Hi everyone. I’m Gio and I’m on my way to going back to scale modeling again. I’d done this like 10years ago when I was still in HS but due to budget constraints, I just had to stop, hoping to pick up where I left off later when I’m settled. I could have abandoned this craft totally had my wife not bought me a Tamiya 1/16 King Tiger on my birthday!!! She feels I still love the craft because of how enthused I am when I talked about my past experiences. So there guys, I will pickup where I left off but I need to ramp up again even on the basic. I’m hoping this site could be a great guide to enjoying this diversion I’ve trully loved since the first time I set my eyes on that Tamiya M1A1 with Mine Plow Kit! To start, I would appreciate it if you guys could suggest me a good starter kit for 1/35 armored models and starter air brush kit. What can you say about Tamiya’s Single Action Airbrush?
Welcome back to model building. Re: Airbrush question, I have no knowledge of the Tamiya single action, or who makes it for Tamiya. With that name brand I can imagine it’s pricey, for your entry to airbrushing I’d recommend starting off at the lower cost range.
Canned air is considered not cost effective, plus as you continue using it for an extended session the pressure will drop off, I guess due to warming up.
Plenty of lower cost airbrushes out there, I use Badger, Paasche and Iwata brand, at present my strong recommendation goes to Badger. I have a wide range of Badgers, single and double action, my most often used is the old Badger 200. They are just such a solid and reliable workhorse, can last almost indefinately, some FSM members relate 40+ years of dependable use.
Check out an airbrush website, “Don’s Airbrush,” you’ll find a wealth of information there, from brands, types, use and maintenance. Highly recommended, time very well spent while you search for the airbrush that will be a good starter for you.
And consider this, unless you are very fortunate, your first airbrush will almost certainly not be your last. Therefore it’s a good idea to keep the cost down.
Hi Gio! Welcome to the Forums and back to the hobby! Glad to have you with us. I guess I should also welcome you to Plasticaholics Anonymous. As many of us have found out, once you have it, you must go back. On the other hand, I found out the hard way that once you have it, sometimes you never leave it. I’ve been building for 69 of my 75 years and have loved every minute of it.
Good luck and enjoy the hobby. Never be afraid to ask for help with a question/problem. The guys and gals on here are the best and are ready, willing and able to help.
Almost forgot, don’t forget to post photos of your builds.
Gio great to have you on board. Another builder from the NW. I am down in federal way area. Well if you ever want to get around with other builders, there is clubs in the area. The Seattle IPMS, that meets 2nd Saturday of each month. The muesum of flight. Its the first thursday of the month at 7pm , its free. Also IPMS Seattle is having there yearly show and swap meet. This is where you can build your stash!!, cheap, every builders favorite word. Its the largest show in the NW.
Thanks so much guys for making me feel so comfortable. I’ll definitely check all your suggestions and I can’t wait for my very first build after 20 years!
Nice! It’s Lynnwood to be exact but I don’t mind driving south occasionally to meet the rest of the PNW builders. Do you know of any club here in the north?
During my time I always viewed Tamiya as the “only” brand out there due to its high availability in my place so there’s my bias. That site is indeed is very extensive in terms of review. I’ll definitely find and research more about your suggestions. Thanks so much!
Though I’ve been in denial for years, I know it’s just a matter of time that I would be lured back to it Thanks to my wife of course and a good spot in my house. I can’t find Platicaholics Anonymous. Is this separate site or forum here.
Gio, Plasticaholics Anonymous is not a Forum or section of a Forum. It’s the desease that we model builders have. Some of us can give it up for a while but are then lured back at some time. Some of us, like me, never give it up.
Sorry if I confused you. It was meant to be a joke.
There isn’t any club specifically in the north end, but there is a great chance to meet other modelers at the show at Galaxy Hobby, next Saturday April 9. I think there are about 30-40 modelers that show up for that every year.
The Seattle IPMS Spring Show on 23 April is great, and well worth the trip down to Renton. And every month, the Seattle IPMS chapter meets on the second Saturday at the Bellevue Community Center, and it is a great chance to meet, talk, and look at other peoples’ work.
Welcome to modeling in the Seattle area!
Rick Heinbaugh
As far as airbrushes go, I’m using a Paasche VL, a double-action, siphon-fed brush, and I’m generally happy with it. I use a Craftsman 1.5 hp compressor with a 3-gallon tank. It’s noisy, but that’s not an issue for me, and I selected the specific model, because I can use it with air tools (like a box nailer), as well as with my airbrush. A buddy of mine uses a gas bottle, and just has it charged (filled) every so often, instead of using a compressor. Shop around, including online. I would get a compressor that will hold up well and last, even if the airbrush you buy may only be a starter.
And if I may offer a tip, if you airbrush Tamiya acrylics, use Tamiya’s proprietary thinner (X-20A). Believe me, I tried other things, primarily out of Dutchiness (cheapness), but found that with water or with isopropyl, the paint would clump. Tamiya’s paints are formulated for airbrushing, and so it made sense to me, finally, to try using their thinner, and I’ve no problems with their paints, ever since. Some also recommend using lacquer thinner, which results in an absolute dead-flat finish. I’ve tried that, too, and it works, but I generally use Tamiya’s thinner.
I look forward to seeing your Tiger build, and your other builds.
Thanks guys! Yup go hawks! Shout-out to all the participants of the Seattle IPMS Spring Show last Sat. Those builds are just awesome guys!
Thanks Brad. From my first post, you can see I’m kinda partial to Tamiya I just bought Iwata Neo and Paasche D500SR last weekend. Still watching and reading about airbrush painting but I’ve started with my kit already (nope, not the Tiger yet :D)
I just bought Iwata Neo and Paasche D500SR last weekend. Still watching and reading about airbrush painting but I’ve started with my kit already (nope, not the Tiger yet :D)