So, I’ve just started to weather model trains and was wondering what airbrush is the best.
Sincerely, Model Trains And Railfanning
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9BLPXTEpi785ppPX7yLuQ
Hello MT&R,
Interesting question, but keep in mind that there are many airbrushes that might qualify as "the best". Depends on what your budget is and the level of quality that you're targeting.
If you're looking for a reasonably priced single action unit that's reliable, durable, and easy to maintain then consider the Paasche'- H. If you shop around, you can find them selling for about $30, or purchase the kit (which comes with tips, jars, etc.,) in the $40 to $50 range. (I prefer dual-action units, but I'm assuming that you're looking for something simple and straightforward).
Here's one being used to weather a Union Pacific locomotive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BAZY43a1ys
This is just my suggestion as there are a slew of "middle-of-the-road" priced airbrushes that work very well.
As with all quality airbrushes, keep your unit clean and you will enjoy MANY paint jobs with it.
Do you have a compressor on hand? Or will you be shopping for one?
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
Hello all,
I bought a Harbor Freight airbrush kit.
For the price this was a great deal despite the problems encountered.
Take a look at this thread: http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/253636.aspx
On eBay I found this one. At that price I decided to give it a try.
Both are dual-action airbrushes with adjustable needles.
When I tested the one from eBay it produced finer lines than the one included with the HF kit. I was amazed!!!
Badger makes top notch stuff and if you are an NMRA member there is a partnership discount. Unfortunately these are out of my budget.
As has been posted keep your airbrush clean and lubed. Learn how to completely disassemble the units and reassemble when all components are dry.
While at HF I also bought this Airbrush Cleaning Bottle. It really helps flush the units between colors.
Despite the initial problems with the HF compressor it was a pretty easy fix and I'm satisfied with both airbrushes I now have.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I [ersonally like the Pachee H airbrushh. It is a double action which means that you can control both the airand paint flows independently to get whatever flow that you need..
when you get your airbrush, practice on a piece of cardboard to get the feedl of the brush so you can the various paint and air combinatiuons that you might want to use.
I purchased a kit from Amazon. Came with a compressor and a bunch of paint and everything else needed to start right away. I figured it was a good place to learn. When I get better, I can graduate to a better brush and not have to buy anything else really. Have fun!
No, I do not have a compressor.
Also, checkout MicroMark.
They have a starter kit that includes a paint booth and other basics to get you going.
An airbrush is a handy tool, and depending on useage can have a broad learning curve. Though an airbrush in skilled hands can produce some mighty fine weathering, some of the most convincing weathering jobs I've seen were not done with an airbrush.
The HO GN boxcar was weathered almost entirely with an airbrush, but the weatherer was my son who uses his quiver of airbrushes primarily for artwork.
The HO GN coal hopper was weathered with Pan Pastels, pigment powders, panel line wash, colored pencil and artist oil paint. Though an airbrush was used for applying the clear coats and base paint on the trucks and wheel faces, the same could have been accomplished with a spray can and or brush. Must say I've always had difficulty laying down a nice smooth clear coat via spray can.
I'm far from accomplished with an airbrush, but have a Badger 200 single-action bottom feeder that I've enjoyed using for many years and now learning to use a Badger double-action gravity feed brush, in my case I tend to agree with at least one expert who believes that starting with a double-action is best as that negates having to unlearn single-action.
Quality tools cost more, but when properly cared for can last a lifetime or longer, I still use some of my late father and grandfather's tools.
Best wishes and regards, Peter
Thank you all for your very helpful advice! You have truly helped me!