Eric,
How did you apply the anti-skid?
Dan
Hosted by Darren Baker
Merkava Mk.4M w/Trophy APS (Meng-1/35th)
panamadan
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 1,513 posts
Armorama: 1,449 posts
Posted: Monday, April 15, 2019 - 12:09 PM UTC
errains
#045
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - 05:45 AM UTC
Hello Dan,
The Antiskid paste has the consistency of oil paint with "grains" of material mixed into it. Therefore it can not be shot through an airbrush. Using a triple-zero brush and using the molded on antiskid as a guide I applied the first of two coats just like painting. after about 20mins I then applied the second coat using a number zero sized brush in a stippling motion. Once this cures, about 2hrs I remove the Antiskid from areas that I accidently applied it to. It took about 2hrs to do the entire lower hull and I figure about the same time or a tad bit longer due to the odd shapes on the turret. It's about the same amount of time to do the mask and spray method.
Hope this helps
The Antiskid paste has the consistency of oil paint with "grains" of material mixed into it. Therefore it can not be shot through an airbrush. Using a triple-zero brush and using the molded on antiskid as a guide I applied the first of two coats just like painting. after about 20mins I then applied the second coat using a number zero sized brush in a stippling motion. Once this cures, about 2hrs I remove the Antiskid from areas that I accidently applied it to. It took about 2hrs to do the entire lower hull and I figure about the same time or a tad bit longer due to the odd shapes on the turret. It's about the same amount of time to do the mask and spray method.
Hope this helps
panamadan
Joined: July 20, 2004
KitMaker: 1,513 posts
Armorama: 1,449 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - 07:09 AM UTC
Eric,
It does. I also have this anti skid mixture and am looking for ways to apply it.
Dan
It does. I also have this anti skid mixture and am looking for ways to apply it.
Dan
errains
#045
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - 07:14 AM UTC
Quoted Text
It does. I also have this anti skid mixture and am looking for ways to apply it.
Dan
Good to hear Dan. The Key takeaways are...
a. Apply with brush
b. Go slow
c. more than one layer/coat
d. BE PATIENCE
cabasner
Joined: February 12, 2012
KitMaker: 1,083 posts
Armorama: 1,014 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 27, 2019 - 11:14 AM UTC
Hey Eric,
It's been awhile since I posted here, and still haven't taken any photos of my build, since I am waiting on the replacement parts from Meng that I ordered a week or so ago. I'm guessing it might be a month or more until I get them, which stinks because I'd really like to get going on my Merkava. However, I DID get the Magic main gun, and WOW, talk about details! I am really interested in whether you have started to work on that barrel yet, and if so, if you've got any tricks up your sleeve on how to address all the ultra small parts. I think that if I can manage to put it together, it will be a really spectacular addition to the model. Any progress on that, or on any part of your tank?
It's been awhile since I posted here, and still haven't taken any photos of my build, since I am waiting on the replacement parts from Meng that I ordered a week or so ago. I'm guessing it might be a month or more until I get them, which stinks because I'd really like to get going on my Merkava. However, I DID get the Magic main gun, and WOW, talk about details! I am really interested in whether you have started to work on that barrel yet, and if so, if you've got any tricks up your sleeve on how to address all the ultra small parts. I think that if I can manage to put it together, it will be a really spectacular addition to the model. Any progress on that, or on any part of your tank?
errains
#045
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 27, 2019 - 12:34 PM UTC
Hey Curt good to hear from you.
I took a bit of time off from working on the Merk. The main reason was that main gun. It is a bit intimidating to say the least so I have been building it in my minds eye...if that makes any sense. I feel I have a good plan of attack so if you can wait a week I was planning on starting on it tomorrow. I'll post up a detailed step-by-step as I go so to give you a good idea of how I approach it.
I took a bit of time off from working on the Merk. The main reason was that main gun. It is a bit intimidating to say the least so I have been building it in my minds eye...if that makes any sense. I feel I have a good plan of attack so if you can wait a week I was planning on starting on it tomorrow. I'll post up a detailed step-by-step as I go so to give you a good idea of how I approach it.
cabasner
Joined: February 12, 2012
KitMaker: 1,083 posts
Armorama: 1,014 posts
Posted: Saturday, April 27, 2019 - 02:29 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hey Curt good to hear from you.
