I started out years ago with a Badger 200IL, and it was a good brush. I have moved thru several airbrushes over the years, and Im totally sold on the Iwata. If you have a Hobby Lobby nearby, they may have a decent selection of Iwatas (mine does) along with the fifty percent off coupons that come out weekly avialable online at www.hobbylobby.com.
There are a number of compressors avialable there as well, and let me tell you they can be NOISY!
I currently run a one gallon tank/compressor combo from HomeDepot, and I fill the tank and then shut it off. Otehr far more expensive compressors run silently, and you can find those at bearair.com or dixieart.com
One peice of advice, dont buy cheap airbrushes, they dontlast at all!
Good luck!
David
Build to please yourself, and don't worry about what others think!
TI 4019 Jolly Roger Squadron, 501st Legion