The Little World

I am delighted to be able to report on the new toy from Japan – a Mr. Hobby Procon Boy SQ single-action airbrush. It has a 0.4 nozzle and a 10ml colour cup.

I was intrigued by the concept after watching YouTube videos of people testing out similar devices from Iwata. Then a Ukrainian chap did a YouTube on this exact model and I was fired with desire.

The idea of using the single-action for solid coats and varnishes is probably closer to my overall philosophy and workflow – I rarely do weathering or shading – I prefer to get a solid colour as good as may be done. Of course the regular daily driver air brush would do this as well, but the thought of doing it with one steady push was overwhelming.

I sold off some unused photo lighting accessories and had plenty of money to order the airbrush from Hobbylink in Japan. I find them an excellent resource for Japanese goods and their ready facility with English makes the transaction easy.

The brush is a sturdy thing – I chose the brass-bodied version over the aluminium one. There is apparently quite a weight differential between the two models but I am not using it all day-every day and will not experience any problem.

The needle is a monster – little fear of bending it – and the large nozzle size makes effective cleaning easy. As you’ll observe, I’ve fitted it with a U-star quick release fitting. As yet, I’ve had no occasion to miss a MAC valve on it.

Operation for steady coats is a dream. I use Mr Surfacer in various grades and thin it slightly with Levelling Thinner. Air pressure is about 14 psi and coating a model evenly is just a case of holding the button down and steering the brush. I rotate models on stands as I spray so frequently there is no need to pause at all. One coat does it all.

Ditto with Mr. Color clear varnishes of various sorts. The air pressure is set down a little and the result is every bit as good as the rattle can versions of lacquer varnish.

I couldn’t be happier with the use of the spare photo money.