I'm at that point on deciding on an airbrush ... my first. Want something of quality but affordable and have narrowed it down to either the Badger 200 single action or a Paasche single action.

They are both sort of close in price so which is the better more reliable brand and which is more precise?

i like my Tamiya Trigger type airbrush

My suggestion would be to save up another $30 and get an Iwata Revolution CR. It's a better airbrush and you won't outgrow it.

An airbrush is a very personal thing to most modellers. Some have more than one and use different ones for different things. The best airbrush is the one you like the best and get the best results with. You can go out and buy the 'state of the art' and be disappointed with it if you've never used one before. All you need to do is load the wrong mix of paint and thinner one time and even the most expensive airbrush with all the bells and whistles will quickly ruin your model when you try and paint with it. My advice is to try and get to know people that have airbrushes for model building and ask if they'll let you use them. Try some out if you can. Go to a local hobby shop and talk to the folks there, if they're modellers themselves, and they usually are, then you will get good advice. About the only thing I can tell you for sure is to stay away from the cheap single action 'starter' sets. They usually are only good for one spray width setting and are generally cheaply made and won't last.

I have a Paasche VL set that I bought many years ago and it's served me well. I can paint very fine lines with it (1/64th of an inch) right up to full spray width for base coating or priming. I have a inexpensive general purpose tank compressor that works very well for me too.

It's all about what works best for you and what you like. By best advice is to try out different ones if you can and go from there.



Bob

One of these days when I am rich, I am going to invest in an Iwata. Top of the line, however, in the meantime I am very content with my Paasche VL.

Will this hook up to a Tamiya Basic compressor? Thanks.

It will hook up to any compressor with the right fitting. It's a standard screw connector so I'm sure it would fit the Tamiya compressor. If not (and it's unlikely that it wouldn't) there are numerous adapters and connectors availalbe at any pipefitters or hardware stores.



Bob

Is this a double action brush? If so, it's another choice I do have at a local hobby store here. It MUST be able to do camo paint projects, but also on 1/35th and smaller too.

Thanks guys!

Yep, it's a double action airbrush. Here's some pics of a couple of freehand jobs (ie no masks) I did. I achieved a very fine, soft edge with the Pak 43/41 gun and as well on the Centurion. Both are 1/35th scale.





Bob

WOW ... that's the kind of results I'm looking for. Thanks for the photos and advice!

Jeff,

You might also consider a Peak airbrush from Bear Air. Its made by Iwata and is head and shoulders above my old Badger single-action and also my Badger double-action. And, no I don't work for either Peak or Bear Air, just a satisfied customer.

Regards,

Larry