Buying an Airbrush

[scott_efc]

Hello chaps!

 

Wondering if anyone can give me a little advice on buying an airbrush. I have been using the rubbish cans of compressed air and a cheap humbrol airbrush for a while now and have decided its time to get a proper airbrush.

 

I have around 150 quid to spend and would like a dual action airbrush and obviously require a compressor aswell (doesnt need to be portable so size is no real issue). Its largely for weathering jobs so something that i can do smaller details with but also larger areas aswell.

 

Having read a few people on here mentioning rdg tools i had a look and found this... http://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/info_769080.html Not sure if that is good or not to be honest but basically just looking for opinions and any advice. Its always good to ask around before splashing the cash. When i finally take the plunge i will put a thread up and let you all know what i think

 

Cheers, Scott.

[magic_monkey09]

Expo tools do a good quality airbrush and compressor set which ive recently brought, i believe its called the AB602 complete airbrush deal and costs 100 quid, I got mine from Modelzone but im sure its fairly easy to come by

 

we already have a thread about it if you want to know more:

 

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php/topic/20690-expo-tools-airbrush-compressor-ab602/

[Wellyboots]

Scott

 

RDG Tools are certainly worth a look, I've recently purchased one of the compressors from them and am very pleased with it. Can't comment on the airbrushes though as I already have a Paasche and a Badger.

 

Regards

[Andy C]

RDG tools rather than Modelzone any day - they are specialists and tend to know what they are talking about as opposed to Modelzone who appear to have staff who are recruited to sell rather than have exemplary product knowledge. (and I dont mean that in any derogatory way before anyone jumps at me).

 

Cant answer for the airbrushes which seem to be unbranded, but the compressor has that most important feature - an air reservoir which prevent the pulses from the compressor feeding through to the brush and therefore ruining the paint job!

[buffalo]

This is a question that comes up quite regularly. A quick search found these threads and there may be more:

 

Airbrush

For all airbrush users & modelmakers.

Airbrush compresser which one

 

I bought the one illustrated in the OP's link just over a year ago and have been very pleased with it. Previously, my only airbrush experience had been with the simple plastic Humbrol thing and air cans.

 

Nick

[lapford34102]

Hi,

 

These are worth looking at

 

http://www.airbrushes.com/

 

For example https://airbrushes.com/index.php?cPath=1_11_146&osCsid=d774650137595bcf18363c8a71bf8039

 

which their own make and has had good reviews.

 

Compressors https://airbrushes.com/index.php?cPath=2_156&osCsid=d774650137595bcf18363c8a71bf8039

 

That's inside your budget

 

or

 

http://www.little-cars.co.uk/airbrushes/

 

In a .pdf but they also have some deals worth looking at.

 

No connection with either except the usual.

 

Stu

[DelticBlade]

I am seriously considering buying a compressor and airbrush as I want to do some repaints etc. I have seen a compressor and airbrush at Machinemart for around £100-£110. I will be following this thread as it is possible I could end up with one due to an impending birthday.

[Gwiwer]

A timely thread as that fat jolly bloke who traditionally wears a red coat is expected to arrive shortly. B) Possibly bearing airbrushing kit when he calls in here. Aside from rolling stock that's the next biggish purchase on the list after which I should be able to (eventually) cease running shiny "ex-box" trains.

 

This is the one I have in mind.

[michaelp]

Hi all,

I'm following this thread with interest as I am also thinking of getting myself and air brush kit, what is a double action trigger used for?

 

Regards

Michael

[Jim the Tram]

Hi all,

I'm following this thread with interest as I am also thinking of getting myself and air brush kit, what is a double action trigger used for?

 

Regards

Michael

The double trigger controls both air & paint flow as separate functions on the same trigger. Gives much better control over paint flow & widths.

[michaelp]

Okay, thanks for the info.

[Tony W]

Scott

Have a look at http://www.everythingairbrush.com . They are based near Poole. I called in for the first time this summer and found them to be very helpful. They were more than happy to give sound advice rather than going for the hard sell. It might be worth giving them a call.

 

Hope you choose well!

 

Tony

[scott_efc]

Cheers for all of the replies and help guys! Did alot of scouting around but in the end actually purchased the one in my original link. So awaiting its arrival now along with a spray booth. All for under 150 quid which seems good value at this stage.

 

Will post up my results when it arrives.

 

Cheers again, Scott.

[45157]

Cheers for all of the replies and help guys! Did alot of scouting around but in the end actually purchased the one in my original link. So awaiting its arrival now along with a spray booth. All for under 150 quid which seems good value at this stage.

 

Will post up my results when it arrives.

 

Cheers again, Scott.

 

 

Hi Scott

 

Glad to hear you sorted out the airbrush and compressor.

I decided not to comment as I have had Badger airbrushes for more years than I care to remember and (the one I use most is the bottom of the range single action plastic one as it is so quick and easy to clean) Badger seem to be out of favour at the moment although I have never had any problems with mine.

 

I would be very interested to hear your comments on the Spray Booth, especially it's ability to deal with paint smells.

