Global Scale Modeller

So I recently got into building models. I've started on a cheap fairey battle to get into the hobby and I've really been enjoying the build process, but it seems as though if I want to make really good looking models I'm going to need an airbrush. As I'm still new to the hobby I don't really have a clue where to start when it comes to finding an airbrush and a compressor. Can anyone recommend one (preferably a cheap one) or a place to buy one from. Thanks.

Hi there Ki610Obsessed,

When it comes to airbrushes buying cheap is not always the most cost effective way of doing it. If you want to get one to see if you like it a type 180 Chinese airbrush could be just the ticket for you. A Fengda or Veda branded airbrush seem to be pretty decent for the money. If you have had some experience in using an airbrush a nice entry level airbrush like the H&S Ultra, Iwata Neo or Eclips might be more up your street.

To power it I would recommend a type 186 or a 196 compressor.

As always happy modeling and keep sticking styrene.

Paul

So have I. I've tried to get a grip of the beginner's airbrush market, but I would end up at roughly €400 just to get started airbrushing...
What I've found - without even knowing if the stuff's good or bad, is a DYNAMIC KOMPRESSOR 3BAR, 3L TANK for ~€170, AIRBRUSH EVOLUTION SILVERLINE FPC TWO IN ONE for another €170, a hose and airbrush stand for a whooping €60...

There's got to be cheaper alternatives that aren't crap?!

My first airbrush (well, I have two, so technically it's first) was an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS; it was ~$100 USD. It's a simple dual action with a 0.35 needle and is so far able to do decent detail work and broad coverage. I picked up an Iwata TRN-2 for primer and top coats to spare the Eclipse from the clear coat duty.

The compressor was also ~$100 USD and is just a generic that often gets slapped with a brand name and thus increases the price. Same went for the spray booth, my space is compact so I needed one that I could put away and a collapsable booth was ~$80 complete with hose for venting.

So all in there was about $300 USD, so not too bad.

Some things that could help us, Ki61Obsessed, let us know where you live (generally, is it Europe, Australlia, US, Outer Mongolia?). This can help us point you to the best resource for shopping for a brush.

What's your budget?

Finally, what Vluegelmoer said is correct, cheap is ok, but you will really get what you pay for. With airbrushes, it is generally best to avoid the bottom of the barrel cost-wise since they'll be prone to breaking more easily and/or won't be all that great at their jobs in the long run, forcing you to replace them sooner or buy parts more often--this will cost you just as much money if not more over time.

Check out this series of videos from Paul Budzik:

[youtube]X2_YEoGunu0[/youtube]

There's 4 in total, three more follow this one.

I started with a Vega 200 which is the same as the Revell Masterclass, that sells for about 160€. Mine was used, I bought it over Ricardo, this is a local ebay competitor. I got the airbrush for about 55€, not clean but in otherwise good condition. The airbrush is maybe not as perfect as a H&S, but you'll get quite pleasing results with a bit of practice. The compressor as Vleugelmoer said. Gives a nice set for a beginner.
Btw I still use my Vega

Hope this helps,

Hi KI610

Lysus and Vleugelmoer are correct, if you can afford it, avoid the cheap end of the market, there's some rubbish out there. I can make the case for cheap as I did it myself a year ago but if you have the cash to go for something really nice.

Here's the case for cheap

I bought this a year ago



I've only used the gravity feed brush, the other one is still in the box and is irrelevant. I also bought a better hose, a quick release and an airbrush stand.

But..... It does things like this - freehand, Tamiya paint, Vallejo thinners.



Just understand, its cheap for a reason. It has some little fiddly parts that will bite you on the ass if you so much as give it a sideways glance! The worst offender is the nozzle the needle tip sits in. It needs a little spanner (provided) to remove it and a common complaint is its so easy to strip the thread and then the thing's useless! I must have a woman's touch because it worked fine for me.

In all of this - if you have the money - spend it

My financial circumstances have changed recently and I now have a Harder & Steenbeck Infinity CR+. Its a beautiful piece of kit and, of course, its much better to use, but I had a year of fun for about £130!

flundstrom2 wrote:So have I. I've tried to get a grip of the beginner's airbrush market, but I would end up at roughly €400 just to get started airbrushing...
What I've found - without even knowing if the stuff's good or bad, is a DYNAMIC KOMPRESSOR 3BAR, 3L TANK for ~€170, AIRBRUSH EVOLUTION SILVERLINE FPC TWO IN ONE for another €170, a hose and airbrush stand for a whooping €60...

There's got to be cheaper alternatives that aren't crap?!

You won't have a problem with that AB, but you want to save a few bucks. I wouldn't pay 60 quid for a stand....check the net or make your own....and for your air supply you could just go buy a cylinder of compressed Co2 . It's very quiet lasts a long time and is cheap.

Ki61Obsessed wrote:So I recently got into building models. I've started on a cheap fairey battle to get into the hobby and I've really been enjoying the build process, but it seems as though if I want to make really good looking models I'm going to need an airbrush. As I'm still new to the hobby I don't really have a clue where to start when it comes to finding an airbrush and a compressor. Can anyone recommend one (preferably a cheap one) or a place to buy one from. Thanks.

update your profile and at least put what country you live in.

Like lyrus said iwata are very good i have the HP CS its great

Also the neo is good too by iwata its cheaper than the HP CS much cheaper dose the trick

Maverik wrote:Also the neo is good too by iwata its cheaper than the HP CS much cheaper dose the trick

Yeah, the Neo line is a great starter brush for the money it seems. Doubt you could go wrong there.

Thanks man, I'll definitely take on your advice.

take a look at a H&S Ultra - piece of cake to maintain got mine as part of a kit of Vallejo ModelAir of 10 Camo colours for a little bit more than the AB on it's own from fleabay - suggest taking a look on fleabay

As folk have been saying they are cheap for a reason.
I bought a Voilamart Airbrush & Compressor kit. Now the compressor is quite decent other than it moves about a bit when in use, but the airbrush last literally 2 paints before it broke.
I then went out and bought an Iwata Revolution CR, which for £90 is an excellent AB, totally night and day, and I actually enjoy airbrushing. Buying a cheap airbrush that doesn't work properly is a sure fire way of putting you off airbrushing, and in the long run in my opinion is false economy.

You made the good investment in the iwata it will last you a long time I have the neo and eclipse have a look at their compressors bit pricey here in Australia but I'm happy with mine cheers enjoy

yeah you can cheap it up with a tank compressor, but don't skimp on the AB.

digger303 wrote:yeah you can cheap it up with a tank compressor, but don't skimp on the AB.

Exactly I couldn't honestly believe the difference a decent airbrush makes.