Trial run paint job

[JustaGuy59]

This is my first paint job in about 15 years when I use to build military models, these Heng Long tanks git me back into the hobby. I used the same air compresser from the same time and somewhat big for models but I did receive my Benchcraft airbrush compresser from Motion RC today so the next paintings shouldn't be so bad, it still needs to be weathered but didn't turn out too bad I guess.

[keilau]

Good start! What airbrushes do you use?

[MrChef]

Lookin Good!

Makes me want an airbrush even more.

[JustaGuy59]

Keilau
Thank you, it's just a cheap single action airbrush I bought probably 25 yrs ago when I started up a HO scale military train layout with my young "at the time" son. Still working good.

[keilau]

Lookin Good!

Makes me want an airbrush even more.

The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS Airbrush is my favorite. You pay a little more upfront, and it allows you to come up the learning curve faster.

[tank_me]

I have a Paasche Talon, but I don't think I'd recommend it. It's just PITA to clean IMO. I never let my paint dry in it, but it just seems like it never gets clean no matter how much cleaner I run through it. I am constantly having to remove the needle and having to disassemble it either before or after I use it to make sure it works right. It's just fiddly to me and I've even stopped putting things like varnish through it opting to use my old suction feed for that so I don't have to clean the Talon.

[keilau]

I have a Paasche Talon, but I don't think I'd recommend it. It's just PITA to clean IMO. I never let my paint dry in it, but it just seems like it never gets clean no matter how much cleaner I run through it. I am constantly having to remove the needle and having to disassemble it either before or after I use it to make sure it works right. It's just fiddly to me and I've even stopped putting things like varnish through it opting to use my old suction feed for that so I don't have to clean the Talon.

Airbrush is always a pain in the neck to clean. Paasche market the Talon as a detail airbrush, making it super delicate to clean. The Iwata Eclipse is a general purpose airbrush with slightly larger nozzle and less delicate needle. Besides, I believe Japanese airbrush maker use better steel for their needle than US airbrush makers.

When using an airbrush, the paint are usually thinned 3 to 1 or more and use multiple coats so that paint will not easily dry in the airbrush. It is more difficult to cover an 1/16 scale tank than the tiny 1/35.

[MrChef]

Keilau
Thank you, it's just a cheap single action airbrush I bought probably 25 yrs ago when I started up a HO scale military train layout with my young "at the time" son. Still working good.

I do agree.

The Iwata Eclipse HP-CS Airbrush is my favorite. You pay a little more upfront, and it allows you to come up the learning curve faster.

I have been looking lately. I did like what I've seen with the Badger Patriot 105.. I realize you get what you pay for but sub $100. would be ideal.

[keilau]

I do agree.

I have been looking lately. I did like what I've seen with the Badger Patriot 105.. I realize you get what you pay for but sub $100. would be ideal.

Modern airbrushes all work very well when new, even the cheaper made in China ones. I tested the Patriot 105, Neo for Iwata and a Powercat gravity feed airbrush which are all priced around $100. They all work similar to my Iwata Eclipse, but their needle are significantly softer than the Japanese Iwata needle. The needle material is a good predictor for longevity and early performance degradation. Yes, you get what you pay for and the genuine Iwata is a better buy in the long run.

I traded my Badger Patriot 105 for a Badger Renegade Krome which I had not used yet. For detail work, I prefer the Harder & Steenbeck Revolution Silverline Solo. The German made airbrush also uses very hard material for the needle.

My first airbrush was a Paasche Model H siphon feed airbrush. I ended up using it only a few times in 20 years because it requires complete disassembly to clean. With gravity feed, I blast it with cleanerfluid into a cleaning jag until the cleaner comes out clean. I can reuse it next time without fearing it gumming up. I still do complete cleaning after a few uses as good practice for longevity.

Don't get me wrong. The Badger Patriot 105, Neo for Iwata and a Powercat gravity feed airbrush can all serve you well for many years. The Powercat brand disappeared. The cheapest Neo for Iwata is at Hobby Lobby for $65. Badger is US based and has excellent customer service. PM me if you want more details.

[keilau]

I forget to mention that Hobby Lobby has a 40% off coupon most weeks. You can get the Iwata Eclipse HS-CP for under $100 using the coupon. You cannot find a better deal in airbrush than that.

[tank_me]

Resurrecting this thread as I think tomorrow I'm going to get an Iwata airbrush from Hobby Lobby. BTW, they stopped the 40% off coupon in Feb of this year apparently. Trying to paint my M60A2 with my Talon and I'm about to throw it out the window.

[keilau]

Resurrecting this thread as I think tomorrow I'm going to get an Iwata airbrush from Hobby Lobby. BTW, they stopped the 40% off coupon in Feb of this year apparently. Trying to paint my M60A2 with my Talon and I'm about to throw it out the window.

Make sure that you get the Iwata Eclipse model:

https://www.hobbylobby.com/Crafts-Hobbies/Model-Kits/Airbrushes/Iwata-Eclipse-All-Star-Versatility-HP-CS-Airbrush-Kit/p/848

Avoid the Iwata NEO models which are NOT real made in Japan Iwata. The US importer of Iwata get it made elsewhere. They were decent airbrushes when new, but do not last the way that a real Japanese Iwata does. PM me if you are interested in the Iwata NEO. I have a partically new NEO airbrush that I can offer for any offer.