I am returning to the hobby after a couple of decades hiatus. I knew I wanted to take my modeling to a higher level. To that end I bought an air brush and set up a paint station. Today with great trepidation I used that airbrush for the first time. To my supprise today's session was a complete success. Why did I wait so long to try an airbrush? To those who held the mystic aibrush in such awe, as I did, it IS easy to use and clean. I am not an "artist", nor will I ever be; but with the ease of use and control of an airbrush, I will get much better results. I urge you to try it youself.
I have one that's been sitting in my closet for years. One of these days I've got to dig it out and try it.
WilliekatWhy did I wait so long to try an airbrush?
I was in the same boat, myself, for decades. When I finally took the plunge and finally bought one, and I asked myself the same question. It was an inexpensive one I bought from an online company that's not around anymore. I bought it as a complete kit that came with a small compressor. It came with a medium tip, so I bought a better one (Badger 200H). I fell in love with it. So much so, that another modeler gave me his because it would spatter paint out. I sent it to Badger and they repaired it for free.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I have not done a lot with my airbrush. For me, viewing some good YouTube videos was a big help in understanding some key things about the painting, plus the cleaning.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
I’ve been using an airbrush for almost 40 years and I’m still only so so using it. I do pretty good with it for my E-7s and passenger cars. I have learned a lot over the years but not even close to what you see on YouTube videos.I found out that 3M automotive masking tape really helps. I was never any good using curved decals and figured out how to paint the Southern Pacific Daylight deep V with my airbrush.
Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
You can add me to the "me toos" on this list.
I did not begin aribrushing until after I switched to HO scale, about 25 years ago. All my N scale equipment was painted with a spray can.
After I began using the airbrush I was also thinking "Why did I wait so long?"
My biggest mistake was starting out with a double action internal mix airbrush. That was my only airbrush for about 5 years. When I bought a Paasche model H single action external mix, again... "Why did I wait so long?"
I use the model H for 90% of what I do. I think I am on my third one. I still have that 25 year old Badger model 150. I use it mostly for WW2 camo painting on armor models.
At least I did not wait any longer.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
While I'm not good enough to paint scantily clad women on the side of a Harley gas tank, I'm good enough with my Badger, bought in the mid 1980's. My regret is that I bought it with their noisy little compressor that found a way to suck water out of the air and mix it with the Floquil.
Now using a 5 gal pancake and water isn't a problem. There was a question, perhaps on this forum, of how to paint an N scale truss bridge with a rattle can. No problem with an airbursh. A rattle can is the wrong tool for the job.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Hi WillieKat,
Good going! I remember how intimidated I initially felt about airbrushing years ago. After starting out with a Paasche' VL, my rattle cans were "retired"!
Like many of us that started airbrushing, my first results were rough. But improved with practice. I've found airbrushing to be most enjoyable when I relax and take my time!
Respectfully, I suggest that modelers ALWAYS test spray a scrap material before engaging in the actual paint / clear job. It's such a potential headache saver. You'll see if your mix is too thin, too thick, or just right.
Tea can lids, coffee can lids, compact discs, compact disc cases, scrap styrene, scrap rolling stock shells, are excellent objects to test or practice airbrushing on. By practing on scrap materials, I was able to fine tune my paint mixing ratios and spray stroke speed / distance techniques.
Cleaning is important and easy. Points to the old adage that "A well taken care of tool is a reliable tool".
The initial investment is still cheaper than the price of some BLI locomotives.
Williekat I am returning to the hobby after a couple of decades hiatus. I knew I wanted to take my modeling to a higher level. To that end I bought an air brush and set up a paint station. Today with great trepidation I used that airbrush for the first time. To my supprise today's session was a complete success. Why did I wait so long to try an airbrush? To those who held the mystic aibrush in such awe, as I did, it IS easy to use and clean. I am not an "artist", nor will I ever be; but with the ease of use and control of an airbrush, I will get much better results. I urge you to try it youself.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"