The TCP global help

[CaptainJack]

I really know nothing about airbrushing. Other than the fact that I need one. Ebay has these sets that seem to include everything: compressor, hose, brush etc. These sets seem to have everything and are no brainers for someone starting out.

I was wondering if anyone went this route?

My thinking is that I can always get a better brush and use this first one for priming once I get the hang of it. Has anyone started this way?

thoughts are welcome also ...The good... the bad... the ugly...help!

[SteveW]

Hi CaptainJack.

I looked at these and must admit it was tempting. However after doing some further research I decided not to bother. I have never used one so can only go from comments I have found on the web. The cheap AB's seem very limited in what they can do, fine work etc. You may find that you become disappointed with the results and think that all AB's will be the same so it is not worth it. Have a look at the video's on here. Paul has some excellent tutorials on here about AB's. Harder Steenbeck, Iwata, Badger are just some of the reputable makes out there. I would save my pennies and purchase a decent model rather than waste it on something that may give you very average performance, disappointing results and potentially put you off the whole thing. My wife bought me an HS Infinity for my birthday recently. If I am honest my skills will probably never match it's abilities but it is something that I can grow into. If it goes wrong then I know it was me not the brush.

[Paul]

As long as the compressor has a storage tank on it then you should be ok with that,hoses etc again they should be fine too, I personally wouldn't bother with the cheaper airbrush, £45 will get you an Iwata Neo and £60 will get you a H&S Ultra, both good starter airbrushes, there's a review of the Neo on the ism you tube channel and I'll be reviewing the ultra in this months news show which should be up in the next couple of days.

[alextheblue]

Paul's advice is spot on and if you go with either one of those AB's you won't go far wrong.

I'm one of those that did go with a starter kit, compressor, 2 x airbrushes plus hoses etc. and I found it a good introduction into airbrushing. Hower, I bought the compressor without the tank, and upgraded it fairly quickly. I must say though, in the time that I used it i never had any trouble and my only real reason for upgrading was that I had a bit of extra cash burning a hole in my pocket one month. The cheap airbrushes are fine, but you'll start to notice there limitations when you come to spraying fine details like camo patterns or pre-shading etc. You can still get a thin spray, but they are more prone to blockages and "sputtering", so a bit of extra care is needed.

I don't regret going the starter-kit route it was a great introduction, but with hindsight I would have waited, saved a bit more and gone for a slightly better compressor and AB.

[UKscalemodeller]

I went that route.

the compressor with the tank has been great.

The airbrushes though, not so good.

I really struggle with getting fine lines (see what I mean - http://www.intscalemodeller.com/viewtop ... 7&start=30) but they seem to be fine for bigger areas and finishing coats but I have cash flow issues at the moment and so cannot afford anything better.

You can get the compressor without the brushes as well.

[Reddragon62]

I bought a compressor with a tank from TCP Global. So far, It's been my workhorse and their customer service has been great. As for a "cheaper" airbrush.....Never had one so i can't comment on those but as was pointed out here, if your looking for a "starter" airbrush, the Iwata Neo is a good choice. Not too expensive and works well. My only issue with those are that they are not "made" by Iwata but for them by a chinese company and I've had a few folks tell me that the seals wear out quickly. But for a starter, it will suffice.

[CaptainJack]

Thanks for the feed back. Sorry for the delayed follow up. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Lately its been all work. The airbrush I think I want is a Badger Renegade Krome. Seems to cover all needs at once. But now I want to look at an Iwata Neo also. I can see this turning into an airbrush collection.

Does anyone have or like the Krome?

[George]

I bought the TCP Item Number: MAS C28 compressor with an Iwata revolution airbrush (package)about two years ago when I first started modeling. I used it very little when i first got it but I use it all the time now. It works fine. I wish I would have gotten a tank with it now though. I almost always have to break down the airbrush and clean it after every use. It is easy to do, but would be nice to just start painting again like Paul does in his videos. Something to keep in mind but I have never had a problem with the compressor. Its not very loud either but runs constantly when painting and shuts off immediately after I release the trigger.

[eightfooticeman]

It all comes down to cash and how much you have. I bought a cheap set up from TCP, compressor with no tank and it came with a Master airbrush G26 I believe. It has worked fine for me. I since got a Renegade Velocity airbrush that works great but still use the cheap airbrush too. You get what you pay for in life, if you have the cash to buy premium gear do it! If not start small and save up for the good stuff. I'm saving for the Infinity and a quality compressor with a tank but don't tell my wife.

[CaptainJack]

So I did it. I ordered an Airbrush w/Compressor. It does have a tank. I will learn with the cheap one then get a better one. Just wanted to say thanks for the help. The best part is no more rattle cans

[SiDennis]

I purchased a compressor/airbrush combo from EBay, very happy with the compressor, the airbrushes are good for primer/Klear but not really anything else. You really can't go wrong for money, really good base to start from and upgrade when you can

[eightfooticeman]

So I did it. I ordered an Airbrush w/Compressor. It does have a tank. I will learn with the cheap one then get a better one. Just wanted to say thanks for the help. The best part is no more rattle cans

Good deal mate, glad you found something that worked for you.