1? 3? 5?

I'm only planning to use this with acrylic and MAYBE enamel paints for WWII armor (so mostly Tamiya acrylics). The size will depend on the viscosity of the fluid, no? So would a 3 be a good bet? This will only be my second airbrush purchase - the first was a testors starter kit twelve years ago... I built one excellent model and then up and QUIT!

I'm looking at a paasche. Good? Recommendations? Do propellants work well, or should I get a compressor? I had excellent results with the propellant cans before...

If you get a badger anthem, it only uses one needle for all mediums. its under $70 shipped even with the deluxe set at dixieart.com(best airbrush supply house ever). Its about half retail there. Easy to use and clean and does just about anything. Replacement parts are easy and cheap to get if you ever need them, I've never even had to take mine apart yet. It does pencil to 3" wide.

http://www.dixieart.com/Badger_Airbrush_Main.html

It's big brother is the Universal 360 which can actually use suction feed bottles and cups and swivel and have a gravity feed cup. They both are the only single needle airbrushes on the market. I can spray future straight out of the bottle or the thinnest paints.

I have used air tanks and cans and cheapo diaphram tankless compressors and you really can not beat a compressor with a tank. A good oiless piston compressor of at least 1/6 hp with a small tank is the best for general airbrush use with a regulator to control exact pressure. The tank eliminates pulsation, the regulator/trap is always consistant and moisture free, and the oilless piston type motor is maintainence free. Most little 1/8 compressors can barely even reach 20psi.

I have this compressor and its fantastic for the money but it's out of stock at the moment. Its quiet and I have no problems using it from 9-45+psi. Its been reliable for me with no issues.

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/thetuulshed/Items/ZHAS-186?

There has to be 100 threads on compressors here though if you search. I spent dozens of hours researching airbrushes before I picked this combo to replace my lousy Aztek and my trusty old paasche VL. For about $200 bucks for the setup you really can't go wrong-or ever use the wrong needle.

As for other airbrushes, typically the 'medium' needle pretty much handles the vast majority of hobby needs.

Hi David...

I'll also recommend the badger anthem, or its twin the 360. The two airbrushs are almost identical except the paint cup on the 360 swivels..

I use mine with Model Master Enamals, Tamiya Acrylics, Polyscale water based.. and Humbrol enamals, and Future.

As for the propellent cans.. going from them to a compresser with a regulator where you can contol the pressure is a difference like day and night.. If your planning on building and airbrushing models as a hobby i'd recommend the investment.