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Club's own tools & equipment; Communal armoury of IPMS IRL
Topic Started: Oct 13 2015, 08:43 PM (2,640 Views)
FiSe
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Heil Mickey!
Just a thought:

Reading through some of the threads in the building section of this forum, most recently the 'Buffalo' thread, I have noticed that many modellers do not use airbrush. The reasons for not having this essential tool of modern scale modeller are as many as modellers themselves, but the cost involved and justification of having such tool are two most common ones.
We, or IPMS as a whole, are society which main task is to promote and develop scale modelling. How do we do that? Attending exhibitions, organising competitions and similar is one way. Helping modellers to develop their skills is another way.

If you are reading my blurbs in Mid-West Branch thread, then you might be aware that members of our branch have option to borrow complete airbrush/aircompressor combo. This set-up is privately owned, but given to our branch members for a period of time if certain conditions are met. Not dissimilar to public library operations...
Anyway, to the point. I believe, that IPMS IRL is not on the verge of financial colapse anymore and certain surplus is being made every year. Would be a good idea to invest into couple of good quality airbrsh aircompressors, one in each branch, which will be available to borrow for branch members, who, for whatever reason don't have this tool?
I think, that anyone half serious about their modelling will find those 100-or-so Euro for their own airbrush, if the option to borrow an aircompressor will be in place.
Edited by FiSe, Oct 13 2015, 08:47 PM.
Filip . . . .

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Barry
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Interesting idea..it would certainly give those considering airbrushing an experience in the ups and downs( mostly ups) of this side of modelling. And would give them a much better idea whether they want to invest their hard earned money in this kind of kit
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Prenton
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Nice idea - we might discuss among the members of the Dublin Chapter, when we meet on 24th October.

If there is a need for this, then we should be able to help out other members of IPMS Ireland. After all, that is why we pay our subscriptions to IPMS Ireland - to help one another out.

Philip
Edited by Prenton, Oct 13 2015, 11:40 PM.
"To boldly go..."

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35th-Scale
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Sean
I actually think that's a great idea Filip and it could even encourage more branches if that was one of the benefits....

But, do you have to be so condesending? There are lots of us that don't use airbrushes, for whatever reason. I personally take offence at your comments like "anyone half serious about their modelling" and "this essential tool of modern scale modeller". Ownership of an airbrosh/compressor, or multiple different versions, does not bestow some form of rank or elite status. This is a hobby, which we all in the club want to promote, but also many of us have a limited budget for teh hobby, or limited space, or an aversion to technology or whatever peoples reasons. That does not make them any less committed or serious about their hobby. Nothing wrong with hairy sticks!
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Manxman
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Sean, I agree and this argument is heading onto all forums at present as I see a similar thread on armorama. And yet as it was stated there one or two of the Master Builders use brushes only too. It's either a personal preference or limitation on costs or space as you say. I don't think having an airbrush suddenly makes you an more committed, better or serious. As Sean says we all in this hobby for various reasons but the fundamental is that we all enjoy it no matter how good or bad we are or what tools or equipment we have. Let's encourage people no matter what, with nice positive helpful hints tips and comments. Let's leave all the nasty stuff to the rest of the world as there is already enough in it.

But I do like your idea on branch equipment Filip that is a good suggestion never the less.
Edited by Manxman, Oct 14 2015, 09:48 AM.
Pete

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FiSe
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Heil Mickey!
Well, I meant no offence by those comments.
If someone wants to use brush, that's fine with me, if someone thinks that airbrush is unnecessarily expensive luxury, that's OK with me as well.

The proposal, nonetheless, is aimed to help people who wants to deepen their skills and to make the 'ultimate' step towards airbrushing much easier, if there will be an option to borrow this expensive item...
And, you know what? Nobody said that 2 or 3 blokes can't buy an airbrush together, 30-40 quid each and everybody's winner. It's been done before and it worked, happy days :>
Or maybe, if this proposal will be passed, there could be some special offer on airbrush/aircompressor combos, but, I think, that airbrush is too fine a tool to be passed around, just my opinion.


