Lookin good so far.  Nice job with the pilot considering its 1/72, bet it took you ages to mask...lol

Stick with the airbrush, you will get some realy cool results with a little practice. Make sure you fit some kind of water trap between the brush and the compressor. Cleaning the damn thing is a task but take the time after every session and even the cheapest brushes will serve you well.

You going to go with natural metal finish ?