Small Scale Military Headquarters

Am ramping up my bench for a return to scale modeling.

Paint selection must be acrylic, albeit I will have a pass for Alclad paint use for NMF. Am leaning towards Vallejo based on numerous recommendations and pre mixed colors. (my focus will be WWII planes 1:32)

That said, any feedback on airbrush selection? Harder & Steenbeck Evo Silverline has been given high praises.

Also, any feedback on pipettes, mixing cups, cleaning bowl and quiet compressor would be appreciated.

Thanks - Rick

I have always enjoyed my Iwata eclipse. The parts are easy to clean and replacement parts are easy to find.

i just use the cheap plastic pipettes and mix in the airbrush cup most of the time...

As for a compressor I would avoid the hobby compressors. They are overpriced, under powered and can have pulsing problems. I got a 3 gallon pancake compressor at sears for about $80 and used it in our apartment while i was in University with no complaints.
Don't be afraid to ask to plug it in the store to test the noise level. If I can save you any leg work I would go right to Sears,i tried all the Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart ones out and choose the Craftsmen Evolv from Sears. It has a built in regulator and has a replacement warranty. Make sure you get a moisture trap.

Hope this helps and good luck with the search.

Graeme

MZ826 wrote:I have always enjoyed my Iwata eclipse. The parts are easy to clean and replacement parts are easy to find.

i just use the cheap plastic pipettes and mix in the airbrush cup most of the time...

I agree with that 100% Cleaning my Eclipse is as simple as cleaning an M-16, strip it down, clean it off, lube it up, slap it back together and you're back in business.

Compressor-wise I use an Iwata Studio Series Sprint Jet and I have no complaints. It is quiet (quieter than my spray booth fan), it is consistent, and since I am in a pretty dry climate, the water-condensing issue is not applicable really. I still wouldn't see it being an issue in more humid areas as long as you monitor it (like you should with any compressor), and maintain it as the manual says.


-Kevin

I agree with that 100% Cleaning my Eclipse is as simple as cleaning an M-16, strip it down, clean it off, lube it up, slap it back together and you're back in business.

Compressor-wise I use an Iwata Studio Series Sprint Jet and I have no complaints. It is quiet (quieter than my spray booth fan), it is consistent, and since I am in a pretty dry climate, the water-condensing issue is not applicable really. I still wouldn't see it being an issue in more humid areas as long as you monitor it (like you should with any compressor), and maintain it as the manual says.


-Kevin
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Thanks for the Iwata feedback Kevin.

What type of spray booth do you use? I have zeroed in on the ArtoGraph 1530. Any thoughts?

(MZ826)
"As for a compressor I would avoid the hobby compressors."

Well i have the testor compressor and ive never had a problem with it...

Lots of people use and enjoy the hobby compressors, I just prefer the others.

MZ826 wrote:Lots of people use and enjoy the hobby compressors, I just prefer the others.

I under stand that but in a cheaper sense an industrial compressor might not be the way to go...

Molon Lave wrote: Thanks for the Iwata feedback Kevin.

What type of spray booth do you use? I have zeroed in on the ArtoGraph 1530. Any thoughts?

Sorry I didn't respond to this sooner, but I use a Hobby Expo HS-E420 portable one. It was $119 at the local hobby shop, and I had a 10% off coupon that I used when I bought it, so the total came to be about $119 after tax. It is an excellent little spray booth, and really handy if you don't have a lot of space.

http://www.modelexpo-online.com/product ... MNO=HSE420


-Kevin