wip French Spad XIII Fighter.
Old and only wip process I have as of 2025 late. This would be my last aircraft model in the long run until I commit to buy a new air compressor. Until then, this will be hand painted as intended.
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You mentioned that you’re holding off on more aircraft until you buy a new air compressor. You might want to take a look at the Gaahleri TURBO X Mini before spending a lot of money.
I’ve been using one myself, and I think I paid somewhere around $50–60 for it. It doesn’t have a tank, but so far that hasn’t been an issue at all. It’s small, quiet, has a nice digital pressure display, and has been working great for my airbrushing.
In fact, I’m using it tonight. Here’s a picture of it sitting at my bench.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from something that inexpensive, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by it. Might be worth a look if the cost of a compressor is what’s keeping your airbrush on the sidelines.
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Hey Samphoto,
I am happy that somebody out of the community came by to say hello and make a few suggestions. Really makes me happy that.
Yes, I have looked at a few compressors of this type, and guess its only a matter of time before I buy one.
Space is my limiting factor for now for I will focus on figures/miniatures for their small size and ease of storage. Or anything that is simpler to paint with brush alone. Will return to aircraft/armour/navy in the near future.
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You’re very welcome!
And as you can see from the photo, that compressor really is tiny. That’s one of the reasons I bought it. It’s the smallest airbrush compressor I’ve seen, and it takes up almost no room on the workbench.
If space is your biggest limitation right now, something like this might eventually be a good solution.
And welcome again to the forum!
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That Gaahleri compressor is super cool! Does it constantly run while using it? Honestly though, a $60 compressor is a steal of a deal.
I’d also like to add that if you’re looking for a compressor I recommend looking on Facebook marketplace. I’ve gotten two compressors and an airbrush on there. I picked up a fully running iwata compressor that retails at over $400, for only $50. If you look around a bit you could get a pretty good deal!
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The SPAD is a classic. I built one as a kid along with the Fokker triplane and an se5.a - seems they were everywhere in the 70s. I switched to CO2 over 30 years ago and wouldn’t go back to compressors (though I have a cheap backup). Silent and dry - initial investment is a bit but thought I’d throw that in for your consideration.
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Yes, it runs while using it, but it is very quiet so I don’t mind at all. I think it was $65 and included a basic airbrush (which I didn’t want). It’s been great and I love that it takes up almost no space.