Tamiya Spray Work airbrush kit- first airbrush ?

Airbrushes are very pricey in these parts...

If you're talking about the "all-in-one" Spray Work airbrush and compressor kit, the compressor is designed to run on a 7.2v R/C battery. If you don't have any of these handy, you will need at least two and a charging system, though I believe this unit can also be run off an AC adaptor.

I have been unable to find any information at all about the airbrush itself, so I couldn't say even if it's a single or a double-action unit. It does look like a proprietary design though.

On the other hand, if you're talking about Tamiya's Spray Work "HG" range, I believe they are manufactured by Iwata and rebranded for Tamiya.

Bgrigg wrote:

Also Lucky Model carries a selection of Tamiya and Sparmax brushes. I don't have personal experience but have heard they are quite decent.

I've seen Sparmax brushes in quite a few hobby shops around Sydney, so I am assuming they're reasonably widely available here in Aus. These are very similar to Iwata brushes, though I don't know if they are "copies" or manufactured under licence. (My understanding is that some of Iwata's compressors are manufactured by Sparmax).

I am currently using a Sparmax SP-35C and it's working pretty well for me. It's very well constructed (body and handle are chromed brass and it feels quie solid) . It has a very smooth, positive action and is very controllable. The spray pattern is very smooth and well defined (1.5 - 2mm lines easy, 1mm soon, with a bit of practice, hopefully). I guess the real test will be parts availability, should I need them...  

From what I can see, the Sparmax prices at LuckyModel are a little over half the local price..

I do too, but they can be pretty pricey Down Under. Just checked pricing at www.airbrushshop.com.au/ and their prices were staggering.

There is also Airbrush Australia, as a source for Iwata.

Try Hobby Link to see if they list the 100LG. They have the 100G with the fine head, but I find fine just a little too fine and the cup too small.

Also Lucky Model carries a selection of Tamiya and Sparmax brushes. I don't have personal experience but have heard they are quite decent.

Honestly, I have no experiance with the brush.  For beginners I typically recommend Badger's 100LG or Badger's Omni 4000. 

Edit: You're right Bill, I didn't notice that.