Which do you prefer?

I have both the Iwata hp-cs and a Harder and Steenbeck Evolution Silverline Solo. I use the HP-CS for most modeling task because:

1. Familiarity because I got the Iwata first.
2. Spare are cheap and easy to get from local Hobby Lobby store.

Both can meet your requirement of general and free hand camo tasks with ease. I will put the Badger Krome in the same league too. All three are solid values on my book.

I have other airbrushes, Badger Patriot 105 Fine, Neo for Iwata, Paasche H and 2 made-in-China knock-offs. They will not cut it as good long term modeling investments. But they can all do a reasonable job in a pinch.

Find the airbrushes at local stores. Try them on your hand to feel the balance and the trigger before you decide. The price differences are small and should not be a decision factor.

Forum member Don Wheeler has an airbrush website that's an excellent resource for sorting out different brands, models and features:

Don's Airbrush Tips

Having said that, I'm a dedicated fan of the Badger Anthem. Of the many ABs I've dealt with over the years, it's the easiest to use, very easy to clean, and seems to do anything and everything I've ever needed with a minimum of fuss.

Don's Badger Anthem review

It's a matter of taste, really. Both are great airbrushes.

I like the Iwatas better, but I know many people who love their H&S airbrushes.

If possible, try to find some seller who has both, so you can feel which one that feels best in your hand. In the end it is you who should use it, and little matter how much we like it or not.

The Eclipse HP-CS or the Evolution 2in1?

That's a hard question as both are excellent airbrushes & both would be more than capable of doing what you are looking for. The Evolution obviously comes with an extra needle/nozzle set & paint cup that the HP-CS doesn't & it also comes in a sturdy plastic storage case as opposed to the HP-CS's foam lined card & acetate box. The Evolution also has more "expandability" available down the line with a choice of 4 needle/nozzle sets & various paint cups - the HP-CS has a fixed paint cup, but it does have optional 0.5mm needle, nozzle & nozzle cap available for it.

Parts for the Evolution should be slightly cheaper than the Eclipse, but the Eclipse parts seem to be slightly tougher, so it works out six one, half a dozen the other.

If you do plump for the Evolution 2in1, for all the price difference you would be as well to go with the Evolution Silverline 2in1 - It does away with the standard Evolution's rubber grip rings on the centre body (which can be prone to deterioration from solvent) & you also get "Paint Volume Control" on the handle, which is a needle travel limiter that allows you to limit the amount of paint going through the airbrush (it can be handy for repeatability).

A few months ago at my model club a  couple of blokes that work in the modelling industry were invited down to give an airbrushing demonstration. They brought and used several different Harder And Steenbeck double actions. Its the only AB brand they use and carry and they swear by them. I have never used one, but H&S being German designed and built I have no reason to disbelieve them. Therefore, I must suggest the H&S evo 2 in 1 over your other choice. Good luck hope this helps

It will be very temping to go with one of the cheap Chinese knock-offs. I've heard of people that have no problem with the knock-offs and I've heard of people that have had problems with the brand names. So take that for what its worth. Purely anecdotal.

The concern with the knock-offs if you do have problems one variable (and there are lots of them) could be the cheap construction/materials/design? Buying a brand name you can pretty much eliminate that one variable.

Hi modelmaker66,

You say you're new here so a BIG welcome. There are many here who use and love the Iwata HP-CS and I'm sure it's a fine airbrush. I have several brushes including Iwata (Revolution), Badger (150,200), Grex (XG), Harbor Freight (Chinese), Paasche (Model H) and H&S Evolution Silverline. The Evolution is the one always attached to my compressor and ready for use. It just 'feels right' to me and, obviously is my most used and preferred. It will do fine to broad strokes and I like it for (1) ease of cleaning, even the nozzle, (2) interchangeable paint cups,  (3) though not often needed parts are readily available. I think the choice between major brands is really a personal preference.  Not YMMV but OMWV - O(thers)M(Mileage)W(will)V(vary)

I use a Badger 150,it works great for large coverage as well as camo,it is sturdy,it breaks down easy for cleaning,and isn't too expensive.

Please help