Hi all,

I wish to invest in a good airbrush kit (compressor and airbrushes} and would be grateful for any recommendations from fellow MAFVA members. I am in the UK and have a budget of £150.

Many thanks in anticipation!

3 UK companies I've used before, listed alphabetically, & can personally recommend, all three warranty and support the kit they sell.

Brands to look for are Iwata Eclipse, Sparmax, Badger, Harder & Steenbeck (H&S) Most do a budget/starter a/b.

Brands to avoid are the cheapo knock-off copies easily available from auction sites...
You are buying a world of annoyance, that will work well for a bit & then.... don't. You won't know if it's you or the duff kit.


Airbrushes.com from Lancing, West Sussex, do airbrush courses and servicing as well, (including servicing & parts for my Iwata Eclipse CS)

Barwell Bodyworks from Barwell, Leicester.
Official importer of Badger Airbrushes & Stynlrez (the best) primer. They offer airbrushing tutorial days. (I bought my Chinese compressor with tank from here, and have done the 1 day course with them)

Modellingtools.co.uk from Olney, Bucks, do H&S and Sparmax. (I buy tools & spares from Paul)

Happy browsing, ask lots of questions, a description of your particular interests will help to get more specific advice, eg., 1/76th German leaf pattern camo or 1/16th US Tanks will require very different kit...

I can recommend a compressor with a tank. This ensures a consistent non-pulsing air supply and means that the compressor is not running continuously.

And I’d suggest a double action airbrush, as you will end up with one anyway so may as well learn how to use one from outset.

As well as higher end example I do own one of the cheapo £15 Chinese examples and it is definitely possible to get decent results from one, particularly if you strip it and polish the needle before you start. Good tool to practice with anyway, even if you upgrade later.

Hi guys,

I ordered a Harder & Steinbeck kit from Modellingtools.com, went £50 over budget so don't tell the wife!

Thanks for your help.

Larry