Having decided to get back into modelling after 30 years or so, I am investigating the purchase of a new airbrush. The one I had, and come to that still have, is an ancient Badger, single action, model unknown. I remember that it needed some TLC (Tender loving care) and various spares to get it working again, but not knowing which model it was made obtaining these at the time a bit of a problem, and I imagine more so now. In addition it was purchased 30+ years ago whilst in the UK, and modelling is not a huge hobby here in South Africa, so choice is very limited. I have just been to have another look at it and other than the name Badger on the box and a serial number on the AB itself there is no indication as to model.
My local suppliers, can offer me a choice of two brands, badger and another company by the name of Aztec, which I have never heard of. Unfortunately, having been out of the system so long, I have no idea as to what is necessary or excessive. Can someone please suggest which model, by either of the two mentioned brands, would be a resonable single action airbrush for modelling.
If you can post up a pic of your airbrush I’m sure someone here will be able to identify it. Being 30+ years old may not be as big a problem as you imagine. I have a 20-something year old Badger 200 which is more or less identical to one of the 200 series brushes in the current line-up, so parts aren’t a huge problem (not that I’ve needed any - it’s still going strong).
I used an Aztek, quite happily, for well over a year. It stopped working, and I picked up a Badger 200G and 155. I enjoy both of them very much, and prefer them over my Aztek. I’m sold on Badger now!
Thanks for the advice phil_h. I have looked in the archive to ascertain how to post pictures and I think I have it sorted out. If so the picture should be below.
In case the image is not clear enough this is what I do know and I assume that it is one of the more basic models.
1.It is a Badger
It is single action
It is siphon/bottom feed
It is at least 25 years old
It has a serial number 75606
There is a small brass washer between to tip component? and the front end. Obviously the correct nomenclature is beyond me at this stage, but it will come in time.
If anyone can identify the model for me I can then determine if it is financially viable to obtain spares to get it working again.
I’m almost certain that it’s an earlier iteration of the Badger 200 series. It appears to have the 100/150 series head/tip assembly as used on the older models in the 200 series. If this is the case, these parts are certainly still available, as is the needle.
Here’s a parts diagram for the B200 that I have (mid-late 80’s vintage) - If I recall correctly, it’s essentially the same as the B200-20 which is available today.
You can drop Ken at Badger an email at kenbadger@aol.com - and attach the pic of your airbrush. Ken will be able to tell you if the current parts are usable in your airbrush.
I know I’m not talking about cheap here but the Harder & Steenbeck (German) is a top of the line airbrush. I recently bought me the new model Infinity, and this is a jewel. This airbrush could be found for about $250.00 (reg. $320.00) but it’s worth the investment. The Evolution, also made by H&S, is known to be a war horse and is a little cheaper than the infinity. Do your homework and check it on the web.
