I did my first ever airbrushing directly on a model kit. No problems at all. This was with a Badger 350 single action. Recently I bought a double action Aztek 470 and used that one on a model right away, too. No problems at all.
Thin the paint until it flows like milk.
Adjust the spray by spraying on a piece of paper or cardboard.
Then paint the model.
Then begin accumulating tips and techniques. Read a lot of books and magazines.
This approach has worked for me.
Enjoy your VII C!
sasu