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Thinking about getting an airbrush to paint infantry, tanks, terrain, etc, with (to a high standard) and I'm interested in hearing from fellow Dakka users who are knowledgeable about airbrushes. Any suggestions?

Badger krome and get a shop compressor to match it you can probably do it for around $320 american. i have a rolair jc10 but you can probably get a gmc syclone or california air tools .5 hp for around $185 american.

Suggest you get a dual action airbrush and spend the necessary time practicing with it - it's another tool, so it's going to need some loving to get right. There's an Italian guy who does crazy freehand with an airbrush, right down to writing in cursive script - so there's lots of lovely things that can be done.

I like the Sparmax DH-103, but YMMV, of course. I'm thinking of upgrading to a H&S Evolution 2-in-1, simply because of it's ease of cleaning, but the baseline model for airbrushes is apparently a Paasche. Badger (Kromes or Renegades) seem to have a good rep, too, but I've not had the occasion to try them out.

On the compressor end, you want something that'll put out a steady flow of air. It should also come with a moisture trap and quite possibly a tank. There's a lot of discussion on the benefits of either, so I'll leave you to search those out if you wish.

But any compressor that'll put out steady air with minimal noise ought to do it. I'm fond of the Sparmax Gold, but you might need to do some research to find the best one for you.

There's lots and lots of airbrushes out there suitable for what you are after.
at a 'just starting out' stage, its much more worthwhile to get a good air source and a cheap airbrush for now.
I would reccommend at least something like the AS-186 Chinese made ones that get sold by so many names to be the minimum, and is perfectly adequate, albeit a bit noisy.... I use a 196 which is louder still, but fills up a lil faster.
Low noise is what costs in compressors for airbrushing usage so consider what times of day you want to paint, who may be disturbed by the motor running etc.
I live in a detached house and 'could' run it all night without disturbing the neighbors, but would disturb others in my own home.

For an airbrush something in the region of less than $30 Chinese made dual action, gravity feed, with a 0.3 or 0.4mm needle/tip and a 2ml+ paint cup should do almost anything you're going to want as far as models are concerned. And wont be breaking the bank when you make 'noob errors' and accidentally find out what breaks it
For such cheap airbrushes it becomes unworth fixing them as the cost of parts often comes very close to a whole new brush! Once your comfortable operating the airbrush, getting paint mixes right, cleaning it out and are happy with your new toy but want something a bit posher (not even necessary) theres countless choices out there once you know what you'd like to be better on your airbrush

Some brands have innovative trigger mechanisms (harder and steenbeck) Some are renowned for quality (iwata) most have a huge range of brushes suited for different specific tasks more than general usage, and some are cheaper based on location; Americans enjoy a good price on Badger while Europeans might enjoy Harder and Steenbeck, easy of acquiring spare parts for your chosen higher end brush might affect which brand is right for you as you will want to be able to get new tips, needles and seals one day.

Here is what I had to pick up for an airbrush, and they have a site for replacement parts as well http://www.ebay.ca/itm/321121473113?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I just got a blue hawk compressor from lowes for 56 bucks and a Iwata revolution cr for 85 at Jerrys Artarama, though you'll need an iwata brush hose. Amazon has them listed for 7 bucks.

Thanks all for the great info! Really helps alot, honestly. My dad has an air compressor with a massive tank so I might be able to use that, given I can get a pressure reducer and moisture trap. As for airbrushes, as recommended ill probably look into some cheap Chinese models off ebay. Do they make clones of name brand airbrushes?

Cheap chinese ones are fine as long as you have no need for spare parts. Take a cheap one to begin with and later (after you brake it) take an expensive one like an Iwata eclipse. With a pressure regulator you will be able to use your father's compressor with no problem.

if you need veda parts here is a link to the veda parts page =)

http://www.pecoglobal.com/category_s/49.htm

The airbrush that came with my little aircompressor broke on me...never even had a chance to use it =( the nozzle where the needle pokes through broke off at the threading...no brand name on that one...but once I get the veda in the mail I'll let you guys know what's up with it if you like

UPDATE: I have ordered an Iwata Neo N4500. I read that it's a good beginner airbrush. I have some airbrush cleaner already from my super cheapo plastic airbrush, so all I need is an airbrush reg/filter and a hose.

After I use the Neo for a while maybe I'll post up a review if I can get some time in my busy schedule.