What tools do I need to get started? *(plankowner)

If you are just getting started, I would stick to the basic tool set and then build up from there. Now you know what to ask for your birthday! Here is a list of the most basic tools you will need to get started:

1 - Hobby knife (Exacto or Excel are good brands)
2 - No.11 blades (the most common blade you will use, get plenty!)
3 - Razor saw or jeweler's saw
4 - Set of needle files
5 - A few small C-clamps 
6 - Wooden clothespins (plastic is good also)
7 - Rubber bands (various sizes)
8 - A small carving tool set or individual gouges and chisels for carving 
     keel rabbets, tapering the stem, or carving solid hull models
9 - Sharpening stone
10 - Set of miniature drills: #60 to #80 
11 - 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8" drills 
12 - Pin vise
13 - Tack hammer 
14 - Tweezers (a few) 
15 - Small fine pointed scissors 
16 - Miniature pliers 
17 - Small round tip pliers
18 - Flat nose pliers
19 - Bench vise (small) Soldering iron or torch 
20 - Solder and Flux 
21 - Wire cutters (for cutting fine wire and strip metal)
22 - Rigging tool set, including:
       scissors / dissecting scissors / hemostats / alligator clips.
       You can but a set, or make your own as you go. 
       Basically you need long length tweezers and hook type tools.

See this for some guidance - Rigging Tools

If you want to go look at more tools:
Model Expo
Tower Hobbies

And perhaps the most important, a good place to work. A small work bench to start (Home Depot has some good small starter work benches at some good prices). Or you can make your own. Be sure to have plenty of good task and background lighting. Also good ventilation.

You may also want to read this Article by one of our Members', 
albisasky: GUIDE FOR THE BEGINNER WOOD MODEL SHIPWRIGHT