot of detail and camera angles for each stage. He also installs many of the aftermarket mods.
Facebook Groups
There are also Facebook groups dedicated to the build. There is a ton of information and help to be found. Two of the largest groups are:
Build the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 by Fanhome – Partwork Central
Next Up
Stage 1 – Hood, Hood Rims, Front License Plate, Ghostbuster Sticker, Air Inlets