dhdove

Thanks guys I'm hoping to try out a selection of airbrush/compressor kits "hands on" next weekend at the Yeovilton show. It's a tough call between China cheap and cheerful and recognised but probably double the price makes....at the mo I have no idea which way to jump! TonyS

WOW! Some amazing replies......looks like enamel is good for over half a lifetime! I'm amazed that there are forty year old Airfix glass pots still in service, apart from difficulties with the tops it was always hard to stir the paint properly wasn't it? I couldn't wait to stop using them and move to the good ol Humbrol tins back in the day..... I think I may replace the tins I threw away with replacement Humbrol enamels for old times sake, I intend to continue brush painting parts with these. But if I buy an airbrush it's going to be acrylics, probably Tamiya - good choice? TonyS

Hi all Back into modelling after a long break. I've never used a compressor and airbrush before (paintbrushes and Humbrol enamels were my thing) but...seems this is the way to go. Sooooo. I've done some research, two stage airbrush seems best, (I'm working large scale aviation) saves a lot of brushing and should give better finish....BUT... ....noise? A quiet compressor would be appreciated. Also, one which shuts down when the set psi is reached - apparently most just keep going until max psi? As a novice, easy to start with but something that will grow with me..... And, obviously, not TOO expensive! Have been offered Expo AB602 kit from my local shop £105.00......, it seems fine but will it be too basic once I master it? Also water filter is at the gun end....surely it should be at the compressor end? Any advice gratefully received Thanks TonyS

Thanks guys Good advice, much appreciated. TonyS PS looking to buy a compressor and airbrush and move to acrylics (technology has moved on a bit!) Posting new thread re this and advice will be welcomed. TonyS

Hi All Back into modelling after a LONG break and today got my paintbox out and opened up all the tins.... ....all these paints are ten years old plus and I tried to mix them up as you would normally. Amazingly out of 37 tins, 27 sprang back into life (as far as I can tell), mixed normally and presented a nice even smooth appearance. The "failures" were pretty easy to spot, as soon as I pushed my bit of mixing sprue in the consistency at the bottom of the tin was that of semi hardened putty. The passes on the other hand were more like thick syrup. To be honest a lot of the passes resembled tins I have bought new from the model shop.......(not sure what that says about model shop shelf life!) So I'm happy, but.....is there a reason I shouldn't use these old paints, despite them appearing perfectly serviceable? Best TonyS