splais, the problem with air brushes is volume. They are great for doing T-shirts and small plastic models, but most airbrushes, except for the big-buck commercial versions, don't put out enough paint to do the larger pieces/parts we normally have.

I have one that I used to paint helicopter canopies with. Using automotive lacquer, I really had to hustle to avoid color variations, since the lacquer dries so fast. And you have to thin your paint to the consistency of water, especially on an internal-mix brush.

I'm looking right now for suitable rattle can colors to do a Kougar cowl. Using spray gear is a major PITA , when you consider set-up and cleaning; which must be done for each color. Having a dedicated area for this makes life easier. But if you have to do it in the back forty, as I must, its a real hassle.

Another consideration is paint cost. Unless you have a contact, those automotive paints are horribly expensive; especially the required clear coat. And some of them are downright dangerous to use. Keep in mind, I'm speaking about paint that gives a professional, crystal-clear gloss look. I know the scale guys use other, less expensive and obnoxious stuff like latex, etc. But they use gasoline engines and don't worry about the corrosive effects of glow fuel; the nitro in which is the villain when it come to eating painted finishes.

So, consider my position. I have a small cowl and turtledeck to paint; four colors in all. I have a very nice airbrush and compressor set-up. But by the time I buy the paint (which entails going to a specialty place far off my beaten path, and paying through the nose for it) and set up for the job, I could have done it three times over with rattle cans. This is going to be a beater model; all that effort is just not worth it. In fact, I'll settle for a slight color mis-match to avoid dragging all that spray gear out. You're talking about HOURS to do it that way, by the time everything is properly cleaned and stowed. I simply do not have that kind of time, especially now that it is dark by the time I get home in the evening.

Having said all of that, proper spray equipment allows you to do it the way you want, in the color you want. But don't waste your time with an airbrush; get a detail gun.

And you're right; one can indeed get good results with rattle cans, if he is careful and patient.