Which airbrush/compressor for use with models?

philstanbridge · 6 Dec 2009 at 14:33

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..

philstanbridge · 6 Dec 2009 at 16:54

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

. 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.

philstanbridge · 6 Dec 2009 at 21:53

What do you think of this kit: http://www.everythingairbrush.com/acatalog/Harder___Steenbeck_Kits.html

AB-AS-18 Airbrushing Kit With Evolution 2 in 1 Airbrush

philstanbridge · 6 Dec 2009 at 21:57

Angus02 said:
Just wondering what 1/48 kit you bought ?

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.

philstanbridge · 6 Dec 2009 at 23:03

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.

philstanbridge · 7 Dec 2009 at 08:04

haha, sorry Phantom. I had the Phantom. Don't know why I said Tornado

Word recognition fail more like.

philstanbridge · 7 Dec 2009 at 08:05

Angus02 said:
Also Tamiya have just launched a 1/32 Spitfire which is very detailed - might be worth checking that out.

Indeed I did see that, but isn't it something like £90? It does look amazing though.

philstanbridge · 14 Jan 2010 at 10:53

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.

philstanbridge · 14 Jan 2010 at 11:10

thanks for the post!

I've just been having a look. Interestingly I can get the H&S Solo kit (with compressor and fittings) for £170 which sounds quite reasonable? The dual action is only £20 or so more, with free shipping. Bearing in mind I will be doing only military models, maybe the 2-1 is what I need? I've had a look at machine mart and the badger airbrushes and they actually work out as expensive, if not more so, and there is more faffing involved, and getting it all from different places (in my opinion as a novice of course!). The last thing I want to do is 'faff'. It's hard enough building the model.. hehe

philstanbridge · 14 Jan 2010 at 11:41

Thanks again mate. That's one of the sites I have been looking at. They have a wealth of accessories and things. Makes it quite difficult. I think a 'kit' would work out more economical in the long run plus it has everything I need to get started, it's just 'which' kit. Maybe a call is a good idea!

philstanbridge · 14 Jan 2010 at 12:30

Well that's that.

Harder & Steenbeck Evolution Two In One 1
Mini Piston type "0n-demand" compressor with receiver for Airbrushing
Createx Airbrush Cleaner - 16 oz - 480ml
Airbrush Quick Release Mini Coupling Body - 1/8" BSP
Highly Flexible 1.8 meter Rubber Braided Air Hose

He gave me the hose for free, and I bought a few other bits as well. He advised me the Evolution would be a far better airbrush than the solo for my needs. He was a nice chap and I feel confident he has given me some good advice there. I just need to source some thinners and things now.

philstanbridge · 14 Jan 2010 at 12:47

They were very helpful so I don't mind paying a little extra for good service. They also said I can call them up if I have any problems. They advised on the tank option for the compressor to stop the pulsing as well, as that is important with small models apparently. I'm sure I will have fun! I have a Mk1 Spit to build and paint in due course.