New to models - any advice?

I've found that using a brush on most components can be a good thing ans they can add texture when needed. say like the engine block or interior carpet. the only time i don't use a paint brush is on the body of the car. or any outward facing surface, unless you want that kind of texture. If you don't want to use the airbrush you could always go to your local automotive store a pick up a small can of spray paint. you might be limited in the color you want to use though. and primaring is a good idea if you go this route. some paints might eat the plastic.

as far as paints go i'm partial to Testors. only becuase I've been using them since I was a boy and never really tried anything else. so i may not be much help there.

my brushes i get at my local arts and crafts store in the discount bin nothing special but I love a very soft bristles for detail work.

I mix it up a bit, usually using tamiya acrylics with my AB and testors for small detail painting. I use primer every time I paint a body. I found that tamiys fine white is probably the best, very smooth and forgiving. The same applies for spraying a body; again, I use tamiya which gives an incredible finish and is forgiving and easy to use.

As far as kits, I usually purchase based on subject. If there is the same subject available from several manufacturers, I will probably choose tamiya first, then fujimi, then revell. The japanese mfrs usually don't inculude engines, so if that is important, then you may want to look at another company.

HTH, good luck