I'm trying to catch on to the airbrush side of this hobby but my bandwidth for learning is currently at maximum level. Please help!!!! Is the airbrush kit offered here a marketing gimmick or does it look like a good deal??? Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=28111&item=8185615111&rd=1 It took me over two years to get started on DCC. Quite a research intensive venture. I really don't want to wait that long to start painting..... Thanks in advance.......
Probably best to search for airbrush threads previously posted here. Honestly, I am not knowledgeable enough on a full ensemble airbrush item to comment on the ebay item you linked to. I did not buy mine in a one piece kit; I bought the compressor and the airbrush separately. We had a recent thread on compressors/air sources.
I'd say that the item referenced would be overkill for most people's needs in this hobby. Seems nice. But it's a house brand. If you need parts, you'd probably be stuck having to buy all through them. Look for something you can get and maintain locally. My present setup has served me well, for over 25 years. I have even had a few compliments on my work. And been asked to paint for others. Total investment over the years is only about $100.00 including a few frills. I'd agree that a search through threads on the topic here, would get you a good start. Post up questions. We can help. Boxcab E50
You really need to ask yourself - do I need four airbrushes? As Ken points out, it's a house brand and may need to be serviced by them rather than being 'badge engineered' (made by a larger firm for them) and having more readily accessable parts elsewhere. For your money, I'd check out Wally World, K-Mart or one of your large hardware chains for what they have to offer. It will cost you less initially by only needing to buy the compressor and one airbrush and you would have a return-to-store option if something goes wrong (within warranty, of course) - ie, no return postage costs. As already suggested, use the search function for similar topics here on TrainBoard. There has been a lot of discussion on this very subject in the last 6 months.
OR investigate the airbrush manufacturer's pages such as Testors for Aztec, Badger, Paasch??, and one Japanese brand that escapes me. THEN contact one of our advertisers and see discounts offered. I would not purchase a compressor unseen and unheard. Some can wake up the dead. You also will not need a huge compressor to put out the pressure needed to operate an airbrush.
OK. You guys are right. After a very long and grueling week at work I wanted someone to tell me what to do! Tomorrow, after a good nights sleep I'll search the archives again. Thanks!
You cant go past badger airbrushes and these are available through both online and local hobby shops. I bought mine through wigwags and its been great to use. As for a good compressor most auto shops have compressors at reasonable prices.
Here is a Badger 150 kit for $70. Somebody will have to chime in if it's a good deal or not. http://www.nscalesupply.com/Sale.html Towards the bottom of the page.
Thats the kit I got but it had a crossed thread,Badger replaced it & covered postage to Australia no probs. Also have been using a Badger 200 single action for near 12 years now,still a top air brush!
That is where I got my airbrush at Dixie Art and I was satisfied with their service. I have an "Iwata" bottom feed, dual action airbrush. It's made in Japan. The dual action takes sometime to get used to but once you do, you have more flexablity in your painting. What I found is that it is very hard to find airbrush supplies locally, most of mine I get online or though mail order. You are doing exactly the right process asking people their views about their airbrushes. If you can't find feedback on the Airbrush City type, go with one that other people recommend. That's usually a safe choice. Bernard
Espeedude, That airbrush looks strangely like a Badger knockoff.... As an aside, a cheapo 2 gal air compressor can be sourced anywere. I got mine for 59 bucks at a hardware store on sale. Shop around. That N scale supply sale is a good one.
I have a Paasche H external mix, about 12 years old. I have had to replace the nozzle and needle about a year ago. In the interest of discussion, just my opinion, of course... An airbrush that sprays fine lines is not so necessary in N scale as it is in the larger scales. In N scale, I mask things if I need a fine line. In larger scales, finer work is possible, and more likely, so an internal mix, double action, etc., might be better used. Not that such a fine air brush is not useful in N scale, it is just more useful, IMHO, in larger scales.
Thanks, Flash! This is helps unwravel some of the mystery. I have a good book on weathering and painting but its difficult to know how much of this stuff is useful or just overkill for N-scale.
I have 3 paasche's. I am very pleased with the,m. Also Iwatas are very good. These are both available at hobby lobby na dmost art shops so they are pretty easy to find and get parts for. I got a 5 gallon compressor at Menards for 80 bucks. I can paint two engines on one charge of air.
Don't forget your local arts & crafts store. Our local one stocks air brushes & supplies, and has 40% off coupons in the paper weekly good for one item. If their price is reasonable, they'd be a good resource in case anything goes wrong. Mark in Utah
