Hi,
I read an old post somewhere in here that I found where a member was asking about CAT compressors. He wanted to know the basics about them, and at that time no one around had any experience using this brand. Well...I have been surfing the web for a new airbrushing compressor, and doing alot of research on different models, brands, and capacities for different applications.
I have to admit, I was leaning toward one of the tankless models but I really wanted something that would build up pressure and then cut off and not take all day to pump up again. I also wanted something that wasn't as loud as a D9 Caterpillar with a straight pipe, and wouldn't wake up the dead when it did cut on and run..... It also HAD to be something that I didn't have to take out a loan at the bank to be able to afford.
To cut the story short, I made my decision and ordered a California Air Tools model 1650A Ultra Quite Oil Free 1/2 HP 1.6 Gallon Tank Compressor last week. It was delivered to my door today, and I have to say that I am extremely impressed with it. This little compressor delivers everything that the advertisement claims that it will do, and more. No it isn't designed to run a 3/4" air ratchet, or powerful enough to pump up tractor trailer tires. But it is absolutely perfect for airbrushing plastic models, and most any small scale hobby that one would want to do inside the home, with power to spare. It is a quite running compressor as well. I can carry on a conversation with the Wife with no problems when it is running and I can dial the regulator down to 12 - 15 psi for low pressure work and with my airbrush, I can spray and spray and spray before the motor kicks back on again.
I just wanted to give everyone my small opinion on this thing, and the only accessory that is missing with this package is a moisture trap, but that ain't a problem either.. I can pick one of those up at the local hardware store this week. I know that when I was looking around, there wasn't much info on the modeling forums that I could find about them to help me make my decision. It was a toss up for me between this one and a couple of other well known brands, but for the difference in money I chose the 1/2 hp and the 1.6 Gal. CAT for less than half of the price of the competitive brand. So..... there it is.... and hopefully it'll last for many years and bring many smiles to my face.
I hope that this review might answer some questions for someone down the road sometime. I know that I personally read everything that I can find, and every review that I can find on a power tool before I hand out my deflated dollar bills for a new purchase... I'm just cautious these days 
Hope this helps someone.