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Abrams Anti-Slip Question
errains
#045
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Posted: Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - 12:41 PM UTC
I’m looking at doing up a early, early M1A1 and was wondering when in the Abrams life cycle was Anti-Slip applied. Where all Abrams born with it? If not at what time period was it started to be applied...Hope this makes sense. I’m sure this has been asked here before but I couldn’t locate any conversations regarding this topic.

Thanks in Advance!
HeavyArty
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Posted: Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - 01:29 PM UTC
M1A1s came with it from the factory. Many earlier M1s and M1IP had a sand paint applied by the crews to help with the slippery surfaces.

Here is a good drawing showing where the anti-slip is applied on an M1A1/A2 Abrams.
panamadan
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Posted: Wednesday, June 26, 2019 - 01:35 PM UTC
I was on 'A1's in 1987 and I frankly don't remember the tanks having any at all.
Maybe they did and I just don't remember it or maybe it was wasn't as pronounced as todays vehicles.
Dan
errains
#045
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Posted: Thursday, June 27, 2019 - 03:07 AM UTC
Thank You Gentlemen that helps!!

And thanks for reposting the anti-slip schematic again Gino!
BunkerBuster
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Posted: Thursday, June 27, 2019 - 03:51 AM UTC
Between Gino's diagram and past advice with using the "Terra Cotta" rattle can paint, you will get a highly realistic anti-slip texture.
M4A1Sherman
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Posted: Thursday, June 27, 2019 - 03:57 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Thank You Gentlemen that helps!!

And thanks for reposting the anti-slip schematic again Gino!


Hi, Eric and Everyone Else!

IMO, I often find the "Anti-Slip" that is applied to 1/35 Armor is a bit too "exaggerated" by some modelers. I don't like to "go nuts" with it, myself- Too "out of scale", in other words...

I like to apply TESTORS Liquid Cement with an old "cheapie" TESTORS Nylon Brush, and then "stippling" the wet surface. I like to use the TESTORS Liquid cement because it has a slower "drying time" than TAMIYA's for example, allowing me ample time to do my "stippling"...

(No, I do not work for TESTORS)

That "anti-slip" diagram sent by Gino is very helpful, too!

THANKS, Gino!
Sabot
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Posted: Thursday, June 27, 2019 - 05:42 AM UTC
No slip coating varied between early M1A1 tanks and later M1A1 Heavies.








Even the non-slip on the blast panels is different than the surrounding turret areas. Original M1A1s look like it was just smeared on the vehicle prior to painting. Then there are the more uniform factory-looking non-slip areas of later tanks.
errains
#045
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Posted: Thursday, June 27, 2019 - 11:45 PM UTC
Thanks for the additional info!

For Dennis: The method you outline for the anti-slip sounds like it should produce a very realistic finnish. I'll definitely keep it in mind. I've been wanting to try out the "Terra Cotta" technique for sometime so I'm going to try it on this one I think.

For Sabot: great pics showing how much this stuff can vary for one vehicle to another. Definitely something to consider for sure.

M4A1Sherman
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Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019 - 01:07 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Thanks for the additional info!

For Dennis: The method you outline for the anti-slip sounds like it should produce a very realistic finnish. I'll definitely keep it in mind. I've been wanting to try out the "Terra Cotta" technique for sometime so I'm going to try it on this one I think.

For Sabot: great pics showing how much this stuff can vary for one vehicle to another. Definitely something to consider for sure.



My "TESTORS-method" also works pretty well for "simulating" some of the uneven textures of "Cast-Armor" on certain WWII subject-matter...

The "trick" in doing this, is to "follow up" with a relatively smoother and lighter coat of the liquid cement applied over the "stippling"... It's STILL a lot cheaper than buying GUNZE's "MR. SURFACER"...
Sabot
Joined: December 18, 2001
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Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019 - 05:57 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Thanks for the additional info!

For Dennis: The method you outline for the anti-slip sounds like it should produce a very realistic finnish. I'll definitely keep it in mind. I've been wanting to try out the "Terra Cotta" technique for sometime so I'm going to try it on this one I think.

For Sabot: great pics showing how much this stuff can vary for one vehicle to another. Definitely something to consider for sure.


Even the surface on the same tank are different for different spots and items.
Alpha23
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Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019 - 02:14 PM UTC
Hello,

I was on M1A1 Heavies in Germany from 90-92. Our non-slip was very subtle except on the turret sponsen boxes.
errains
#045
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Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2019 - 06:05 AM UTC
Here is my application of the Anit-Slip texture using Rust-Oleum TerraCotta spray paint. More or less happy with the results could be a tad cleaner is some area though.

First the Masking, took me about three hours...
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After Painting and demasking...
[/url]

Mockup of my upcoming Abrams build...
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Comments are welcome as always...Thanks for all your help!
panamadan
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Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2019 - 09:01 AM UTC
Looks brown!
Good job.
Dan
GulfWarrior
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ARMORAMA
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Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2019 - 09:29 AM UTC
Yup! All the masking is a real PITA; but you sure can't argue with the results!



errains
#045
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Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2019 - 11:14 AM UTC
Thanks Dan & Richard!...You sure can't it really looks nice and super close to scale too. The Masking was not to bad once you get in the groove.
GulfWarrior
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ARMORAMA
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Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2019 - 01:28 PM UTC
In a pinch, for small things like bolt heads or other small details you can also use Elmer's white glue. I've used it on my M9 ACE that I'm working on right now.



HeavyArty
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Posted: Sunday, June 30, 2019 - 01:49 PM UTC
It came out looking great. Good job on it.
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