If you haven't already, Carl, try adding Vallejo Flow Improver to Model Air paints. One or two drops per twenty drops of paint will greatly improve the paint's performance and help prevent excessive 'tip freeze'. Too much will noticeably increase drying time. A very modest amount of thinner will also help, depending on nozzle size and air pressure. I've used a few of the new AK acrylics and appreciate their more up-to-date interpretation of camouflage colors. However, they do need some experimentation with thinning ratios depending on your equipment and painting technique. I also use the V Flow Improver with AK acrylics. I do OK with Vallejo Model Air and Mecha metallics. I got most of the specific V metallic line shortly after they first came out, and most of them have since globbed up in the bottles - maybe their shelf-life is shorter? I haven't tried AK acrylic metalics yet but soon will. Lacquers and enamels are a no-go in our house.