I recently returned to airbrushing, and well, modeling after a long hiatus, so like many on this site you're in good company. I'll also include I'm no expert, but have learned a few things along the way.
I used an airbrush years ago, primarily for painting larger items (including touch up on vehicles and boat trailers) but was never in true command of it.
When I returned to modeling this year, I broke out my Paasche VLS Airbrush and had to purchase a couple of new parts (a new .3 needle, cap and nozzle, along with a new hose, 30+ years sitting did not do it any favors). This is a good kit, it has the AB, 3 different needle sizes and several paint cups, hose, wrench and paint bottles.
I started playing with different acrylics, I don't like enamels (oil based) because of the harder clean up, (IMO), so I use primarily Vallejo Air acrylics and clean up with water, airbrush cleaner and alcohol.
I have used my Paasche VLS AB for a few builds, and I also paint in the garage. My "model bench" is actually my desk in my office with no real vent options, but my workbench in the garage is where I paint. Being in Southern California, the coldest it gets is high 30's (at the worst) but as we're kind of in Winter weather now it's mostly in the low 50's. I can't spray paint in the rain, but when it's cold I use a heat gun to help paint dry. I still use rattle can primers and colors, using the heat gun to help dry in colder, more humid weather. I can use my AB in the garage without an issue, I have fans and vents in there that would allow me to paint with the door closed, but I don't. Temp is where the heat gun comes in handy.
As I transition to the airbrush more, (I received a brand-new Paasche Millenium AB for Christmas, which is an upgraded, newer version of my original AB).
Experimenting with paints, pressures and techniques is the key.
Depending on what your budget is, I would recommend a Paasche double action AB, I prefer siphon feed, (paint in the bottom) but some prefer gravity feed, (paint on top). A good quality AB is available for around 100 bucks on Amazon.
Paasche VLS Double Action with 3 needles
You can also pick up some accessories along with cleaners and thinners on Amazon pretty cheaply. I would also recommend a "cleaning kit", makes cleaning the AB easier, or you could just use toothpicks and cotton buds which is what I'd used for years. I was amazed how much quicker and easier it is to clean the AB with the proper tools/cleaners.
Lastly, a compressor- I picked up a great compressor on Amazon, it's compact, light, quiet has more than enough air pressure and control and even has a water separator in line. I upgraded to a quick disconnect. The compressor had a different air fitting but with a Paasche adapter and a couple of Harbor Freight QD's, the system is easy to set up and put away. I also bought a 10-foot hose, which is more convenient for me than the 6' included in the AB kit.
Meeden Airbrush Compressor.
I agree with uromomo, I nice Paasche VLS airbrush is the perfect starter kit, which you won't outgrow, providing options to experiment and upgrade as your skills increase. If you can, visit your local hobby store (preferably a "mom and pop" type, they will more than likely be much more helpful with info about AB and options than say Michael's or Hobby Lobby, but you never know, you may have an employee who is avid modeler and AB user who can help.
