What is a good airbrush for weathering n scale trains? - Model Railroader Magazine

An airbrush is a handy tool, and depending on useage can have a broad learning curve.  Though an airbrush in skilled hands can produce some mighty fine  weathering, some of the most convincing weathering jobs I've seen were not done with an airbrush.  

The HO GN boxcar was weathered almost entirely with an airbrush, but the weatherer was my son who uses his quiver of airbrushes primarily for artwork.

The HO GN coal hopper was weathered with Pan Pastels, pigment powders, panel line wash, colored pencil and artist oil paint.  Though an airbrush was used for applying the clear coats and base paint on the trucks and wheel faces, the same could have been accomplished with a spray can and or brush.  Must say I've always had difficulty laying down a nice smooth clear coat via spray can.

I'm far from accomplished with an airbrush, but have a Badger 200 single-action bottom feeder that I've enjoyed using for many years and now learning to use a Badger double-action gravity feed brush, in my case I tend to agree with at least one expert who believes that starting with a double-action is best as that negates having to unlearn single-action.

Quality tools cost more, but when properly cared for can last a lifetime or longer, I still use some of my late father and grandfather's tools.

Best wishes and regards, Peter