I have two coupons from our local Michaels for 50% discounts. They have Badger 150 and Badger 175 kits on the shelf. (Kits are the air brush, hose, 3 bottles, cup, minor accessories). They also have the Cyclone compressor (I didn't see an accessory moisture filter, don't think Badger sells one).
SO... which one would better server my needs for structure painting and weathering? I will not be doing fine detail work on rolling stock or locomotives.
Thanks in advance.
Alan
Co-owner of the proposed CT River Valley RR (HO scale) http://home.comcast.net/~docinct/CTRiverValleyRR/
The versatility of the Badger Model 150 dual action, internal mix, siphon (bottom) feed airbrush, allows for a broad range of applications, making it the "classic" airbrush in the Badger line.Features and Applications:• The Model 150 sprays properly reduced acrylics, acrylic enamels and lacquers, • gouaches, fabric colors, inks, dyes, watercolors, all of Badger airbrush ready paints.• The Model 150 is used by everyone from artists to taxidermists and auto• customizers to furniture refinishers.• The included three needle & nozzle sizes enable this versatile airbrush to spray• with fine detail as well as background spraying.• • Fine (F) pencil line to 2" spray pattern.• • Medium (M) 1/32" to 2 1/2" spray pattern.• • Heavy (H) 1/16" to 3" spray pattern• The Model 150 accepts a 1/4 oz. color cup for small volume painting needs, or• three larger size paint jars (3/4 oz., 2 oz., & 3 oz.) can be used for bigger jobs.
Features and Applications:
• Spray regulators/tips change easily for greater flexibility on the fly, no tools • required.• Snap-off handle allows for quick needle changes and cleaning. • Sprays properly reduced acrylics, enamels, lacquers, gouaches, fabric colors, inks, • dyes, watercolors and all of Badger airbrush ready paints. • Used by T-shirt artist, fine artists, fabric designers, custom automotive painters, • model painters, and taxidermists. • Three needle & nozzle sizes are available that enable this versatile airbrush to • spray with fine detail as well as background spraying.• • Fine (F) pencil line to 2" spray pattern.• • Medium (M) 1/32" to 2 1/2" spray pattern.• • Heavy (H) 1/16" to 3" spray pattern
I have both the badger 150 and the 175. Both are great airbrushes and work well. I have noticed the medium tip and needle on the 175 gives a slightly broader spray pattern than the medium tip and needle the 150 comes with. Other than that they both give about the same results.
When it comes to cleaning them I find the 175 easier to clean as it comes apart without the use of a small wrench like the 150 needs to remove the head. The 150 also has a small teflon washer you have to make sure you do not loose and does need replacement from time to time.
The 175 also has a fatter body which I find it gives you something more to grip while spraying but some people prefer the pencil like feel of the 150.
I do not think you could go wrong with either one. If they are the kits that come with the fine, medium and heavy tips and needles you will be able to do everything from fine detailing to broad coverage. Some kits just come with a medium tip and needle and for structure painting that will be fine and will still allow you to do finer painting. I only ever use the fine and medium tips and needles that both of mine came with. I have never used the heavy tips at all.
Wayne Reid