tatocorvette
Mac-Valve Maestro!
Hello,
Products are constantly evolving. Airbrushes are no exception. Badger officially recognizes the "old" and the "new" versions of the Model 200. At some point (I think in the 90's) the 200 was redesigned as the 200NH (New Head?) with a different head design/needle (shared with the Anthem 155). This new version is totally different internally to the old 200 and the major parts are not interchangeable. Today, there are several versions of the Model 200 available: NH, Detail and 2 Gravity feeds.
When Badger launched the original Model 200 around 1966, it used a jar adapter lid. Only that size jars could be used. I have not found or seen any other size adapter but it could exist. At some point (late 60's early 70's?), the feeding system was changed to the more convenient friction siphon tube we know today that accepts jars and cups. Among other things, it made color changes faster. This would be an important change. Since the model designation did not change, I consider it a different type, variation, whatever, etc.
During the run of that old model, the handle changed shapes and materials, from metal to plastic to available balancing handles (heavier metal). The regulator lost the original spacer washer and other minor changes thru the years.
Retail giant SEARS Roebuck sold products under their own brand name. The Badger 200 was sold by SEARS. As typical the unit had no reference to the manufacturer.
Interestingly, in my research, I found a 1976 SEARS catalog showing the new type while the old type was shown in the 1977 catalog. Go figure. I've also seen 2nd type units for sale with old type illustrations on the original boxes. Not really a surprise.
My specimen:
I found this lonely Model 200 and had to rescued it. Just the extra Head assembly (Heavy) and the braided hose were worth the price of admission. Owner's manual has a 1976 print date.
It has seen better days. The jar was stuck. Very stuck. Some penetrating oil, heavy pliers and a lot of force stuck.
Interestingly, the plastic handle is translucent. I'm sure that was not a feature but a by-product of cost saving materials.
That air valve assembly has been abused. Uh-ohh: The air valve is incomplete. It is missing the spring and the retaining nut.
Everything was serviced.
The 2 missing parts were ordered to Spraygunner and arrived today. I thought for a moment ordering the whole valve assembly, but that would have cost the same as the airbrush in the first place. So I ordered only the missing parts ($5) while straighten and refurbished the original valve casing and plunger (Hey, I'm cheap).
By the way, I tried to do my own spring and it was a laughable massive failure. The best I could do only lasted 3 compressions.
Presenting my "new" mid 70's SEARS airbrush. At the back of the body next to the handle, there used to be a sticker with serial number and in this case, SEARS Roebuck info.
Here is a comparison with the original one.
Jar attachment is the main difference. Notice the spacer in the older regulator tip and handle differences.
But of course now you can use cups as well.
Pretty, but does it work?
By the way, the old one is no slouch and still packs a punch!
The capable Badger 200 is a very popular airbrush among scale modelers. My good friend Robert has been using nothing but 200s (on his 3rd now) since the 70s. For model cars, it would be my second choice after the 150. Maybe I'll dedicate it to clearcoats exclusively.
Hope you like it. Your comments and questions are appreciated.
Thanks,
Ismael
Products are constantly evolving. Airbrushes are no exception. Badger officially recognizes the "old" and the "new" versions of the Model 200. At some point (I think in the 90's) the 200 was redesigned as the 200NH (New Head?) with a different head design/needle (shared with the Anthem 155). This new version is totally different internally to the old 200 and the major parts are not interchangeable. Today, there are several versions of the Model 200 available: NH, Detail and 2 Gravity feeds.
When Badger launched the original Model 200 around 1966, it used a jar adapter lid. Only that size jars could be used. I have not found or seen any other size adapter but it could exist. At some point (late 60's early 70's?), the feeding system was changed to the more convenient friction siphon tube we know today that accepts jars and cups. Among other things, it made color changes faster. This would be an important change. Since the model designation did not change, I consider it a different type, variation, whatever, etc.
During the run of that old model, the handle changed shapes and materials, from metal to plastic to available balancing handles (heavier metal). The regulator lost the original spacer washer and other minor changes thru the years.
Retail giant SEARS Roebuck sold products under their own brand name. The Badger 200 was sold by SEARS. As typical the unit had no reference to the manufacturer.
Interestingly, in my research, I found a 1976 SEARS catalog showing the new type while the old type was shown in the 1977 catalog. Go figure. I've also seen 2nd type units for sale with old type illustrations on the original boxes. Not really a surprise.
My specimen:
I found this lonely Model 200 and had to rescued it. Just the extra Head assembly (Heavy) and the braided hose were worth the price of admission. Owner's manual has a 1976 print date.
It has seen better days. The jar was stuck. Very stuck. Some penetrating oil, heavy pliers and a lot of force stuck.
Interestingly, the plastic handle is translucent. I'm sure that was not a feature but a by-product of cost saving materials.
That air valve assembly has been abused. Uh-ohh: The air valve is incomplete. It is missing the spring and the retaining nut.
Everything was serviced.
The 2 missing parts were ordered to Spraygunner and arrived today. I thought for a moment ordering the whole valve assembly, but that would have cost the same as the airbrush in the first place. So I ordered only the missing parts ($5) while straighten and refurbished the original valve casing and plunger (Hey, I'm cheap).
By the way, I tried to do my own spring and it was a laughable massive failure. The best I could do only lasted 3 compressions.
Presenting my "new" mid 70's SEARS airbrush. At the back of the body next to the handle, there used to be a sticker with serial number and in this case, SEARS Roebuck info.
Here is a comparison with the original one.
Jar attachment is the main difference. Notice the spacer in the older regulator tip and handle differences.
But of course now you can use cups as well.
Pretty, but does it work?
By the way, the old one is no slouch and still packs a punch!
The capable Badger 200 is a very popular airbrush among scale modelers. My good friend Robert has been using nothing but 200s (on his 3rd now) since the 70s. For model cars, it would be my second choice after the 150. Maybe I'll dedicate it to clearcoats exclusively.
Hope you like it. Your comments and questions are appreciated.
Thanks,
Ismael
Last edited:
