Beginner buying an airbrush

Badger Anthem or Krome.

All major brands make good airbrushes.

Either .35 or .5mm nozzle size is OK.  .5mm is a little more forgiving.

A simple external mix airbrush like the Paasche H or Badger 350 can produce a very smooth finish.  Many car modelers use this type.  Avoid the Chinese copies.

Prices and spares availability may depend on where you live.

I would skip the canned gas and get a decent compressor with a regulator and moisture separator right off.  You will save yourself some frustration.

Don

Iwata HP-CS Eclipse. It comes with a .35mm needle/nozzle, but you can swap in a .5mm set (I believe for the HP-BR but that may be incorrect). Since I use an HP-C+ for most of my detail work, my Eclipse usually runs the .5mm setup.

You can snag one for a great price at Hobby Lobby using their 40% off coupon, as well as the parts you might need.

DoogsATX

Iwata HP-CS Eclipse. It comes with a .35mm needle/nozzle, but you can swap in a .5mm set (I believe for the HP-BR but that may be incorrect). Since I use an HP-C+ for most of my detail work, my Eclipse usually runs the .5mm setup.

You can snag one for a great price at Hobby Lobby using their 40% off coupon, as well as the parts you might need.

I second the H P-CS Eclipse recommendation for best all round use and value in modeling. Spare is cheap and convenient to get if you have a local Hobby Lobby.

The 0.5 mm nozzle/needle/crown parts are for HP-BS and cost less than $20 at Hobby Lobby with coupons.

I agree with Don Wheeler that a good compressor is necessary from day one. If budget is an issue, you may want to look into the house brands at BearAir or TCPGlobal. Otherwise, the Sparmax at Hobby Lobby are good choices.

In my opinion a compressor with regulator is more important than DA over SA, and whether gravity or suction feed.  Even the best brush will not give good results without a stable air pressure.  The can stuff will constantly change the pressure on you.  If money is a problem, consider a simpler, cheaper brush.  While I do have a DA brush, ninety percent of my airbrushing is done with a Badger 200 SA brush.

If you can stand the noise, you can get a small, cheap portable compressor for forty to fifty bucks.  Another option if you can plumb pipe through your house is compressor in garage with air piped into your workshop.

If you can't spring  for a compressor right now, I'd recommend going to a welding supply & getting a CO2 or nitrogen tank on a rental basis.  You want an inert gas that has a low moisture content.  When you get your compressor, make sure you get a decent  regulator & moisture trap.

As for the AB, I've used a Paasche VL for over 40 years.  It's a suction feed, comes with 1/4oz, 1oz. & 3 oz cups/jars and three tip/needle combinations for shooting anything from dye, to latex house paint.  It is a bit heavy for extreme sessions, but I've found it usable for up to 3 hours.  It's a very versatile AB at about $100 for a kit .  Check out  Don Wheeler's site for some very informative reviews, and Paasche.com for their info.

Reid

Thanks everyone. I have just ordered a compressor with a tank, moisture trap and regulator; a hose; and a double action gravity feed airbrush, all for £129! This will get me going and if or when I need better quality I will be able to make an informed purchase. I am also in touch with a modelling workshop every Saturday where I will learn a lot. Thanks agin.