Iwata Revolution HP-CR3 airbrush

◆ PRODUCT Iwata Revolution HP-CR3 airbrush ◆ PRICE £130 ◆ AVAILABILITY The Airbrush Company ◆ Tel 01903 767800 Web www.airbrushes.com

I’ve been using Iwata airbrushes for nearly 20 years and my first tool, the Revolution CR, remains one of my favourites. Apart from routine maintenance, it hasn’t required any repairs, being totally dependable for a whole range of general-purpose painting tasks. That said, its 0.5mm diameter nozzle does preclude its use on more delicate work, such as weathering, as the spray pattern can be a little too broad.

That’s where an airbrush with a 0.3mm nozzle comes into its own, offering a narrower spray pattern and more control over the paint. Within the same range, Iwata offered the Revolution BR, which is great, but I found the small, lid-less paint cup to be rather annoying. Happily, the Revolution HP-CR3 solves that issue, offering a 0.3mm nozzle with a larger 7ml paint cup and a lid – so no more paint-stained trousers!

The HP-CR3 is a gravity-fed, dual-action airbrush, that allows the paint and air to be controlled with a single trigger. The tool delivers a ‘soft’, finely atomised paint flow at lower air pressure settings (below 15psi), provided that the paint is thinned correctly. Fitted with a finely machined spring steel needle and solventproof PTFE packings, it’s an affordable workhorse that’s ideal for smaller paint jobs in ‘O’ or ‘OO’ and general use on ‘N’ gauge subjects. It doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but the build quality is superb. It’s comfortable to use and – if cared for – will last a lifetime. I’ve been trialling this airbrush on a number of modelling projects recently (including the weathered ‘16XX’ on page 42) and have been very happy with the results. Presented in an attractive foam-lined case, a small tube of lubricant is provided, to keep the needle and trigger moving smoothly, along with a nozzle wrench for maintenance purposes. Highly recommended. (GD)