I've read many techniques for adding non-slip coating to the Merkava,including ground cinnamon.it works,but seems a bit under scale.I decided to snoop around in the cupboard and pulled out a jar of allspice.I tested it with thinned wood glue the shot it with primer,it is a bit coarser and looks closer to scale.I use a salt shaker to apply it.

I use Rust-o-leum's textured spray paint. It is a bit coarser, but works great! A little time spent masking and the result is superb.

Thats what I've heard retiredyank.But 2 things come to mind.1,if you screw it up with the spray,it's over!2 it's too uniform.with the allspice all you have to do to show worn places is rub your finger,or stiff brush over the spot before you prime

I tried once ground pepper, but it was a diasaster. Not uniform and massively out of scale. I was so angry I almost binned a full resin Merk4. I would suggest using Tamiya textured sand paint or chinchilla sand. I guess the most accurate in terms of size is cinnamon, I will give it a try on my next Merkava.

Here's a thought on fixatives for the,sand,dust,cinnamon,ect.I actullay started models when I was 8,but my dad insisted on me building things of use.IE,flying model planes.Back then we used tissue to cover the wings and fuse,and used"fuel proof dope"My thought is it could be used as a fixative when thinned and misted on so as to not "eat" the plastic.Since then,it's all some sort of film for coverings.I don't even know if they make the "dope"anymore.........just a thought.

I tested the cinnamon,and allspice at the same time,and the allspice looked more to scale to my mk1 eyeballs.Again using paints could be a risk.lol.I have a meng merk that is just begging and screaming to me to put my fumbling digits on it,and I think if I screw up with the allspice,I can clean it up without messing up the kit

Its all about personal preferences. Bill, could You perhaps post a pic of Your results? It would illustrate Your technique better.

I will Arpad,as soon as they get the problems with the photo uploading fix,I have a hobbyboss merk 4,I want to post,but as of yet can't post any pics.Also,the meng is still in the plastic while I finish a M1151 for a friends Marine son.Do you know if the got the photo posting issue fixed yet?

What photo upload problems? Just use photobucket, I had no problem uploading these.


If you really look at photos of the Merk 3D and the Merk 4 the no-slip is not as irregular as some other IDF AFV's, but actually very uniform. I used embossing powder on the Merk 4 turret above. Brushed on some thinned white glue, then sprinkled it on. After a minute or so I turned the turret over to get rid of the excess. I like this method as it's easy to control where it goes without having to do any masking. Also if needed not hard to remove either.

Mike

Mike,I'm new to this,even thou I've been modeling for over 40 years.I have been trying to add photos through the site,and was told that they are having issues that have'nt been solved yet.Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Bill

This is what's being used for the photo uploading,and it has'nt worked since I joined:
Photo Sharing Gallery by PhotoPost

Bill,
Go to http://www.photobucket.com/ once there you can open an account for free. They give you quite a bit of memory to upload photos (or vids). Once you have an account you can upload pics there, then copy and paste the image code here. If you have any questions let me know.

Mike

ok,that was a bit involved.lol.still don't solve how to put pics in my albums on kitmaker,or armorama

Thanks Mike for the assist

Bill, nice Merk 4! I can't tell much about the no-slip in the pic, but the overall end result looks good.

Best,
Mike

Thanks Mike,it's the Hobbyboss kit,I believe it's the only manufacturer who puts the non-slip on.I have the full build on the pc,and will post it as soon as the kitmaker gallery is up and running