This airbrush can also be used as a paint gun, in fact, it doesn't look like an airbrush. The unit comes complete with everything you need to get started, other than an air compressor.

Many paint guns are available to choose from. The Model Maker DA500 was selected because it works with the compressor included with the Testors Mighty Mini set. As I already had that set, there was no need to buy another compressor. It operates at 15-30psi.

The Testors paintbrush I had been using delivered but was very uncomfortable to use, especially for extended periods of time. As I wanted to paint for 3" and 4" diameter rockets with acrylic paint, another airbrush or paint gun was needed.

Items Included

The paint gun comes in a plastic case with cardboard sleeve. The sleeve can be discarded and the case makes for a nice storage unit.

- airbrush
- 22cc side mount paint cup
- 5 foot vinyl hose
- 1/4" to 5mm compressor adapter
- wrench
- plastic case
- instructions

Pros

The main reason this kit was purchased was to have something more comfortable to use than a Testors airbrush. The DA500 is far more comfortable to use and delivers even better results. It also gives you more control.

This paint system is a huge improvement over what I was using before. Some samples of flying model rockets painted with the Hobbico DA500 :

Fire Storm (the one with the flames)
Saab

You can use the same Future floor polish as a clear coat. Simply spray it on without thinning it. This is also far cheaper than buying clear coat in a spray can.

Cons

The down-side to using a paint gun over a spray can is the cleanup. To ensure your gun lasts a long time, it will require regular cleaning.

The vinyl hose supplied with the paint gun is too short. Five foot isn't a hole lot, especially when painting a larger rocket. Sometimes you need to walk around the rocket while painting it, for example.

The hose was replaced with 15ft of paint gun self-retracting hose that was bought at a tractor supply store. The extra length certainly helps.

Instructions are somewhat limited. As the DA500 is very easy to use, that really isn't much of an issue.

When this review was written, the Hobbico Model Maker DA500 was priced at $49.99. This isn't cheap by any standard. If price is a serious concern, other, lower cost units can easily be found.