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What are cast-iron spoked wagon wheels?
Posted in: Model Railway, Rolling stock
10th August 2021
Cast iron spoked wagon wheels date back to the 1830s and were the mainstay of wagon wheels for nearly 100 years....
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How can I easily model working streetlamps?
Posted in: Power and control
28th March 2023
There are a few options you can consider when it comes to modelling working streetlamps: LED streetlamps: LED...
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Should I replace plastic wheels on wagons with metal alternatives to help longevity and to help avoid derailing?
Posted in: Rolling stock
17th February 2023
Replacing plastic wheels on model railway wagons with metal alternatives can help to improve longevity and reduce the...
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What is a headcode box?
Posted in: Model Railway, Best practices
23rd July 2020
A headcode box (also known as a route indicator or train reporting box) is a display unit mounted on the front of...
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What are the benefits of using magnetic couplings on my locomotives and rolling stock?
Posted in: Rolling stock
2nd March 2023
Using magnetic couplings on scale locomotives and rolling stock can offer several benefits, including: Realistic...
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What is an airbrush?

An airbrush is a small handheld tool powered by a small compressor or can of air, that provides an alternative to aerosol cans for spray painting models.

One advantage to using an airbrush is that you can adjust the nozzle. This allows you to easily achieve different effects, whether you are applying large areas of solid colour to your locomotives and rolling stock or weathering your trains, tracks, bridges and tunnel portals by applying faint washes, airbrushes are a very useful tool for the job.

Another benefit is that you can use any colour you like as you can mix it yourself and not be reliant of availability in the aerosol can range.

Despite the initial purchase cost, airbrushes are in the long-run cheaper than aerosols too. They can be used with either acrylic paint or enamel giving the modeller flexibility and choice when it comes to the finished effect.

It is always best to have a little practice with your airbrush on a piece of card before turning your attention to the subject to be painted. But mastering the art of airbrushing doesn't take long and the effects on your models are sure to impress.

Maintenance is simple too: acrylic paints can be simply flushed out of the airbrush using water while enamel paints are easily cleaned away using thinners.

Airbrushes have revolutionised how professional modellers paint their models and scenery. For anyone that is feeling a little apprehensive about using one we would strongly advise talking to some modellers at an exhibition. The realism that airbrushes can bring to a layout is priceless.

Posted in: Painting

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