One advantage to a single action brush is that it is usually simpler to disassemble (and particularly to re-assemble) for cleaning.  While it is harder to get fine lines for things like camouflage, it is not impossible. It is a real trade.  Either one can be mastered, and it isn't as big or important of a choice as, say, which compressor to get.

My first airbrush was a Paasche H, which I bought about 27 or so years ago, I still have that brush, so far the only thing I have replaced is the seals once (probably didn't need to, but it spent 15 years stored in a unheated unloved garage in a wet climate) and a bent needle (my fault). I still have that airbrush, I will probably never get rid of due to modelers pack-rat-itis, and sentimental attachment.

It has been replaced by a Paasche VL which has actually seen little use, I kept going back to the H, as it was easier to master, and three Talons (one siphon feed and two top feeds) but if I wanted to shoot a fast monochrome colour or doing big areas (think model railroad scenery) I would reach for it before any of the double actions, once it is set, it is just blast blast blast.

So the down fall of the H, is that you have to stop and adjust your spray lines, or do ore masking, not a big deal really and it all amount to more practice. But you definitely would not be "under gunned"

They are not that hard to master,and you will have the benefits of a more advanced airbrush

Hatfield321

I am in the market for my first airbrush. I have narrowed it down to a single action airbrush for around $50.

I have been eying the Paashe H over at Amazon.

Does anyone own this airbrush? Do you like it? Good? Bad? Ugly?

Recommendations?

You may want to check out the Neo for Iwata at Amazon.

It is NOT a real Iwata, but the best Iwata knock-off that I came across. It is better to start off with a double action which is much easier to learn from. The trigger on a single action airbrush is sensitive and difficult to control. (It may make less difference to people with more skillful hand. But I am talking about the average modeler.)

I had a Paasche H as my first airbrush and kept it for 18 years until I switched over to an Iwata Eclipse HP-CS 5 years ago. I regreted that I did not do it sooner. I used the Paasche H very little because it is difficult to learn from and inconvenient to change color. A double action gravity feed airbrush is much easier to clean and to change color using back flush.

The Neo will give you good service. Spare can be had at Hobby Lobby cheaply. When you save more fund, I will highly recommend that you upgrade to the HP-CS.

I use and have been using the Iwata Neo CN, its gravity fed, dual action and sprays hairline thin lines.  You can get them for cheap about $45 from Hobby Lobby with the 40% off coupon.

I second the Paasche H.  If I were restricted to having only one, that would be it.

Thanks all. I might have to look a little more into the Badger brand.

Don't know where you live but if you have an A.C. Moore near you, you might want to check them out-they are in the process of clearing out their airbrush inventory-just picked up a Badger 360 for $49.-

Badger 150 is a great versitle airbrush,doulble action and can be used for years

I would ask this question in the painting and airbrushing forum.  That is about the most active forum in the tools, techniques and reference hierarchy.

Check Don Wheeler's Airbrush tips

https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/home

A collection of airbrush tips and reviews.

A very interesting and informative site.

The Paasche H is my first and only airbrush so  far.   I've had mine for about 25 years and have used it to paint every one of my models.  With some practice and a little skill and patience, one can achieve very nice work with the model H but it has its limitations.  At the moment, I'm considering a new double-action AB for work at low pressures and really thin paint.  The model H has been around since the 30's or even earlier I'd say.  It is a work-horse that will last.   Good luck with whatever you choose.

Gary