I just came from Walmart, looking for some construction type vehicles for an HO layout. I didn’t find those but I did find two interesting items. One is a Testors Airbrush W/ Compressor for about $55.00. I have a Badger 200 kit but with cans. I’ve been looking at compressors and they are all over $100.00 I know you gets what you pay for, but for someone who paints only occaisionally and not professionally are these any good ? Next item were RR cars with Graphiti. Appeared to be about “N” scale, but maybe a little big for that. You would have to replace the trucks and couplers but the bodies were nice and they were around $2.75. Any feedback from purchasers of these items would be appreciated. Thanks, Dave in PA
Hmmmm. Went to Walmart.com and the only compressor listed was a Campbell Hausfeld Cordless Air Compressor. Was this an in-store item only?
gn goat
Hi, Dave.
I can’t coment on the cars but as far as the compressor, I think it might pay to spend a little more. I have a feeling once you start using it, you will find many more uses for it. Also keep an eye out for deals at Target. They sometimes advertise one for about $70, if I recall.
Tom
I sprayed for a number of years with the propel cans. They work okay. I bought a compressor simply because I found one for a good price.
The graffiti cars were a subject of another thread here that got locked. Tred softly on this topic. Sufice it to say I (and many others) won’t have anything to do with them.
-George
As far as in store only I don’t know. It was a Testors Kit in the Hobby isle of the Toy section. Other than $19.95 Christmas junk they had no Trains. I hear Target is to carry Lionel, but the associate in the toy department at target had no idea what a Lionel even was 
Dave
The Grafitti cars are diecast toys closer to TT scale than anything else. Boxcars & hoppers too large & heavy for Nscale. Don’t know why they used C&O B&O roadnames for the cars.
Found some 1:144 scale Tanks. US models of M18 Hellcat & M4 Sherman of WW2 design. Mostly German WW2 design tanks.
You may find HO scale Cat or Deere equipment.
our w/mart store has this compressor also.i was hoping someone else might have one as i wouldn’t mind having one also.i can’t remember the airbrush that come’s with the compressor,whether it’s a single and or double action.if you do happen to get one please report back and let us know how it work’s.the w/m store has quite a few of the graffiti car’s but im in ho.terry…
I’ve seen those small compressors. I’ll stick with my CH tank compressor, it does a much better job than that little toy ever will.
If I recall correctly it’s a dual action gun.
While we are on this topic I am looking for a recommendation for a compressor. I am about done with the cans. I have a Badger 200. I was looking at the Micromark catalog (I know they are expensive). They list an Airmaster Plus compressor that seems quiet and compact but eh price is a bit steep. Does anyone have one or thoughts on a compressor ?
I did not buy the set with the compressor, but did get the Testors set with the propel cans. I was set on geting a Badger, but thought I would try the wal mart deal for kicks.($25 I think). That was two years ago. I have been VERY happy with my double action airbrush.(It is compatible with the aztek brand line, which is owned by testors) I have done all my weathering and custom painting with it. And my painting has held up to the scrutiny of many fellow modelers and photos. I’ve totally abused it (dried acrylics in it overnight!) thinking no harm since it was a “cheapie”. Still sprays excellent!!
I don’t know if this helps. I too am on the prowl for a more “economical” air source.
Rich
Those graffitti cars are neither HO scale nor N scale, so whether you are pro- or anti- graffitti on your layout, they’re still no good!
I chose to get a full grown compressor. Those little Testor units might do the job but for 55 dollars they are kinda wanting. The compressor I chose will run about 125. Not a bad deal considering a Badger 200 runs about 80 dollars. and I retain the ability to charge up car tires and run other airtools.
I for one wont have anything to do with the graffitti cars. Tread carefully around this subject as previous forum threads have been locked.
Let’s put things into perspective… I saw a 17" flat screen monitor for $158. With my 10% discount, guess which one I bought? If I’m not mistaken, that compressor is one of those oil-less ones. How long to you think that it’ll last…
I have only ever painted one item, a tractor trailer. That’s not my normal thing. I may try it some more some day. I haven’t seen the graffiti RR cars. While looking through my “junk” I found 3 cars that were smaller than HO and larger than N. I placed them in the background of my chemical plant. They look pretty good. I wouldn’t have purchased them, but I don’t throw anything away.
May I ask the brand, approx cost and whether it has a tank on it? Thanks, Dave
I’ve also looked at those. The compressor is a tankless one, obviously. The problem with that is that if you are painting for more than a couple seconds, the compressor will probably have a hard time keeping up with you. I would opt for a traditional compressor. Target has one with a 1 gallon tank for about $69, I have seen it on sale for $49. I can’t find it online tonight, but check your local store. Our local Wal-mart has a comparable one that it maybe $79, I think it is a Campbell-Hausfield (sp?). You can also look at a local auto parts store, they may have one, too.
FT
I picked up a pancake air compressor from an outfit called Homier Distributing Company, for $40.00 over a year ago. They have a website: http://homier.com/ and they do road shows around the country, that’s where I picked mine up and saved on shipping charges. They carry more stuff from China then Walmart does. As luck would have it, it quit working after about two weeks. It had a one year warranty so I pushed my luck and contacted the company. No problem. They shipped me out a new one at no charge, even for shipping and it’s been going strong ever since. Sometimes “cheapie” ain’t bad.
If anybody reading this wants to get into air brushing, compressors etc., try the Painting and Airbrushing forum at:http: //www.finescale.com/fsm/, IF you have several days to kill!! There’s over 39,000 posts covering any question you might have.
Bill
It was a 6 gal model out of Home Depot. It retailed about 120 dollars. That is the compressor I selected after working a previous thread on these forums about airbrushing. One of the things I like about it is run it one time and then airbrush on the stored air for a long time.
Both of my LHS’s were able to assist with information, product and ideas overall. I am still finalizing my outfit but it is pending.
I prefer to brush with hand and occasionally use a can spray paint but am getting into weathering and find that air brushing does have a place in the hobby.
I did look at the testor’s compressor for a time but the lack of a filter, reservoir, regulator and plain pulsing air flow discouraged it as a contender. Dont get me wrong, it is a neat product and with the aztek airbrush might provide a young person somewhere with the basis for a future in airbrushing.