 

regards

Stewart

[scott_efc]

We have progress!

 

It arrived yesterday after being delayed due to the snow. And first impressions are im very impressed. It was incredibly easy to connect and set up (it had to be as the instructions are minimal) and within 15 minutes i was up and running. I havent got any pictures as of yet as all i have done is messed around on some old scrap bits however being able to regulate the amount of paint and the air pressure gives an incrdible range of spraying techniques. To anyone using the air cans... get rid of them! I used them for about 2 months and probably spent about 35 quid on air and the brush. You can get an airbrush kit from RDG for around 60 so i would definately reccomend that option. Next step is to do some actual weathering and i will get the results uploaded.

 

Now another question chaps- Regarding colours for weathering. Currently i use Humbrol Chocolate 98. But particularly on locos it doesnt look quite right. Can anyone reccomend colours for general underframe dirt and body grime? Also that kind of almost orangey brown colour that builds up on steam locos any tips on achieving that. If anyone could point me towards any threads that offer tips on weathering locos in particular - steam or diesel im not picky it would be brilliant. As i say i will upload my results when i get round to doing it!

 

Cheers again, Scott.

[M Graff]

Here is a paint set that will keep your needs satisfied:

Vallejo weathering set

[Arthur]

The previous (November) and current (December) issues of British Railway Modelling have a well illustrated, two part, weathering article by Tim Shackleton which is s good introduction to the art.  Tim uses Humbrol enamels, Leather and Gunmetal Metalcote, as his basic weathering colours.

 

Arthur

 

 

 

 

 

[newbryford]

 

Now another question chaps- Regarding colours for weathering. Currently i use Humbrol Chocolate 98. But particularly on locos it doesnt look quite right. Can anyone reccomend colours for general underframe dirt and body grime? Also that kind of almost orangey brown colour that builds up on steam locos any tips on achieving that.

 

Phoenix Precision do various weathering shades - using imaginative descriptions as:

Track Colour (3 vesrions), Sleeper Grime, Roof dirt, Brake dust, Frame Dirt. I mix and match these as required.

 

Link to Phoenix weathering colours

 

HTH,

Mick

[scott_efc]

Phoenix Precision do various weathering shades - using imaginative descriptions as:

Track Colour (3 vesrions), Sleeper Grime, Roof dirt, Brake dust, Frame Dirt. I mix and match these as required.

 

Link to Phoenix weathering colours

 

HTH,

Mick

Cheers for all the replies chaps im still browsing various sites for colours. I found on the fox transfers site they do both railmatch enamels and the phoenix precision paints mentioned above. Could i ask are phoenix paints oil based? Or acrylic? I struggle to thin acrylics and get them to adhere to be honest aswel as the problem of them drying within the airbrush so feel alot more comfortable using oils/enamels.

 

Cheers, Scott.

[Simon_R]

Since this thread is already running, and the afore mentioned man in red coat has offered to bring me an airbrush on the 25th i'm asking the simple question... Which one? There are allsorts of threads about these, but getting into depth on airbrushes.com etc starts asking about needle sizes and nozzels etc. As i wouldn't know where to start (yes i've has a basic badger as well) could one of you kind chaps give me the 'just get this one' please.

 

Uses would be loco/stock all over painting and some weathering work. If it's a 'you need this and this for spray painting, and this and this for weathering' i'm happy to go for the lot

 

Thanks in advance

[michaelp]

I am new to weathering and also want to get an airbrush kit, after looking at a few different deals and setups I have decided to get the deal from RDG Tools, it has the compressor with air receiver, two double action airbrushes infact everything to get started.

It sells for £95.00 on Ebay.

 

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290382794550&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

Regards

Michael

[M Graff]

With a Iwata Eclipse or a Hansa Evolution you are not so far off the mark, so to say.

[Chinahand]

Hi Scott,

 

Phoenix Precision paints are generally of the enamel type though they do also manufacture some Acrylics so just check which type when you order.

 

Michael,

 

I'm not normally a great believer in buying 'bargain priced' kit but it certainly seems to be good value for money. It's probably made in China and only time will tell how durable it is. Some Chinese stuff is actually very good.

 

One essential thing that does seem to be missing from the kit is a moisture trap but they have one for just over £11 and I would recommend that you get one.

 

Simon,

 

The Iwata and the Hansa are both good but I would also suggest you have a look at Badger Airbrushes. I have a Badger Anthem which is a double action, internal mix type with bottom paint feed. It's a first class brush and is easy to clean.

[buffalo]

...One essential thing that does seem to be missing from the kit is a moisture trap but they have one for just over £11 and I would recommend that you get one.

 

It is the same one as linked in the OP and, as I said in post #5, it is a very good piece of kit for a beginner. The moisture trap is below the pressure valve on the left of the photo. The valve control is the black thing with a red ring and the trap is the clear part below it.

 

Nick

[michaelp]

Yes, I thought that the moisture trap was on the bottom of the regulator as well. I don't know how good the airbrushes are but that is easily sorted out with another airbrush and keeping the originals as spares.

 

 

Michael