First Build

[llandolin]

I've decided that my first build will be Tamiya's 1/35 Willys MB Jeep. Does anyone think that this is not a suitable build for a beginner? Also, I'm looking for advice on a beginners air brush that I should purchase.

Thanks

[digger303]

I've decided that my first build will be Tamiya's 1/35 Willys MB Jeep. Does anyone think that this is not a suitable build for a beginner? Also, I'm looking for advice on a beginners air brush that I should purchase.

Thanks

No that's a easy build most of the tamiya is easy and that jeep has no problems. About the only thing I could say is install the figure before the steering wheel other wise it will never fit.
When it comes to AB's they are all Ok brand wise some obviously have more glamour , but consider the local availability of parts and their cost. Cleaning is a another thing to consider. I suspect Badger or Paarsche maybe good for you. A general purpose brush is what you need to start with, top feed ( gravity ) with lid 0.3- 0.4mm needle dual action( will take practice)
Take a look at this guide.
https://www.everythingairbrush.com/buye ... ecommended

[llandolin]

I've decided that my first build will be Tamiya's 1/35 Willys MB Jeep. Does anyone think that this is not a suitable build for a beginner? Also, I'm looking for advice on a beginners air brush that I should purchase.

Thanks

No that's a easy build most of the tamiya is easy and that jeep has no problems. About the only thing I could say is install the figure before the steering wheel other wise it will never fit.
When it comes to AB's they are all Ok brand wise some obviously have more glamour , but consider the local availability of parts and their cost. Cleaning is a another thing to consider. I suspect Badger or Paarsche maybe good for you. A general purpose brush is what you need to start with, top feed ( gravity ) with lid 0.3- 0.4mm needle dual action( will take practice)
Take a look at this guide.
https://www.everythingairbrush.com/buye ... ecommended

Thanks very much for the advice, I really appreciate it. I'll check out the link and hopefully I'll have my airbrush soon.

[alextheblue]

I've decided that my first build will be Tamiya's 1/35 Willys MB Jeep. Does anyone think that this is not a suitable build for a beginner? Also, I'm looking for advice on a beginners air brush that I should purchase.

Thanks

Gotta agree with digger, Tamiya kits rarely give any problems as the fit is always good.

As for airbrushes, a lot of the guys on the forum use the Ultimate Apex and get some very good results with it. I'd stay away from the generic Chinese ones as the quality can be very hit and miss. If you get a bad one, which is likely, it will make your introduction to airbrushing a tricky one. For a similar price to the Apex, you can look at the Neo for Iwata and the Harder & Steenbeck Ultra. The Ultra comes in a 2-in-1 format, which includes both the 0.2 & 0.4 needles/nozzles, as well as two sizes of paint cup. Many people swear by Iwata airbrushes, but their nozzles are small and can be fiddly (not to mention break if you're a little heavy handed). The Harder & Steenbeck is much easier to strip down for cleaning, but the air delivery system is slightly different and some people experience tip-drying problems.

The site digger has linked is really useful and gives some great advice. I would steer clear of the Badger Velocity though as it's a tricky airbrush to use. I have one and whilst it's a great airbrush, I never use it for spraying models. It's more for airbrush painting, spraying bike fuel-tanks, crash helmets etc. Having said that, it is a great airbrush once you've mastered how to use it.

If I could offer only one bit of advice, it would be, once you've made your choice of airbrush, stick with it. Using an airbrush is quite a learning curve and there will be many ups and downs. We've all been through them, even the most experienced of modellers. Learn what works for you and also what to do when it goes wrong. We've all looked to another airbrush when things go wrong, myself included, but there's no "perfect" AB out there that will spray perfectly every time. Practise, practise and then even more practise is the key. As the saying goes, repetition is the mother of skill. I should know - I have a LOT more repetition to do!!

[llandolin]

alextheblue thanks for your advice and tips. Very helpful indeed. Could I trouble both you and Digger303 for an opinion on a suitable compressor too.

Thanks guys.

[alextheblue]

alextheblue thanks for your advice and tips. Very helpful indeed. Could I trouble both you and Digger303 for an opinion on a suitable compressor too.

Thanks guys.

I've got a generic Chinese compressor, the one with the 3 litre air tank. Cheap and cheerful and it does the job. The make can vary, but they usually have a model number of AS-186 or something similar. Whatever one you go for, try and get one with a tank. The compressors on their own are ok, but they are "on" all the time and get hot real quick. At least with a tank, the compressor only comes on when the tank needs filling. Plus, the difference in price is negligible.

One warning though, the ones supplied to the UK come with the wrong fuse in the plug. The rating is too high and they need to be changed to a 3-amp fuse. Apologies, I'm not sure how it works in Canada, so this might not be a problem for you.

[llandolin]

So I went for the VIVOHOME 110-120V Professional Airbrushing Paint System and the ABEST Portable Hobby Airbrush Spray Booth. As the paint system comes with a dual action gravity fed airbrush, I thought that I would give it a try as a learning tool. If things don't work out with the airbrush I will purchase the Harder and Steenbeck Ultra.

[Gregwatters]

Hello and welcome, as others have said tamiya is a great place to start. i hope you enjoy your first build im sure you will. I didnt get on with the super cheap airbrushes, and found a Harder And steenbeck ultra or Ultimate Apex have been good steps up from there they are good value and easy to use and maintain, i purchased a compressor with a 3 liter tank as i believe this prolongs the life of the compressor i.e. it can fill the tank and shutdown rather than working all the time to maintain pressure. i am by no means an expert but just thought i would chip in anyway best of luck.