I took a bit of time off from working on the Merk. The main reason was that main gun. It is a bit intimidating to say the least so I have been building it in my minds eye...if that makes any sense. I feel I have a good plan of attack so if you can wait a week I was planning on starting on it tomorrow. I'll post up a detailed step-by-step as I go so to give you a good idea of how I approach it.
Fantastic, Eric. I haven't even thought about how to attack the barrel, but I have looked at the parts, and boy, are they intimidating! I look forward to seeing what you have in mind!!
cabasner
Joined: February 12, 2012
KitMaker: 1,083 posts
Armorama: 1,014 posts
Posted: Sunday, April 28, 2019 - 11:58 PM UTC
Oh, as an aside...last evening, while searching for parts I dropped, I found, after many weeks of searching, the ‘lost’ bag of parts for my Merkava, that I’d written about here. Where were they? In a plastic bag that had slipped between some old papers that I use to protect my work surface when I build. I simply couldn’t believe it after all this time, but I was thrilled!
ReluctantRenegade
Joined: March 09, 2016
KitMaker: 2,408 posts
Armorama: 2,300 posts
Posted: Monday, April 29, 2019 - 01:08 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Oh, as an aside...last evening, while searching for parts I dropped, I found, after many weeks of searching, the ‘lost’ bag of parts for my Merkava, that I’d written about here. Where were they? In a plastic bag that had slipped between some old papers that I use to protect my work surface when I build. I simply couldn’t believe it after all this time, but I was thrilled!
...after you've ordered the missing parts. Murphy works overtime.
Removed by original poster on 04/30/19 - 15:25:01 (GMT).
cabasner
Joined: February 12, 2012
KitMaker: 1,083 posts
Armorama: 1,014 posts
Posted: Monday, April 29, 2019 - 03:02 AM UTC
[quote]
Somehow, I knew that was going to happen...and I guess it never hurts to have extra parts, right??
Quoted Text
Quoted TextOh, as an aside...last evening, while searching for parts I dropped, I found, after many weeks of searching, the ‘lost’ bag of parts for my Merkava, that I’d written about here. Where were they? In a plastic bag that had slipped between some old papers that I use to protect my work surface when I build. I simply couldn’t believe it after all this time, but I was thrilled!
...after you've ordered the missing parts. Murphy works overtime.
Somehow, I knew that was going to happen...and I guess it never hurts to have extra parts, right??
M4A1Sherman
Joined: May 02, 2013
KitMaker: 4,403 posts
Armorama: 4,078 posts
Posted: Monday, April 29, 2019 - 06:07 AM UTC
[quote]
Hi, Curt and Eric!
After long and hard experience, I've learned that keeping extra parts bins on my work benches (I have the luxury of having four of them) ARE INVALUABLE. Time and again, "extra parts" that have been recovered from the "missing category" have served me by being used "elsewhere and elsewhen"...
I'm GLAD that you found your "missing" parts!!!
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextOh, as an aside...last evening, while searching for parts I dropped, I found, after many weeks of searching, the ‘lost’ bag of parts for my Merkava, that I’d written about here. Where were they? In a plastic bag that had slipped between some old papers that I use to protect my work surface when I build. I simply couldn’t believe it after all this time, but I was thrilled!
...after you've ordered the missing parts. Murphy works overtime.
Somehow, I knew that was going to happen...and I guess it never hurts to have extra parts, right??
Hi, Curt and Eric!
After long and hard experience, I've learned that keeping extra parts bins on my work benches (I have the luxury of having four of them) ARE INVALUABLE. Time and again, "extra parts" that have been recovered from the "missing category" have served me by being used "elsewhere and elsewhen"...
I'm GLAD that you found your "missing" parts!!!
errains
#045
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Monday, April 29, 2019 - 11:28 AM UTC
that is a bit of good news Curt! now you can get back at it on the Merk.
cabasner
Joined: February 12, 2012
KitMaker: 1,083 posts
Armorama: 1,014 posts
Posted: Tuesday, April 30, 2019 - 03:31 AM UTC
Quoted Text
that is a bit of good news Curt! now you can get back at it on the Merk.
