Hey guys..

I've just picked up the modeling hobby again and am concentrating me on 1/35 Armor and figures. I used to make my models with a brush and Humbrol paint..What I've understand so far is that there are better ways to produce a nice model. One of them is by using an Airbrush and a Compressor..

Well..here are the questions.

1. Since I want an airbrush, can you guys tell me what brand and model airbrushes are good for beginners and are not that expensive. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to pay a fair amount for a good airbrush, but I won't buy one that costs approximately €200,- If you all know what I mean.

2. What Compressor fits the requirements mentioned in question 1? (Good quality, not to expensive). And for what kind of things do I have to look out for when buying one?

Thanxk for the help!

Hi there

If you don't mind paying the shipping have a look at Everything airbrush they also sell on Ebay if you are that way inclined. The AB series of airbrushes are copies (probably made in China) of badger ab's, and their AS series piston compressor is very good.

HTH

Andy

Hi guy's

I'm in the same boat, just taking the hobby back up and have decided to try using an airbrush instead of brush and Humbrol paints.I've just ordered an airbrush and compressor from Everything airbrush, just over £90 for the pair. Not been delivered yet so don't yet know how good they are.

The question I have is this: when I used to build models I used to paint them as I built them, but I have noticed on a few of the galleries that you experts seem to build the model and then paint it. Am I correct in thinking that this is the best way to do it?

Any advice with this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Tim.

Tim

It's a matter of personal taste, but i paint the deatil bits as i go along, then the exterior with the airbrush. it can be easier to lease the final joning of the main parts, Hull, deck, turret untill after the base coat is painted, and then do camo on the complete model..As for painting the tank tracks - it's easier if doing individual links to make them up in 3 bits that you can join later and paint them off the model. But i'm sure you will find a style that suits you.

Good luck - every model is a learning process.

Andy

Hi Tim,

I have the exact same situation as you. I just started building my very first ever (Armor) model and I started painting the sub assemblies like crazy.

Realizing later that I have actually painted over some areas to be glued. Obviously I struglled to glue them afterwards. I actually like the idea of first glue then paint but how will you then get into nook and crannies?

PS: I work in Nigeria and I am having someone buy me a compressor and airbrush kit from Graphic Air UK. The kit is: ZVLCKIT - Pro-Craft Outfit. Will cost Pounds 224.

Let me know once you have figured this painting thing out.

Cheers
Riaan

Hi guys

Thanks for the advice, its greatly appreciated.

One more thing, when painting details e.g wire rope, tools ect which are to be painted individually and then glued to the painted vehicle, what is the best adhesive to use as you are glueing two painted surfaces together?

Thanks again

Tim.

Hello all,

I'm still a rookie and this model kit thing but here's a few things I've found:

1) Glueing painted parts - if you can, scrape away the paint from the area to be glued on each part first. Then use your regular model cement. If you don't want to do that, you'll have to use super glue and the join will literally be the painted coats only. Not very sturdy at all.

2) Painting order. As I've built more and more kits, I've found that assembling as much as possible before painting is the way to go. If you're brushpainting, it might not make as much difference as I painted and built as I went. When I started using spray cans, I found that getting as much of an assembly completed worked much better.

I recently picked up an Iwata Revolution CR airbush and Iwata PowerJet compressor, and I have to say, I can now see how the experts can build an entire kit then paint it and get into the nooks and crannies. You have so much more control over paint flow and direction with the airbrush and it literally seems to find them all on its own (or so it seems).

3) Airbrushes & compressors. I'm not sure what they'll cost in Europe, but the Iwata CR was $65 shipped here in the US. The compressor was expensive at $400 shipped, but I like it. There's a bunch of options. For me, I find that the Iwata CR, as my very first AB, is very easy to use and pretty simple to clean. I haven't done a full kit with it yet, but in my experimentation, I'm confident that I can paint my next one fine. The compressor is the tough part. I personally needed something that ran very quietly as alot of my modeling is late at night. I also wanted something with a tank so it wouldn't run constantly. I paid a premium for a hobby compressor, but it made the most sense to me. You may be able to just use a general purpose compressor that's much cheaper, but louder. Just keep in mind you'll need to have water/moisture trap and regulator added (most likely).

Hope that helps!

- Frank

my dad just bought me the cheapest airbrush they had at the hobby shop

he said for me to start if with a cheap 1 and as i get better he buy a more expensive one

Well...I just bought the Badger 150...am quite happy with it. Bought some innert gas as well since I don't have a compressor...been practising..have you guys have any idea what the mixture percentage must be? I've decided to use Tamiya Acrilics and mix it with water..I practised with 50% water and 50%paint..is that good? I see a lot of different mixture percentages on the forum..so could you guys please help me further? thanx!

One thing about a compressor: If you are going to spend the money you might as well get one you can use for more than just airbrushing. Get one with a tank so you can run air tools (nailers, grinders, etc) fill up tires, blow off the work bench, etc.

Shaun

Just my practical .02

Guys you might want to look at dixieart.com
They sell brushes and combos and I believe the shipping is free.