I just picked up a Badger Dual action airbrush and plan on using it today for the first time.
I also have the Badger 200 single action internal mix. I have been using it for about three years and I love it. It is easy to use, easy to clean, and does a beautiful job. I highly recommend it especially for someone just starting out (this was my first airbrush). I use mine with a Pasche compressor and get along great.
Ron
Owner and superintendant of the N scale Texas Colorado & Western Railway, a protolanced representaion of the BNSF from Fort Worth, TX through Wichita Falls TX and into Colorado.
Check out the TC&WRy on at https://www.facebook.com/TCWRy
Check out my MRR How-To YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/RonsTrainsNThings
Hornblower is right on - You can pick up the HFT dual action air brush for $20-25 depending on their sales. They also have decent small compressors with regulators and the braided flex line. I have a Badger 200 single action/internal mix air brush that I got over 40 years ago - Still works fine. I also have a Badger 105 dual action/internal mix 'Patriot' I bought a few years ago. I picked up the HFT dual action/internal mix air brush a few months ago when it was on sale. It does not have the super fine control of that Badger 'Patriot', but works just fine for normal paint work. I feel that it is a great value for someone starting out. You are going to have 'growing pains' getting used to an air brush, and will find out 'cleaning' after use is mandatory - But it will open new modeling avenues to you. And where else can you get a good air brush for that price?
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Since you've never used an airbrush before, there are several ways to proceed. The best is to visit someone that already owns and uses airbrushes (hopefully both single and dual action) and have them teach you airbrushing and show you all the care and equipment necessary. Another is to buy cheap airbrushes, make all your mistakes and novice damage to cheap airbrushes you won't mind tossing, then buy a good quality set-up depending on which type of airbrush you prefer. A third is to buy both single and dual action airbrushes from Harbor Freight Tools along with a compressor with a storage tank (very important when you don't want your air stream to pulse).
Although most modelers will claim the HFT units are crap, I and others have been using them with great success. Their single action airbrush is a virtual clone of the Badger 350 and works quite well once you learn to use it. Their dual action airbrush is a surprising value and also works quite well once you learn to use it. The biggest secret to any airbrush is to keep it as clean as possible.
HFT also offers several small "contractor" style air compressors with 2 or 3 gallon storage tanks that would work well for airbrush use. Just make sure to add an in-line regulator with moisture trap. If the compressor is a little noisy, buy a long air hose so you can get yourself further away from it. The best thing about the HFT contractor style air compressors is that they are much cheaper than name brand airbrush style air compressors and can be used for other tasks such as powering staple/brad nailers and other air tools you might use around the house/layout. Since I already owned a larger compressor plus a portable air tank from my auto racing days, I charge the portable air tank from my compressor in my garage, then take the portable air tank to my work space. The air tank is very quite and gives me about 20 cumulative minutes of airbrush time before I need to recharge. DO NOT plan to use canned air for your airbrush for anything beyond a trial run. It becomes expensive fast and doesn't work very well.
Just remember that it takes practice to learn to use an airbrush. Do not pull out your favorite loco and start painting. Go to a dollar store and pick up a few pieces of plain white poster board. Practice on the poster board with different paint types, thinning ratios (yes, most paints will require significant thinning before they can be sprayed) and air pressures. If your airbrush includes them, try the different nozzle/needle sizes. Thoroughly clean the airbrush between each and every paint/color change. Get to know your airbrush completely before you try painting the real project. If some amount of time (weeks/months) passes between painting projects, practice again before you start the next project. Let's face it, airbrushing requires a bit of skill that not every modeler possesses. I'd hate to see you shell out serious money only to find that you just can't get comfortable using one.
Hornblower
Thanks for all of your advice.
alloboard Ok I'm ready to buy an airbrush. I've never used one before. I do acknowledge that the two most popular brands are Paasche and Badger I'm at their website page here: http://www.paascheairbrush.com/Products-Airbrushes.html http://www.badgerairbrush.com/Airbrushes.asp I did proceed and took a look at their products but was still baffled by the many number of items they have. Which one would you choose as a beginner? I need something like an all in one kit. I need the most basic yet good quality. I'm only painting a resin shell one metallic color.
Ok I'm ready to buy an airbrush. I've never used one before. I do acknowledge that the two most popular brands are Paasche and Badger I'm at their website page here:
http://www.paascheairbrush.com/Products-Airbrushes.html
http://www.badgerairbrush.com/Airbrushes.asp
I did proceed and took a look at their products but was still baffled by the many number of items they have. Which one would you choose as a beginner? I need something like an all in one kit. I need the most basic yet good quality. I'm only painting a resin shell one metallic color.
If you do a "Search our Community" (box to the left ---->) with "airbrush" you'll see over 5,500 links to posts in various threads. The subject almost always seems to turn into an nasty battle of opinions whenever someone asks. There are several good videos on airbrushing located on YouTube. Since my reentry into the hobby, I've seen Badger, Paasche and Iwata all display their support for model railroading. I'd also suggest looking for any shops or clubs that might be holding clinics.
I just started airbrushing in earnest a year ago. I have had a Badger single action external mix one that I found hard to adjust and clean for a long time and it held me back from really trying.
Next I got a Badger Universal 360 which was an internal mix double action type. I really like the way it sprayed etc, but couldn't get the hang of pulling the trigger back and forth to control the paint. I locked it in place and it was OK. It was much easier to clean too.
Next I bought a Badger NH-200 (Bottom Feed). This is a single action internal mix air brush. I really like this one and it is easy to use. It is metal and has a nice feel. It is easy to use, adjust, and clean. Be aware that an internal mix brush must be cleaned carefully because it is easy to damage the needle and the nozzle.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I've used the Pasche external mixing airbrush for years now. It's sturdy, rugged and easy to clean. If a part breaks they will send you a replacement and you can also get upgrades and extra accessories. If I were starting now I'd seriously consider the airbrushes available at Harborfreight Tools. They are 'way cheaper and a friend of mine who bought one tells me they work fine.
My first airbrush was a Binks Wren, single action puppy. I used it for many years with outstanding results and still use it for weathering.
Couple of things I have learned from the use of varying airbrushes.
1. Visit your local art store that has several varieties and discuss them with one of their folks who is hopefully knowledgeable on the subject.
2. Test the varying airbrushes for how they feel in your hand.
The drawback to the Binks airbrush is its smaller diameter versus my big paws.....
A few years ago I switched to a Paasche VL and installed the Paasche chrome handle on it to give it plenty of heft for my big hands. As much as I enjoyed the use of the Binks, the Paasche has it beat hands down for me (no pun intended on hand size) when it came to grip.
I suggest any modeler wanting to start airbrushing test the various airbrushes for how they feel in your hand.
A good single action airbrush can be had for a reasonable price, and the money you may save on one of these can go towards purchase of a compressor which is an absolute must if you plan to accomplish lots of airbrushing.
I have probably gone a bit over board here, based upon your question, but once I tried airbrushing, I got "hooked"!!