OK, most of you know I have plenty of reason to be humble about my modeling skills But this past few months I finally dusted off an OLD Badger airbrush I was given when the previous owner upgraded to something more substantial. It's one of those that use a can of propellant. I tried it when I got it, but gave up because the propellant can kept freezing up whenever I tried to use it. Fast forward to this year. Having lived in Colorado for a grand total of two years, we finally caved into peer pressure and got ourselves a pair of mountain bikes. And what is more logical than spending $90 on a compressor so you don't have to fork out a few quarters at the gas station to pump the tires? If you can smell hidden agendas, your nose is hurting right about now!! So... with the compressor in the garage, the airbrush once again started calling. Last Christmas the wife gave me a set of 3 undec GP-7's. I figured I needed to get them turned into black zebras if I wanted something this year... and time was running out! Besides, how hard can it be to just spray black? No masking, no skill required. And that's exactly how it turned out. I took the opportunity to bring out a couple of undec tanker cars and had a day of "spraying black." It's so easy, I kept asking myself, "What took me so long?" Of course, this was only baby steps, with one color The only challenge was the decaling. Thanks to John Sing, I had a heads-up that the MicroScale decals are too big for 4 digits, so I followed his lead and used GP-9 numbers. Here's how the project came out: The reason for posting this is to encourage others who may be intimidated from using the airbrush. It is a whole lot easier than I imagined! So.... just go for it!
Ah, William. That's what happened to Colonel. He sat down with Jason one night and now he's creating one model of each caboose MP ever had! Air brushing creates a monster and it gets worse! Go back to your Christmas list immediately! Double your wishes for undec models right now or you will never catch up this year! Believe me, this is the voice of experience. Kitbashing is next and you will never turn back! Heh, heh! BTW, nice models. I am surprised about the size of the numbers. I would have thought Micro Scale would have accounted for that. If that is your first attempt at stripes, which can be difficult, I would say that practice is over for you!
Nice looking. I have a half finished zebra GP7 in the paint shop. A friend and I were each doing one, he with decals and I masking and spraying the stripes. So far neigther has won the bet as to which looked best.
The results look good to me! BTW- You can keep a can of Propel from freezing. Simply spray, while the can is immersed in a container of barely warm water. Just warm. Not hot. Boxcab E50
Had to do that with a butane back pack stove once on a cold morning in the mountains. And we only had cold creek water, but it worked.
I used the zebra decals for these models. Having decaled a few Maxi III's (seems like a couple hundred microscopic decals each!!!) I didn't think that would be too much of a problem. Man, was I wrong about that - Flash is right - that's a non-trivial exercise!!!
Bill: Those loco's look fantastic. I have a couple to do as well with some undecorated shells. Stay cool and run steam.....
William, Quick question. It sounds like you got a shop type compressor instead of one of those smaller airbrush intended compressor. I ordered a small one from Home Depot (2 scfm at 90psi, don't remember what it is at 40psi, 1.75 gal tank) to use around the house - dusting off the table saw, filling up tires, etc. I plan on getting a water trap but my question is, did you need to get a special regulator that is more precise in the low psi range? The one I'm getting (any day now) has a built in regulator but I'm not sure how accurate or versatile it is in the low range that an airbrush would need.
William, Excellent painting, don't you just love seeing the end result. I have been airbrushing for the past 18 months and it has added a whole new dimension to my modelling. MK, I use the compressor pictured below which i think is similar to what you have purchsed. It works great and I airbrush at 30psi without a problem.
I have a 3 gallon tank. I don't use a water trap, but I think that depends on where you are. Seems to work okay in San Antonio but it might be necessary in Bermuda. There can be corrosion. I had a screw type valve installed (screws right in) that allows the tank to be drained each time I use it, so it dries out inside and no rust or condensation remains. Also, I have a ball type valve that sets the pressure. It is in line and also easy to instal. Nothing special about the guage, though; it is linear up to 120 psi. I spray at 55 psi which is higher than most, I think. Just get started and you will find the right questions to ask. I found that a knowledgeable compressor shop usually deals in very large items on trucks, train engines, oil rigs, etc. Mistakes there can cost lives. They have much higher tolerances (and pressures) than we use as modelers. Spray painting is a very simple operation to them and they can easily help you. BTW, notice above that Colonel has two guages. One is for tank pressure and one is for line pressure (to the air brush). Very important safety item, as are relief valves.
MK I just bought a Home Depot cheapie on wheels. My philosophy is start small, so the airbush is a $20 cheapie, so you see what I mean But when I asked about a moisture trap, the guy at HD looked at me funny. Was is my accent?? I had the same reaction at Lowes. Fortunately the air in Denver is quite dry The Maxi I paint job had some spits in it, but I didn't care, because it's going to be heavily weathered. One day, maybe, I'll have a real compressor, with two gauges and a real airbrush
William, I think I ordered the same compressor (where is that damn Brown Truck????). It has a pull up handle and two roller blade type wheels on the back. Good to 135 psi, 2scfm at 90psi - way more than enough for airbrushing. Last night I happened to drop by a HD and they do have a Husky brand filter/water trap. It's a "mini" but can handle up to 150 psi. Only $12. I plan on getting the Paasche VL set. Everything you need in a kit for around $60.
