advice on equipment for newbie

Welcome to FSM doggreen. An airbrush like any other tool can make the job of painting a lot easier. You will get really good results with a bit of practice. There are certainly other skills involved in the making of a well finished model. But they are all covered quite well in these forums. Check them out and see what fits your needs and if uncertain don't be afraid to ask for help.

Greetings
I agree an airbrush is an excellent tools used in painting. The paints can be applied much smoother; however, it will take practice and patience to become proficient at using the airbush. If you will only be using the airbrush for coating a model in one color you could achieve this with a small spray can of paint for a cheaper price. If you wish to make some more complicated paint schemes an airbrush is certainly worth the money. Just remember that it takes more time to mask off the model and clean the airbrush than it does to paint the project. I still use brush painting for a large amout of painting. As for other equipment, I don't think any other special things are needed other than resource material, imagination and patience. You are your worst critic. Have fun and hope this helped.

I agree that, it's what works best for you. I have collected many things that help me along with my builds.

First off, get yourself a good Exacto-type knife with replacement blades. Sandpaper, in all types of grit. I buy mine from the local department store in big sheets. Emery boards! These are found in the ladies cosmetic area. Just like sandpaper on a stick

While your there, get a good pair of tweezers and a small metal nail file also.

As for the airbrush, this has come up countless times. In my opinion, I think it is needed. It does take some practice to get the control and feel but, I would never go back to spraying color from a spray can. Cleanup on some can be a real pain but, the results are worth it (to me anyway)

Good Luck to you and Welcome to the forums!

I thought to myself when I bought an airbrush: "There's no point getting it unless I'm prepared to clean it, GOOD!!!!"

Dont forget that you will need a good place to work on and use your airbrush. I use a corner computer desk as my model bench, keyboard tray and all. I paint on a flat table next to me with an open window though.

A good digital camera is important too. If the paint looks nice but the picture sucks, well then it will look like it sucks, so there :)

Welcome aboard!!
Good Luck, Have Fun,

thanks guys on another note, would it be wise to read the books on how to use a airbrush and other books on tips on building them?

any one got advice on a good airbrush? company wise?

doggreen you cannot go wrong by reading articles. Aside from the books you have probably heard about, try GOOGLE www.google.com

also try eBay for items to buy/sell :)

good luck, have fun