Ok so here I am, new hobby, and gathering materials to have the workbench of a champions. Took a little trip to Hobby Lobby and a local Model Train shop. I was excited UNTIL I got the bill. Well once my loving fiance' recovered from her fainting spell, I asked the question, "I wonder if I really need a dual action airbrush and small compressor?"
I read the thread about weathering track and giggled at the thought of hand panting every rail. I believe the exact quote was, "handpainting all your rails is like cutting your lawn with fingernail clippers." So I ask, would you consider the airbrush kit to be a mandatory item or a luxury item?
I have an air brush some place, but rarely use it. I used to paint my track however I found that if I leave it the rails develop a nice patina over time. For most of my painting chores I use spray cans.
If you do buy an air brush you can cut costs by using a car tire in place of the compressor as an air supply.
Hope this helps, Rob
If you're going to be doing a lot of custom painting of locomotives, it's a useful tool to have. Otherwise, you really don't need one. I think I've used mine maybe a dozen times since I got it some 20 years ago. I generally use spray cans, exterior latex house paint, or acrylic craft paints. For painting rail (especially if you're using aluminum or stainless), then a spray can will be fine. I agree with Rob in that if you're using brass rail, just let it weather naturally. Some rails take longer than others (three or four years in some cases) but they do turn a nice shade of brown after a while.
I use a regular air compressor (the kind used to power air tools, etc) to run my air brush, so if you're looking for an excuse to buy one of those, then the answer to the airbrush question is "YES, and I need a good air compressor to go with it."
Later,
K
Jason
First, let me say .
I bought an airbrush about 30~35(?) years ago when I was doing HO. Never used it when I was into N, and still have not used it in the garden. Rattle cans (spray cans) and house paint do the job now. Brass rails develop a most excellent natural patina over a few months. If you are using something other than brass rail, just grab a rattle can or two. On most projects now days I use a rattle can at the recommended 12~18 inches, then apply a light misting of secondary colors (weathering) from about 36~40 inches.
Tom Trigg
Like everyone else, I have one somewhere a nice single action Paasche. Played with it a bit but it takes some time to master and I have too much else to do! You can do a lot with the rattle cans and hand painted weathering.
Weathering track? A must for stainless or aluminum but just let brass do it naturally.
Stainless done with rattle can paint (not too bad to do if you do it before installing)-
This shows a new brass switch surrounded by old (all Aristo) -
-Brian
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