Dennis and Eric,
Yep, glad I got the missing parts in hand, and I’ve set aside my Rye Field M1A1 and will get restarted on the Merkava. I did a few minutes’ work on it last evening, and will continue on. I will need the new, extra parts, though, if I’m going to use the Magic main gun barrel. But I don’t need to wait on those parts to do the barrel itself. I’ll work on all the other parts of the tank first, though, as I’ve got lots to do on the hull.
errains
#045
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 08:22 AM UTC
Just a quick update for "Proof of Life". It has been a hectic pass few of weeks and some major frustration dealing with the barrel and my PE skills...mainly the lack thereof. 
Anywho back at the bench today and worked out the barrel mostly...so hopefully back on track
Anywho back at the bench today and worked out the barrel mostly...so hopefully back on track
cabasner
Joined: February 12, 2012
KitMaker: 1,083 posts
Armorama: 1,014 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 09:15 AM UTC
Eric,
Good news on you getting back in the swing.
One thing I noted regarding the main gun. If you just insert the gun into the breach without any modification, you'll find that barrel fits way too tight into the breach, with almost no gap except at the very top. You might think that's a good fit, but in fact, on the real tank, there is a significant gap between the barrel and the mantlet. It required a significant amount of sanding around the inside of the mantlet, and lots of test fitting. Best to look lots of photos of the real thing. I hadn't noticed this gap until I had already glued the barrel in place, and I had to redo it with all new parts (the replacement B sprue). Please let me know if you need help with what I"m talking about.
Good news on you getting back in the swing.
One thing I noted regarding the main gun. If you just insert the gun into the breach without any modification, you'll find that barrel fits way too tight into the breach, with almost no gap except at the very top. You might think that's a good fit, but in fact, on the real tank, there is a significant gap between the barrel and the mantlet. It required a significant amount of sanding around the inside of the mantlet, and lots of test fitting. Best to look lots of photos of the real thing. I hadn't noticed this gap until I had already glued the barrel in place, and I had to redo it with all new parts (the replacement B sprue). Please let me know if you need help with what I"m talking about.
errains
#045
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 10:50 AM UTC
Quoted Text
...on the real tank, there is a significant gap between the barrel and the mantlet.
Hmmmmm....opps....
...oh well 
I was wondering how that thing recoiled.
panzerbob01
Joined: March 06, 2010
KitMaker: 3,128 posts
Armorama: 2,959 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 11:51 AM UTC
It looks like real progress has been made!
The non-slip looks pretty nice. And that barrel looks, well, quite interesting! Maybe I'll have to get one... (I assume that it's the same gun on "all" Merks to-date?, and that the same AM barrel would be good for all?)
I'm currently working on a Takom Merk 2b... I went a different DIY non-slip route, where I brushed Badger AB Co's "Stynylrez" primer on and sprinkled fine tile grout on while it was wet. Turned out very easy to apply: just paint on the stynylrez on a small target area and sift (eliminates all clumps if one sifts the grit through a very fine mesh as you apply it) the fine grout on, wait a few seconds, and shake the excess off.
I've done a bit of test-painting on part of the Merk hull using some Tamiya acryl "dark earth" (NOT the color I'll use for the build, but a convenient test to see how a typical acryl paint will go on over my grit...), and found it looks reasonably "non-skid-like" under a full paint-coat.
So, have YOU tried any painting over your non-skid? I'm curious, given as we want some pretty fine grit to be "in scale", but our model paint will apply as a pretty thick layer for the scale.
FWIW, here's a few pics of what I'm doing on my 2b:
PS: Right-click on the little image box, click "open image in new tab" to see image. The bottom-most pic is a close-up of the paint-trial patch.
Cheers! Bob
The non-slip looks pretty nice. And that barrel looks, well, quite interesting! Maybe I'll have to get one... (I assume that it's the same gun on "all" Merks to-date?, and that the same AM barrel would be good for all?)
I'm currently working on a Takom Merk 2b... I went a different DIY non-slip route, where I brushed Badger AB Co's "Stynylrez" primer on and sprinkled fine tile grout on while it was wet. Turned out very easy to apply: just paint on the stynylrez on a small target area and sift (eliminates all clumps if one sifts the grit through a very fine mesh as you apply it) the fine grout on, wait a few seconds, and shake the excess off.
I've done a bit of test-painting on part of the Merk hull using some Tamiya acryl "dark earth" (NOT the color I'll use for the build, but a convenient test to see how a typical acryl paint will go on over my grit...), and found it looks reasonably "non-skid-like" under a full paint-coat.
