1st airbrush and compressor

A double action, gravity fed brush from a reputable manufacturer would be your best bet, other than making sure that you go for a mid size needle/nozzle combination (0.2>0.4 dependent on the particular brand) you can't really go wrong. On the compressor side, a piston compressor with a filter / regulator and output in excess of 0.5CFM will work just fine - if you can afford one with an air tank, all the better (reduces compressor wear, helps reduce moisture problems & makes the compressor less obtrusive in noise terms).

With regards to kits, you will often find that you will pay through the nose for things that you may never use, generally speaking with the exception of paint all you need is an airbrush, compressor & hose. An airbrush stand is an often overlooked item - especially when using a gravity fed brush.

Thanks so much for the advice, greatly appreciated! - I am thinking about buying the Iwata Eclipse CS airbrush (I think it comes with a 0.35mm needle/nozzle and a 0.5mm needle/nozzle) and an Iwata Studio Series Smart Jet Plus Handle Tank Compressor which I think has everything you suggest - what do you think? I presume this is fine with thinned enamal paints (stupid question?)? 

Grateful for your thoughts on how troublesome this might be for cleaning/changing over to another colour, etc?

Karl

Better yet get a Badger Krome for about the same price.

KarlCr

I am thinking about buying the Iwata Eclipse CS airbrush (I think it comes with a 0.35mm needle/nozzle and a 0.5mm needle/nozzle) and an Iwata Studio Series Smart Jet Plus Handle Tank Compressor which I think has everything you suggest - what do you think? I presume this is fine with thinned enamal paints (stupid question?)? 

The Eclipse CS (or the Krome as Mike suggests) are both fine airbrushes for the job, the Iwata compressor is also fine for the job, but they are somewhat expensive for what you get. Sparmax manufacture Iwata's compressors & comparative Sparmax products (with a regular tank as opposed to a handle tank) can often be found for somewhat less than the Iwata versions. I'm assuming that you're from the US, in which case you may have to have a good scour about to find a Sparmax, but they are available.

Yes, fine with thinned enamel paints. 

Milairjunkie

the Iwata compressor is also fine for the job, but they are somewhat expensive for what you get. Sparmax manufacture Iwata's compressors & comparative Sparmax products (with a regular tank as opposed to a handle tank) can often be found for somewhat less than the Iwata versions. I'm assuming that you're from the US, in which case you may have to have a good scour about to find a Sparmax, but they are available.

In UK, the Revell Master Klass Kompressor is a good buy. Same as the Iwata Power Jet, but at much lower price. At Wonderland Models.

In US, the Sparmax TC-5000 is the equivalent. At Madison Art Shop.

Thanks again for your reply.

I checked out the master class compressor and it certainly is better value but the problem is that Wonderland don't do the Iwata Eclipse CS airbrush, or any Iwata airbrushes, and, as you mentioned, its probably best to get both from the same supplier.

Could you recommend any of the airbrushes that Wonderland do that might be of similar quality? They don't seem to do the Badger Krome that Mike suggested either.

Grateful for any more guidance on what to do/what other suppliers might be good to look into?

Karl

KarlCr

Thanks again for your reply.

I checked out the master class compressor and it certainly is better value but the problem is that Wonderland don't do the Iwata Eclipse CS airbrush, or any Iwata airbrushes, and, as you mentioned, its probably best to get both from the same supplier.

Could you recommend any of the airbrushes that Wonderland do that might be of similar quality? They don't seem to do the Badger Krome that Mike suggested either.

Grateful for any more guidance on what to do/what other suppliers might be good to look into?

Karl

You don't need to buy both from the same vendor. If you are in UK, check out Milairjunkie wet site. You get a price advantage buying the Harder & Steenbeck brand because it is made in EU. The H&S Evolution Silverline is a very good value. Shop around. I am in US and don't really know where the best deals are in UK.