BTW: I have seen some incredible finishes done by paintbrush and I have mentioned it numerous times on many occasions. And as for the 'modelling elite' as Sean has mentioned, I don't think that airbrush users are elite anymore. That was back in the mid 90's. Having airbrush or two is as common as Silver cars on Irish roads and one can't impress anyone with that anymore.
Edited by FiSe, Oct 14 2015, 10:52 AM.
Filip . . . .

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Jasonb
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I think it's a great way for someone without an airbrush to give it a go and see what it's like, so I'd definitely be in favour of this idea...

J.
On the bench -
Tamiya 1:20 Ferrari F2001

Completed builds -
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Joseph M

I did purchase a compressor with tank (essential I think) and two airbrushes last year. One a basic airbrush and the second a better unit . As I remember the complete kit including a catch pot, cleaning brushes, Vallejo thinners and cleaner was less than €200.00 delivered to my door from the U.K. The difference in the brushes was enormous yet the better brush was only about €20.00 more than the basic unit which was only about £25.00. Vincent has informed me that if I was to invest in a better branded I would notice an other improvement in the airbrush.
I think that having a compressor with tank available to members is a good idea and we should look at it. Re the airbrush itself possibly the member's should purchase their own as this is the unit that will be most prone to either damage or neglect. A reasonable starter could cost as little as €50.00 or there abouts. If the club were to order in a number of these to sell at cost to members who were interested it could bring down the individual cost to everyone.
That's my penny's worth.
By the way, to me anyway it has made a huge difference to the finish of my kits.
Cheers
Joe M



On the bench in order of nearest to completion;
A Model 1/72 Spad A.2 Finished 24/4/18
A Z Models 1/72 Morane "WR". (Schneider race entry from 1914).
K P Models 1/72 Avia BH-3
Mark 1 Models 1/144 Gloster Gladiator Finished 1/7/8
SRAM Models 1/144 SIA 7-B (Resin)
Valom Models 1144 A pair of Sopwith Pups
MSD Models 1/72 Vickers Vimy 66 Commercial
Revell 1/72 Fokker D.VII conversion to a two seater
Curtiss Condor (added 24/4/18) 1/81
Ansaldo S.V.A 9 (added 24/4/18)

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KMF
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Hi

This is a great idea. I think the club should look into it. There are member of the club how don’t have access to an airbrush and may like to use one.

I was thinking about what way it could be done. And I would agree with Joe that the club could provide a compressor only as the airbrush can be easily damaged. I see two options that the club could take.

Option 1.
The club would provide an airbrush, compressor it tank and all airbrush cleaner…. This would mean that the member only has to provide paint. And the member would have no excuse for not cleaning the airbrush, as the club would provide the airbrush cleaner so the member can clean it. I think this option will be more work and could be more costly for the club.

Option 2
The club would just provide a compressor it tank and the member would have there own airbrush. I think this would be the better option for the club as it would be up to the member to keep there own airbrush clean and take care of it. Maybe it would be an idea for the club to see if they could get a group price for some airbrushes.

I think the club should consider asking the member who want to use the equipment to give a small deposit of €10 or so, as people tend to treat things better when they have to pay a deposit. I also think the member should pay a small fee/donation to the club of maybe €2 to use the equipment for a week, as the club may have to replace or repair the equipment at some stage. And if the idea works, the club could add more type of equipment like spray booth, ultrasonic cleaner….

It might be an idea to have a list of who has booked to use the equipment, because it could get busy coming up to shows. And it would make it easier for member to plan their builds.

As Telford is only around the corner it would be a good time to see if other clubs have equipment that the members can use and how do they run it. It also would be a good time to see if the club could get a discount from a supplier.

Ken
Production Line
Line No. 1 - 1/72 Iranian Air Force F-14A Tomcat
Line No. 2 - 1/72 F-4F Phantom Pharewell 1973-2013


Deleivered Line
1 - 1/144 Airbus A330-300 Aer Lingus
2- 1/48 F-15j 50th Anniversary of JASDF 305th TFS Hyakuri Air Base
3 - 1/200 CP Air Boeing 747-200
4 - 1/144 Aer Turas Canadair CL-44J


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Jasonb
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Would really like to see this happen in some way, I'd love to try an airbrush at home for a week or two without having to go buy one. I can see Ken's points for both Options, personally I'd prefer Option 1, as that involves not having to buy anything! :) Maybe a fairly cheap Chinese brush could be given out with the compressor, as it wouldn't be too expensive to replace if it got damaged? There's also be no guarantee that someone's own airbrush would have the same connector size as the compressor, I've heard there are different sizes/adapters out there?