So, have YOU tried any painting over your non-skid? I'm curious, given as we want some pretty fine grit to be "in scale", but our model paint will apply as a pretty thick layer for the scale.
FWIW, here's a few pics of what I'm doing on my 2b:
PS: Right-click on the little image box, click "open image in new tab" to see image. The bottom-most pic is a close-up of the paint-trial patch.
Cheers! Bob
errains
#045
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 12:35 PM UTC
Thanks for stopping in Bob!
I'll cover more indepth what I did with the Barrel in a follow-up post here soon.
I believe that Merkavas 120mm guns are all the same at the basic level but differ significantly with regards to style and type of details such as the bore evacuator and thermal sleevings used. Meaning that the Mk4 Barrel is different then say your Mk2 Barrel. Check out Magic Models (from Russia) for awesome barrel replacements for the appropriate Merkava Mks. Please Note that a significant skill level working with PE is required, which I do not possess, but they are some of the nicest barrel I have ever seen.
Your Merk 2d looks awesome and the Non-Skid should pop nicely once painted and weathered. I have not test painted my Non-Skid yet and I bet that's going to come back and bit me in the butt later...
I'll cover more indepth what I did with the Barrel in a follow-up post here soon.
I believe that Merkavas 120mm guns are all the same at the basic level but differ significantly with regards to style and type of details such as the bore evacuator and thermal sleevings used. Meaning that the Mk4 Barrel is different then say your Mk2 Barrel. Check out Magic Models (from Russia) for awesome barrel replacements for the appropriate Merkava Mks. Please Note that a significant skill level working with PE is required, which I do not possess, but they are some of the nicest barrel I have ever seen.
Your Merk 2d looks awesome and the Non-Skid should pop nicely once painted and weathered. I have not test painted my Non-Skid yet and I bet that's going to come back and bit me in the butt later...
ReluctantRenegade
Joined: March 09, 2016
KitMaker: 2,408 posts
Armorama: 2,300 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 05:47 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I believe that Merkavas 120mm guns are all the same at the basic level but differ significantly with regards to style and type of details such as the bore evacuator and thermal sleevings used. Meaning that the Mk4 Barrel is different then say your Mk2 Barrel.
They're completely different as the Mk.2 equipped with a 105mm rifled gun, the Mk.4 with a 120mm smoothbore.
panzerbob01
Joined: March 06, 2010
KitMaker: 3,128 posts
Armorama: 2,959 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 06:14 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextI believe that Merkavas 120mm guns are all the same at the basic level but differ significantly with regards to style and type of details such as the bore evacuator and thermal sleevings used. Meaning that the Mk4 Barrel is different then say your Mk2 Barrel.
They're completely different as the Mk.2 equipped with a 105mm rifled gun, the Mk.4 with a 120mm smoothbore.
Guess that succinctly answers my gun barrel question!
Now all I need to find is a 105mm barrel kit for my 2b...!
Bob
ReluctantRenegade
Joined: March 09, 2016
KitMaker: 2,408 posts
Armorama: 2,300 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 06:27 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Now all I need to find is a 105mm barrel kit for my 2b...
Magic Models has them: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/magic-models-mm35171-imi-105-mm-gun-merkava-mk-2-2b-2d--1140672
panzerbob01
Joined: March 06, 2010
KitMaker: 3,128 posts
Armorama: 2,959 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 07:36 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextNow all I need to find is a 105mm barrel kit for my 2b...
Magic Models has them: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/magic-models-mm35171-imi-105-mm-gun-merkava-mk-2-2b-2d--1140672
Thanks! I'll look this little booger up!
errains
#045
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2019 - 11:26 PM UTC
Quoted Text
They're completely different as the Mk.2 equipped with a 105mm rifled gun, the Mk.4 with a 120mm smoothbore.
I should really stop making comments until a properly check them out
ReluctantRenegade
Joined: March 09, 2016
KitMaker: 2,408 posts
Armorama: 2,300 posts
Posted: Sunday, May 19, 2019 - 01:25 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Quoted TextQuoted TextNow all I need to find is a 105mm barrel kit for my 2b...
Magic Models has them: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/magic-models-mm35171-imi-105-mm-gun-merkava-mk-2-2b-2d--1140672
Thanks! I'll look this little booger up!
I wanted to get for my Mk.2B build as well but was put off by the high parts count (over 40) and my so-so PE skills. Not for the faint hearted, that's for sure.
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