paint color choice

QUOTE: Originally posted by cheech27 Ok here is my question, My local Wal-mart is the only store with any kind of modeling supplies. They carry the testors brand of paints. Is there any better brand out there.

If they are Testors Model Master paints then they are very good paints. If they are the little bottles then there are several much better brands; Gunze Sangyo, Humbrol, Tamiya, PolyScale, and a couple of others I can't remember.

Just for your information, there are three basic types of paints for modelers; Laquer, Enamel, and Acrylic. Acrylics are water based, so they are low in fumes and you can clean up with just water. Good for spraying indoors since they have virtually no fumes.

QUOTE: Also I am starting modeling again after many years, I will be doing war planes and armor vehicles. I am trying to figure out what colors I will need is there a basic set available for planes and armor.

Yes and no. Most military equipment adheres (or adhered) to either the AN (Army / Navy) standard or, more recently, the FS (Federal Standard). You can find the "Proper" colors for most military equipment that will match one of those standards. Most of them are listed here: http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/colorcharts/stuff_eng_colorcharts_fs.htm
Just determine what FS color you need and look it up on the chart to see who makes it.

If you aren't particular about specific shades then you can get by with just a few colors. You can also mix colors yourself if you are so inclined.

QUOTE: And one other thing, what is everyone's opinion on the airbrushes that use the propellant cans, I can't afford and air compressor

If you do much painting you'll invest more in those propellant cans than you would in an alternative air source. Compressors are only one way to go. Alternatives are air tanks for airing up tires (about $30 plus $20 for a regulator and $20 for misc. hardware). A CO2 tank is a very good alternative. They can sometimes be leased from places that fill tanks for beverage dispensers. You'll need a high-pressure regulator, but I understand they can sometimes be leased as well.

Welcome back to modeling and welcome to the forum!

Music city knows what he's talking about.
you will definetly pay more with the air cans then just getting a compressor. And if all you have to get supplies from is wal-mart. Then you'll want to get a compressor from a Sears, home depot or lowes for $99. I don't think Wal-mart has them. When I first bought my testors air brush at wal-mart with the can. The Airbrush had a leak and just to practice on the thing with that leak was a nightmare!!! Got one more can while shopping around for compressors. I ended up buying the Husky Easy Air and now it has become a beautiful experience. I love it. I'm still using the testors Airbrush too.
I thought I was going to have to get rid of it. But I'm going to up grade soon I'm just saving up and shopping around for the perfect airbrush for me and my old man!
As far as paints most people seem to prefer Acrylics. But you can also work with the Dupli-color or Krylon spray cans that wal-mart carries. Those are enamels but a lot of people use those too! But just pick up a couple model masters and testors basic earth tones, black and white. Then you can mix all kinds of variations of color for your planes and vehicles. I think testors has a basic armor color kit at W-M 6 colors or so. I never bought one but it might be a little cheaper to buy the kit, I'm not sure
Have fun with it and you soon being using things you never thought possible in your model building.
Cheers