Chris - good question as there's such a wide choice out there. As always, budget is going to guide you but assuming you want something that will serve you well for some time to come (Chieftain and beyond), here are some things I've learned along the way:
- don't waste time with alternative air supplies - buy a compressor. Anything else will lead to expense and frustration in equal measure. There are some quite good and relatively cheap hobby compressors on the market and you won't need very high pressures.
- airbrushing is challenging to start with because you've got to balance at least four variables, air pressure (regulated by the air brush itself but maximum set on the compressor), paint quantity (needle control), paint consistency and type, distance from your subject, needle size..... It all seems confusing but you soon get a feel for how the paint is laying down, so always do a test spray. I've found that the more control you have over these variable, the easier it is. (Sounds counter intuitive but works for me).Single action air brushes seem to offer simplicity but as you gain experience, you'll wish you had a double action (down for air, back for paint). You'll get the best control and the results will show.
- Gravity feed or suction? I don't have a view on this but I would recommend you get an airbrush with interchangeable cups - too small and you'll be filling up constantly when doing a base coast, too big and it becomes unwieldy. For the same reason (base coats v detail), I'd recommend one of those deals where you get a couple of needle and nozzle sizes. I use three: 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6.
- Water trap. Absolutely essential. If you don't fit one to your air supply and empty it regularly, you very quickly start getting some really unhelpful effects on the model
- Makes. Budget governs this. I'd suggest the two Rolls Royce solutions are Iwata and Harder and Steenbeck. The latter get my vote every time. They cost more but are superbly manufactured and last.
- Protective mask. Say no more. Essential.
- Suppliers. There are lots and I'd hesitate to recommend one but I would say I've had superb service from three:
https://www.everythingairbrush.com/
https://airbrushes.com/
and for supplies:
http://www.graphicair.co.uk/
Hope this helps. There are some real experts on this Forum so I hope you get the answers you need.
All the best.
Stephen
.Plus the fact I need the airbrush for fine work.