Although I haven't built a model in half a century, I have stopped by the model shop a couple of times. Seems most of these places are hangouts and have a workbench or two. I think my local shop would let me try before I buy. They have all levels of air brush kits.
I think it would be fun to do some air brush work. Man, you could put flames on the lawn mower (I already have them on the vacuum!) and a skull and crossbones on the bar-b-que.