Reddit reviews Paasche TG-Set Talon Airbrushing System with The Master TC-20T Air Compressor.

First of all, whatever you choose, make sure it's double action and gravity fed.

A couple of months ago I bought my first airbrush kit.

After A LOT of research, I decided to go for an Iwata Neo CN airbrush. It's great quality and reliable, as all Iwata products are, but still more economic, which makes it great for beginners. It comes with two interchangeable cups in two sizes, which I find very practical.
With proper cleaning and maintenance, it should last a long, long time. So far, mine has been a delight to use.
It's around 55 USD on Amazon.

In my case, I preferred buying from a known, quality brand. I'm not saying the more inexpensive chinese airbrushes can't get the job done, but I'm very meticulous with my works and I'd rather minimize the chance of an unexpected failure.

Paasche is another well-known airbrush brand. I found this kit which might also fit your criteria.

One strong suggestion: do not go cheap on the compressor. It's the motor that will power whichever airbrush/es you decide to get, so it's important that it's good. I'm not telling you to buy the most expensive ones, of course, but to avoid the cheaper, smaller ones.

I recommend a compressor with a tank. The tank helps store air at the desired pressure, avoiding pulsations in the air flow. This also allows the piston to only start when the pressure drops below a certain point, saving energy and piston life, while avoiding overheating and constant noise. Additionally, the tank helps condense the humidity of the air in it (it sinks to the bottom and can be emptied), thus decreasing the risk of water droplets suddenly coming out of the airbrush (getting an additional water/humidity trap also helps).

Here is an example of one such compressor (it looks bigger than it is haha).
There might be cheaper ones; just make sure to check the reviews thoroughly to check for possible common issues, and to make sure the company provides customer support.

No matter what you buy, maintenance is key. Learn how to clean your airbrush. Make sure you're using the correct cleaning product (for instance, it's not recommended to clean certain varnishes with alcohol, as they get sticky and it makes it harder to remove from the airbrush). Clean it as soon as possible; some materials dry way faster than others, so look into that. If you're not going to use the airbrush for a long time, applying some airbrush lube on the needle is a good idea.
Cleaning it is fast and easy once you get used to it.

Sorry for the long comment, and I hope it helped in any way! :)

There's lots of articles and videos online, too; just Google things like "Good airbrush for beginners" and "How to choose an airbrush".

*Edited because typos, and a formatting fail 🤦🏻‍♀️

I'm in Canada so imagine the frustration I have when buying Tamiya paints with the included 13% tax in Ontario.

My solution? Dupli-color spray paints, top-coats and primers.

As for cost effectiveness...I use 1 can of dupli-color primer for 2 to 3 1/144 kits. I decant 1 can of dupli-coilor primer and use my air-brush, I can say I haven't finished up my can of primer yet and I already finished primer on 5 1/144 kits. I bought a can of dupli-color paint shop flat top coat for $35...I already sprayed 5 kits with my air-brush...and the can is practically still full.

I highly recommend this combo: http://www.amazon.com/Paasche-TG-SET-Airbrushing-System-Compressor/dp/B00AI5ZJBW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ac_51?ie=UTF8&refRID=0T210JWE0MTRVVHM1DXW

Some Compressor + Airbrush sets are good (like those from Pasche or Iwata) but it's all relative to your needs (as a good brush might not be good for Gunpla due to the scale) and what is offered.

There's actually a very good deal going on right now, as you can get a Paasche TG-3F with Compressor and all your needed accessories + Prime shipping (or free Super Saver shipping.)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AI5ZJBW/

With this set you have all you need to functionally airbrush but you'll also want to pick up some needed "accessories" for you.

• Respirator, at least a half mask - Local Hardware Store for best options
  
• P100 Filters - same as above
  
• Alligator Clips on Sticks - you can pick them up at Hardware or Hobby Stores locally as well
  
• Foam Block to put the skewers into and hold up the parts while you paint. Local hobby store, or if you have the packaging material used to ship heavy electronics like TVs that would work as well.
  
• Spray Booth, if you plan to spray inside at least http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2TESUQ/
  
• Airbrush Lube, Iwata SuperLube or Badger Needle Juice
  
• Cleaning Brushes, just part of your more in depth cleaning routine that you'll need to do. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N3IX3Y
  
  
  You will also want to pick up some glass jars (for storing & mixing paints) as well as some plastic pipes for more accurate paint measurements (makes the jars less messy as well.)
  
  
  I highly suggest getting an easy to clean brand of paint like Vallejo Air to start with, so you can learn with less trouble as Vallejo can be cleaned up in an instant with Windex or water.

you can find a complete kit on amazon for that price...although they arent the top of line name brands...i started out with these models and slowly over time have replaced and upgrade...in my experience they have worked just fine...and hold together great until your ready to dive into badger and what not...
http://www.amazon.com/Multi-purpose-Airbrush-Compressor-Instructional-Quick-Connector/dp/B001ATALCW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1393919390&sr=8-3&keywords=airbrushing+kit

http://www.amazon.com/Paasche-TG-SET-Airbrushing-System-Compressor/dp/B00AI5ZJBW/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1393919425&sr=8-47&keywords=airbrushing+kit