Tools of the trade

Weathering on an X-wing can be done with just pastel chalk. The actual application of it is simple since you just rub it on. You just need small, stiff brushes and the chalk. Pastel chalk also comes in the form of pencils, so those are what to use for small blast marks. You can get the chalk in bars, powder or pencils.

For drawing stark, black, ultra-thin lines, I recommend the Pigma Micron 005 archiving pen. I like using that pen for sticking some black shadow all over the recessed areas of those kibble strips on the X-wing's top and that center/rear hyperthrust section. Then I usually drybrush aluminum over it.

You might be interested in drybrushing too. That is done with the paints & brushes you already have.

My first airbrush was a Paasche "H". It comes with everything you need to start except the air supply. I would suggest you get a compressor too as the canned air they sell for airbrusing will get expensive quickly. There are many great airbrush brands out there but my experience with Paasche has been very good. I still own and use that first brush I bought 25 ago.

I'm with Woody on the H. It was also my first and still my first choice. I have used several that have found thier way back to the box they came in and stay there. I have also beat the heck out of mine and it just keeps on working . Hope you post some pics when your done...I love the Slave1.

Matt

...and watercolor pencils. You just draw stuff on the model then you can use damp tools like a color shaper or something to smear & blend it around or just leave the marks the way you drew them.