I use W&N Series 7\'s and they are fine. I agree with Seth in they must be looked after. I always clean them thoroughly with a brush cleaner - looks like soap in a pot! I then form them into a point and replace the protective tube. Might sound a bit anal, but it works! Also, genuine W&N brushes are not cheap so you can\'t afford to mess about with them.
I tend to paint a whole figure with a size 1. I used to think that using a smaller brush (0 or 00)would work better \'cos of the size of the models, but I was wrong. You can never pick up enough paint, plus what you have picked up dries really quickly and makes your painting uneven. With a large brush you can lay down much smoother lines because it holds so much more. Having said that, you need to make sure you don\'t flood the model!
Back to the question..... I would have thought that there would be a local art store nearby? If they don\'t stock the particular brushes you want, I am sure they would order them in for you? I buy from Ken Bromley art supplies (online) and never have any problems - their prices can be up to 30% off retail. I cannot imagine that they would send out sub-standard brushes - afterall, they will want to make sure you buy from them again. The brushes are also packed very well, even for delivery within the UK.
