Need some compressor / airbrush advice

My airbrush doesn’t leak… It’s just marking its territory.

The Badger Renegade Velocity is well reviewed and probably just fine for modeling. So is the Iwata HPCS. My personal choice, though, IS the Harder and Steenbeck Evolution - I don't think it has lesser performance than any of those mentioned. But, to add to the confusion, you might also look into the Grex Genesis XG - another fine airbrush in the $120 price range. Very similar to the Iwata HPCS - read Don Wheeler's review of the siphon feed version HERE. While on Don's site also look at the review of the Renegade and the H&S Evolution (and others).

I'll repeat what I've said many times 'choice of an airbrush is very personal'! How the AB feels to you, trigger pressure, etc and whether you enjoy using it are far more important than brand. All quality AB's will spray paint, most have interchangeable nozzle/needle sets and will do very fine to very broad coverage but if you don't enjoy using it, no matter the brand, it'll be a terrible AB.

keilau is absolutely right, all three are a good airbrush and a good purchase. Krome is $130.00, Iwata is $200.00 as well as the Harder and Steenback. The Iwata is a better overall airbrush with less beeps and whistles, the Krome has more advanced goodies and is better as a detail airbrush but can also do larger stuff but is more fiddly to clean. The Harder and Steenbeck is the lesser performance of the three.

WALLYR2004

Well, I have heard nothing but good things about the Sparmax tc-2000 compressor so that is what I will get for the compressor. Plus the price is right at $199,00 from Dixie Art Supplies in New Orleans. I found Dixies price to be $100.00 cheaper than  Hobby Lobby.

Now for the Air Brush......I may change my mind and am considering the Badger Renegade Velocity brush for $103.50. It's supposed to be good for doing fine and camo type painting and everything else in between. So, either the Badger or the Iwata Revolution CR for $99.95. Thanks to everyone so far for your comments.

My favorite all round modeling brush is the Iwata Eclipse HP-CS with the 0.35 mm nozzle standard.

I also have the Badger Renegade Krome and the Harder and Steenbeck Evolution Silverline Solo. The later too can do finer line than the Eclipse, but I still like the Eclipse as the best all round airbrush.

The Krome has the same nozzle and needle as the Velocity. Badger worked with Cyrus Tan to put what modeler usually like into the Krome design. Well worth the few extra dollars over the Velocity.

However, any of these 3 will push you over the $300 budget, but not by much. You can look into the Iwata Revolution BR which has the 0.3 mm nozzle. All the Iwata and other discussed here should have more detailing/free-hand capability than most modeler needs. You cannot go wrong with any of these.

Well, I have heard nothing but good things about the Sparmax tc-2000 compressor so that is what I will get for the compressor. Plus the price is right at $199,00 from Dixie Art Supplies in New Orleans. I found Dixies price to be $100.00 cheaper than  Hobby Lobby.

Now for the Air Brush......I may change my mind and am considering the Badger Renegade Velocity brush for $103.50. It's supposed to be good for doing fine and camo type painting and everything else in between. So, either the Badger or the Iwata Revolution CR for $99.95. Thanks to everyone so far for your comments.

I'm sorry to hear about the cancer. I wish you the best in beating it.

As for the TC-2000 I can say that it is a great compressor. I am also just getting back into modelling after ~ 20 years, and I had been using a small Campbell Hausfeld that my dad gave me. I worked adequately, but had several drawbacks. Firstly and most importantly it was very noisy. Basically Airbrushing was out after the kids went to bed, which is when I do most of my work. Second I never really found a satisfactory regulator or moisture trap. I broke down and bought the TC-2000 at Hobby Lobby with my 40% coupon. It has revolutionized my airbrushing. I have more confidence and I know that it won't kick in and scare the hell out of me at an inopportune time. There is no pulsation and it runs cool. Very nice compressor.

I have the Sparmax TC-2000 and am very pleased with its performance.  It is a high quality piece of equipment.

I think your choices are great. If it fits in your budget I'd get the 0.3mm needle/nozzle as well. You'll probably want it later for finer work and, the way Iwata prices are increasing - better now than later. And, the very best to you for the future. BTW, the TC2000 comes with an air hose that will work with the Revolution airbrush..

For the $300 budget, your choices are as good as it can get. Have fun modeling.

If you order both from the same vendor, talk him into throwing in the airhose.