I love my airbrush because it saves time and with three kids, that is impairative. As to brush or airbrush do what is comfortable for you. This hobby is about fun and in some cases therapy. Just do what you're comfortable with.

Here's a combo that has a double-action, internal mix airbrush that's similar to the Badger Anthem or Hybrid:

Harbor Freight::Airbrush & Compressor Combo Kit

Price: US$89.99 (the airbrush by itself is only US$22.99)

This combo has a single-action, external mix airbrush similar to the Paasche Wren or Badger 250:

Northern Too::Airbrush & Compressor Kit

Price: US$41.99.

The fist one, from Harbor Freight, has a better compressor and the airbrush is more versatile. The second, from Northern Tool, is little better than using rattle can spray paint.

However, taken together, they do show that an entry level airbrush and compressor can be purchased for about the same as retail prices on many kits.

If you have the money, then you can certainly buy better quality airbrushes and compressors, but I know model builders who have used both of these and gotten good results. The main disadvantage of these "gray market" airbrushes is that getting parts and service is not certain.

Both Harbor Freight and Northern Tool have good quality single-action compressors that are very economical, though, that can be combined with better airbrushes available from arts supply and craft stores.

On the other hand, if you ruin a $25 airbrush, then you can probably afford to buy another. Also, these kinds of AB's are suitable for learning on since you don't have to be so afraid of breaking one that you're reluctant to use it.

The point, though, is that entry-level airbrushes and compressors are quite affordable and readily available. I can remember working all summer in the early 70's at a part time job as a teenager to buy my first airbrush (a Badger 200). In 1974 dollars, that airbrush alone cost me more than the Harbor Freight AB/compressor combo above.

I've never regretted for a moment working my butt off getting and learning to use it.

HTH,

Right now, today, Squadron has a couple of airbrushes on sale that are a real bargain and well worth the cost. And, as noted, you can go to a number of places to get a compressor to match your wallet and needs. I bought my first airbrush and compressor in 1970, and used it for about 25 years. The only reason I bought new ones was because I wanted a double action brush and a quieter compressor. One of the best modeling investments that I ever made, and have never regretted. It will take your modelling to new heights that you can't even imagine.
Norm Samuelson

Not everybody is comfortable with an airbrush but once you have accustomed to the processes - which are indeed very different from brush painting - you will find that working with an airbrush makes you faster, give better paint economy, and offers good quality results much easier than brush painting.

Sure you can find some great painters who use only brush, but the same level of results needs much more effort using a brush than an airbrush. Originally a figure painter I had to get familiar with the use of an AB, for me the strangest thing was that I spent more time with adjusting and cleaning the AB than with actual painting. However in the end I saved a lot of time. Also I have the feeling that paints dry faster using AB.

You do not necessary need graphic-level equipment for scale modelling, so you can switch to an airbrush and a little compressor with a moderate investment. Also you do not need to throw away your paints, since anything that can be thinned may be used with an airbrush (I occasionally spray diluted artist oils or wood stain and other funny stuff). The most important is obviously cleaning the equipment properly immediately after use which may seem like a hassle first.