Hi all.I’m Paolo,36 years of age and live in the UK.I’ve just got back into modelling and i’ve bought Academy’s B17 ‘Memphis Belle’.I’ve also bought a Badger 250-2 “cheap as fish and chips” airbrush as my budget is very small.I’m planning on using ‘Humbrol’ enamels and need some pretty serious tips on airbrushing as i’ve never done it before…
Hi and welcome to the forums Paolo!
I recently found my way back to modelling after 5 years…
The others will have a lot of tips concerning airbrushes and colors, you´ll see! I´m still too unexperienced here as well.
And maybe ´shrikes´ can provide You with some tips about the B-17. He loves this old lady as far as I know!
Hello Paolo, basically the same story here except I’ve got a year on you. I meant to check in here, but scrolled right to the Space forum for my first (of many I’m sure) question. Making a trip to the local hobby store today, no set plan to buy anything specific yet.
-Neil
Welcome to the forums, paoloski!
…And to you, fnord!
As for getting started in airbrushing, nothing beats practice. The best way, to get the feel for the brush, is by spraying on some white paper. You will be able to get a feel for how the paint flows. You want to shoot for a nice pattern or line, with minimal overspray or “spattering” Try this with lager patterns and smaller patterns. Another good way to practice, is on an older model (if you have one) It also give you a chance to test the brush with different air pressure. The best pressure (for me anyway) is between 7-15 PSI. I’m assuming that, you already have a compressor?
Another tip is to make sure that you have a moisture trap installed. All compressors will get droplets of water built up in the tank itself (the nature of compressed air) The trap will catch those droplets before getting to your airbrush and mixing with the paint.
As for mixing paint and thinner, a good rule of thumb is the consistancy of milk. Again, once you start playing around, you will be able to tell if the paint is too thin or too thick.
One major issue, that is often overlooked, is to keep the airbrush clean. Proper cleaning between uses keeps the brush in good working order. If not, you will begin to see the spatter or bad paint flow (not a good thing when painting the model you worked so hard on)
I know it’s a lot of information but, just take your time and experiment. I used to paint strictly from a spray can until I finally purchased an airbrush. I have been using one for over 5 years now and don’t know how I managed without it.
The painting forum can answer any other questions you may have.
Good Luck!
Welcome back to the craft and to forum. I’m a brush man myself and haven’t fully mastered it yet but there is lots of great help and ideas here.
Welcome to the forums, paoloski and Neil! I haven’t been here in the forums for too long, but i’ve learned LOADS! (i wouldn’t have found out about bare metal foil, future or even how to use putty with out the great tips here!)
Paoloski, I work on a limited budget too, and have yet to buy an airbrush (though i am eyeing a Badger Crescendo 175 i saw recently…). Theoden is right, i really love the B-17! I assume you mean Academy’s 1/72 offering… if that’s the case, then the photo you see in my signature (if it’s working today) is that model. It’s a good value for money (though i’m a bit peeved by the lack of detail in the interior, but then again it’s 1/72).
You’ll want to watch out for seams as the fusealage halves come together as there are so many little bits to make sure are in place. Also, Watch out for a seam where the cockpit windscreen meets the fuselage. And most importantly, i think you ought to strengthen the tail wheel. you can’t see it in the picture, but the wheel strut has bent over time and it now rests on it’s tail!
Tell us how it goes! [:D]
Welcome to FSM Paulo & fnord amd welcome back to the hobby.
Enjoy the forums !!!
Hi, Paolo & Neil. Welcome to FSM both of you guys.
Hope you enjoy the forum.
Hi Paolo, welcome to the asylum. I’m sure of you peruse the airbrush section you’ll come up to speed quickly. Great info over there.
Welcome to the forum, Paoloski & fnord !
Browse through the painting & techniques pages. There’s TONS of info there.
Nothing beats practical experience. Try new things & experiment to find what works best for you. Its best to practice on an old kit, or one you probably won’t build. You don’t want to do any “experimenting” with a kit into which you’ve put a lot of hard work. And if you can’t find answers, post a question. People here are more than willing to help a fellow modeler.
And above all, have fun & enjoy the site !
Welcome to FSM Paulo, and back to modelling…
I use a Badger Crescendo and have recently bought a Sotar 20/20 airbrush which I have yet to master. Enjoy yourself and see you around here…
Regards, Dan
Welcome to FSM, gentlemen!
Welcome to FSM, Paolo. Check out the airbrushing forum. You could pick out a lot from there.
[#welcome]
welcome, guys, welcome. I’m sure some one has the info you seek.
Welcome aboard! hope you enjoy the forums
Welcome Paolo, enjoy the site!!
Hello and Welcome Aboard. Dig through the various forums and you will find tons of information…Dont see what your looking for? Try the search feature its very easy to use and thorough! Still dont see it? Dont be shy ask away!
Hi ya paoloski …
Just thought I would toss my [2c] into the fray … and say howdy and … [#welcome] !!!
[#welcome] to FSM paoloski.
mark956
Welcome to FSM and the forums.