Which airbrush/compressor for use with models?

philstanbridge

philstanbridge

philstanbridge

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18 Oct 2002
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West Coast of Scotland
Need some advice please. I've decided to get back into model making but this time round I want to invest in a decent airbrush and compressor for the best results. I intend to make primarily 1:48 aircraft/military vehicles.

What would you guys recommend please? I think it's between a Harder and Steenback and a Iwata but I'm not sure what is best. I don't want to be spending a fortune, but I would like the right tool for the job.

When I was much younger my grandad gave me an airbrush starter kit, which although terribly basic was absolutely amazing. It was one of these kits where you had to buy compressed air cartridges - you stuck the cartridge inside this plastic housing, popped the pressurised container, and that was that. It provided enough air for a few uses, but I was sold.. I had never been able to replicate the application of even this basic airbrush with brushes. Can't wait to get back into it..
 
I went with a Harder & Steinbeck Evolution 2in1 FPC for my airbrush (it comes with a .15 and .35 needle/nozzle set, and 2x cups), as it has a load of options for needles/nozzles, cups (everything from about .9ml up to 15ml from memory), and a fitted airflow regulator and preset :)
IIRC it' about £135

They also do a basic version with just the fitted needle and one cup that can be upgraded easily (I think it's about £80), or one with 2 cups and needles for about £115.
Build quality on it seems very similar to the Iwata I bought a couple of years ago, but the Iwata is very much a case of a different brush for every job (you can only really change the needle/nozzle, if you need a bigger/smaller cup you have to buy another one).

I'm finding that a positive joy to use with our models, and it should be able to be setup to do anything from very fine detail in small areas, to large areas :)

We also got a Littel-Cars compressor with tank (basically the same model H&S sell under their name, but at a large discount) which is very nice, and quiet :)
A proper spray booth/extractor (£170), and various things like respirators.

One of my friends recently went with a cheap compressor (with tank) and two brushed from Ebay that cost him about £100 I think and he seems pretty happy with it so far, but i wouldn't like to bet on the chances of him being able to get spares for the brushes (although at the price they are practically disposable), or how well made the compressor is

There are some real pro's on here in regards to airbrushes (RB Customs immediately springs to mind).

Remember to allow for things like mixing bottles, cleaners and so :)
 
Thanks for the replies guys, especially Werewolf for the detailed post.
The H & S kits look very good to me. I'm liking the entry level 2 in 1 kit although the fpc is rather more expensive. I don't want to spend too much at this stage taking into account all the extras I will need like paint, etc. I hadn't considered mixer pots or cleaners or anything, as it was rather a long time ago when I last played :o. The mixing pots before were all throwaway items if I recall. Talking of paint, I used to use enamels prior, any reason for not using these now? Also, how do you find out which colours you need? Are things like this on the instructions? I haven't built a model in ages. I've literally just purchased my first 'proper' 1:48 model in over a decade so there's no turning back now. :p
 
Angus02 said:
Just wondering what 1/48 kit you bought ?
Click to expand...

hehe. I like WWII aircraft in particular, and want to model some of the aircraft that took part in the Battle of Britain, so my first will be a Tamiya Spitfire Mk1. It was only £15, so wasn't too bad if something goes wrong.
 
Just building the 1/32 Tamiya Zero atm.


It's the 1st one I have build in around 6-7 years.


I have been looking into again and have just bought 8 kits inc the zero.


Might go down the air brush route myself as I have only ever used brushes.


A pic of the ones I have build previously.

2009_1206Test0001.jpg
 
Very nice mate! I think I had that Tornado myself. Loving the King Tiger too. I chose the Spit because its quite easy to build apparently. I'm patient so I don't have that problem, but I haven't built a model in years so time will tell how i get on. Biggest problem was painting, and brushes are hard work, especially camo patterns - you look to have done a good job with brushes. Airbrushing is so much easier though.
 
All are Tamiya

F4 Phantom & F14 Tomcat 1/32

King Tiger 1/16

New jersey & Enterprise 1/350



Also Tamiya have just launched a 1/32 Spitfire which is very detailed - might
be worth checking that out.
 
I bougt non-brand ebay package - DON'T! It works but it all feels cheap and nasty. OK for my use as I'm just painting radio control foam planes but prob not great for precise stuff like you are doing.
 
Okay I've just sold my laptop so I have a little money for an airbrush/compressor. I've been doing some research and people are saying the 2-1 are better but more complex, and harder to use. Is this the case? I don't want to spend a small fortune on something not to be able to use it properly.

Also, how do you go about cleaning them? And do you use thinners etc with the paint? I intend to only use acrylic with mine, if I eventually get one. I'm liking the H&S still, but it still quite expensive. There are loads of different ones.
 
Just get a badger 200 single action, its perfect for all aspects of model building and easy to use...

You can buy a more expensive double action, when you get use to using one.. Unless you are building models that require lots of fine detail work, miltary models are one example... Saying that, a single action can, and does do plenty, as you set the paint flow manually before pressing the trigger... Its a ltitle easier to use, and much cheaper to buy, and easier to maintain as well...

As for compressor.... http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/p.../path/diy-semi-professional-air-compressors-2

will do you fine, call them and tell them your airbrush model and they'll even make sure you get all the fixings and air hoses... Might want to ask them about a water trap though... Last thing you need is moisture in the line, can create a bit of a mess...
 
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