Air brushes that don't use a compressor- are they functional?

You may want to search for an inexpensive Air Compressor, with a water trap, before an air brush purchase.  Often this time of the year, big chain auto parts stores may run local adds, with Air Compressor lead-ins.  Add high pressure air hose and quick-connect ends.  You can also find air compressors, the big box stores, a component, necessary for all those air powered tools/nailers/staplers/etc.    Hose adaptors/fittings to the smaller Air Brush hose,  a local auto parts store. IMO, Mike CT.

Back in the day, some 30 years ago I started with a cheap Badger air brush and a can of Badger Propel. I painted and weathered a lot of equipment before I upgraded.   Doug

I hate modern air compressors.  I use an ancient Bell & Gossett for the air brush - semi-quiet - and an old Sears compressor for bigger stuff.  It goes "falump falump" instead of "BRAAAA".

For really big stuff I am now using a Croix turbine HVLP setup.  Less noise than a vacuum cleaner.

You could consider a compressed air cylinder with a regulator - dead quiet, but kinda heavy.

Doug
Remember the spare tire adapter for airbrushes. From Badger. Wasn’t my Dad surprised when he discovered his spare gone.

The Economy model from Badger was an amazing unit. I’ve seen museum quality work done with that air brush.

@train steve posted:

Doug
Remember the spare tire adapter for airbrushes. From Badger. Wasn’t my Dad surprised when he discovered his spare gone.

The Economy model from Badger was an amazing unit. I’ve seen museum quality work done with that air brush.

Didn’t VW used to do something like that with their spare tires? Used it to power the windshield washer?

Steve

Micro Mark has one now on their site. You don’t need a compressor. It’s built into the brush and lasts about 40 minutes with a rechargeable battery. Has a max working pressure of 25 psi which should spray most modeling paints. Priced just under 100.  
The one thing I could have used this on. Was painting the rails on an already sceniced layout. Had to be careful as to what the hose was going to snag on as you moved along. Seems like it would be good for touching things up around the layout. For modeling purposes such as weathering cars.  I would think it would be on the heavy side for delicate work where you need a steady hand.