I do agree that a deposit (and I'd say more than €10) along with a small fee to cover some costs (I'd pay €5 or €10 for an airbrush set for a week or two) would be a good idea. I also think whomever rents the equipment should get a little training/walkthrough the first time they get it as well.

Finally, to get a sense of how this could work, what's the current setup with the one that's loaned out in the Mid-West Branch that Filip was talking about? What system do they use, and how does it work well/not so well?

J.
On the bench -
Tamiya 1:20 Ferrari F2001

Completed builds -
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FiSe
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Heil Mickey!
The air compressor/moisture trap/regulator should have standard thread and there's no problem to get adaptors for the air hose to fit most common airbrushes on the market. I believe that 'normal' airbrushes come with handful of adaptors in the box.
But, jeeeeez, it's been a long time since I bought one...

The Mid-West set-up is simple:
- whoever borrows the combo, have it for the month between the meetings
- there's book where names and dates are logged and signed by both parties on the date of borrowing and date of returning
- introduction and quick 'how to' instructions are given on the date of borrowing
- quick inspection of equipment is carried after returning
- if everything is OK we are all happy, if some flaws are discovered - or if some damage is done to the airbrush/air compressor, it's up to borrower to fix the damage and pay for repair from his/hers own pocket

In fairness:
- we have only small number of members and majority of those have their own airbrushing equipment
- we know each other pretty well and this equipment is not being handed over to someone who turns up once or twice a year, so it operates on trust and handshake
- the only damage to the airbrush, which can be done during normal spraying is to the needle and/or nozzle, readily available spare parts of 20-30 Euro retail
- compressor is solid and if somebody manages to damage that one, then he gets kick in the arse after dropping 400 quid on the table first

...and lastly, because we are small and well equipped branch*), this set-up might not be out and about all the time, but rather occasionally, nevertheless it's nice to have the option in place.


*) no malicious intent, just how things are
Edited by FiSe, Oct 18 2015, 11:46 AM.
Filip . . . .

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KMF
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Hi

I know where you are coming from Jason. For me, I just did not have the money or space for an airbrush and compressor. I was also worried I would brake it, by not cleaning it. So I think it’s a great idea that people can try an airbrush and see if they like it. I still love to hand paint, put I have to say I like my cheap Chinese airbrush, it works great and I’ve got good results from it. Now I’m not trying to start the debate about which airbrush is best. That is for a different day. But for people starting I think the cheap airbrushes are ideal.

There are different size adapters. I have the cheap Chinese compressor & airbrush, and I got a gift of a badger airbrush and it has a different adapter. You can get adapters so you can connect the different sizes. So that is not a problem and this is the kind of thing the club should be able to help members with.

If the club got a small stock to cheap airbrushes (€30-€40). They could sell to the member. I think I would prefer to know that the airbrush I was going to use would work and that it is clean and not damaged.

I do agree a little training and a small set of notes would help. I was so worried to use the compressor for the first time.

Just to give you an idea what other clubs are doing. In IPMS Rio they have desk set-up with everything you need. Now I know IPMS Ireland is a long way from having that but it’s good to see what others do.
See Link: http://aprj.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=56

Ken
Production Line
Line No. 1 - 1/72 Iranian Air Force F-14A Tomcat
Line No. 2 - 1/72 F-4F Phantom Pharewell 1973-2013


Deleivered Line
1 - 1/144 Airbus A330-300 Aer Lingus
2- 1/48 F-15j 50th Anniversary of JASDF 305th TFS Hyakuri Air Base
3 - 1/200 CP Air Boeing 747-200
4 - 1/144 Aer Turas Canadair CL-44J


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fs2005
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Chinese HS30 is grand for general surface coverage .Think it's not much more than €20-25 if you shop around .
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