arnobiz Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 Hello, First topic in quite a while, happy to be back! I recently started the Takom Merkava Mk1 hybrid. Fantastic kit, very easy to build, great fit and very complete too with just the right amount of PE too. I will man it with the Walkyrie 1980's IDF crew: As I said fit and build are very straightforward so I will not dwell on it. The main thing missing in my opinion is the antiskid coating, which I set about to create using embossing powder. It worked much better than my previous attempt (a Meng Merkava Mk3D) with fine sand, which was too coarse for the job. I spread diluted PVA glue with a brush, area by area: And here is the finished result: Current status, now tackling wheel painting: Cheers, Arnaud 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackMax12 Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 Great start. Wish I had though of the antiskid but not sure my skills are up to applying it without a wreck. Looking good so far and the coating sure adds to the overall look. I think this is going to be an epic build and I will follow closely. Take care, Lloyd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Israel Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 I'll be happily following this one too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayjay Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 5 hours ago, BlackMax12 said: Great start. Wish I had though of the antiskid but not sure my skills are up to applying it without a wreck. Looking good so far and the coating sure adds to the overall look. I think this is going to be an epic build and I will follow closely. Take care, Lloyd This is the 3rd time I've seen someone use embossing powder for anti-skid and it looks good!! I've wondered how to get the anti-skid to be the darker color I've seen in pics as compared to the base color on the armor. Not a large difference, but enough for the OCD anal. Any ideas or just let it go. Lloyd and Arnaud, anyone else, have any ideas or have done so? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayjay Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 Maybe on the anti-skid self-made delima...black emobssing powder and then light coats of base color via airbrush until it's slightly darker...hmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackMax12 Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 (edited) Kajay I've never tried anti-skid, but some AFV's should really have it. It's up there with the home made zimmerit I have tried, not too successfully though. If you do try be sure to post some pics. It looks great on Arnobiz's Merkava and I can see another one coming that I might just try this on. BTW what is embossing powder? Lloyd Edited January 13, 2018 by BlackMax12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrancisGL Posted January 14, 2018 Share Posted January 14, 2018 Great treatment with the product for non-slip surfaces, could you please tell me where you got it? ... Cheers mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackMax12 Posted January 14, 2018 Share Posted January 14, 2018 Francis I found it on Amazon and I'm ordering some also, in black. Arnobiz Sorry to hack into your thread. Lloyd 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnobiz Posted January 14, 2018 Author Share Posted January 14, 2018 No worries Lloyd. @Francis: I found it at a local art/scrap-booking supplies store, it's pretty common stuff. It comes in a variety of colours and I think I would have been better off using grey than black as black is darn hard to cover with paint! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrancisGL Posted January 14, 2018 Share Posted January 14, 2018 4 hours ago, BlackMax12 said: Francis I found it on Amazon and I'm ordering some also, in black. Arnobiz Sorry to hack into your thread. Lloyd Could you give me the link please? Is it very expensive? ...cheers Lloyd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrancisGL Posted January 14, 2018 Share Posted January 14, 2018 29 minutes ago, arnobiz said: No worries Lloyd. @Francis: I found it at a local art/scrap-booking supplies store, it's pretty common stuff. It comes in a variety of colours and I think I would have been better off using grey than black as black is darn hard to cover with paint! Thanks for reply, please, could not you put a photo in which the product is clearly seen? I know that I will not get an obviously one, but maybe it will help me to get something that completely fits yours. Cheers arnobiz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayjay Posted January 15, 2018 Share Posted January 15, 2018 7 hours ago, FrancisGL said: Could you give me the link please? Is it very expensive? ...cheers Lloyd Here is a link...it is easy to find in the USA and in art stores. Go to the girly jewelry making section and you'll find it...lol...man up and be proud of your hobby! LOL. Aamzon is the easiest. Ranger Embossing Powder, .56 Ounce Jar, Super Fine Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J39I2F4/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_rxbxAbC618F03 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnobiz Posted January 15, 2018 Author Share Posted January 15, 2018 I got mine for 6€ at the local store, definitely not the cheapest source but it should last for a while and I got it immediately Some progress on the wheels, ready to be weathered and assembled: Before painting I worn out the rubber part a tad using my Dremel. Not sure much will be visible with the skirts on but if so, it will be there Cheers, Arnaud 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kayjay Posted January 15, 2018 Share Posted January 15, 2018 7 hours ago, arnobiz said: I got mine for 6€ at the local store, definitely not the cheapest source but it should last for a while and I got it immediately Some progress on the wheels, ready to be weathered and assembled: Before painting I worn out the rubber part a tad using my Dremel. Not sure much will be visible with the skirts on but if so, it will be there Cheers, Arnaud Looks good! Like the warn look on the rubber. Even if not seen it adds a bit of authenticity that you know is there. Cheers, KJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnobiz Posted January 16, 2018 Author Share Posted January 16, 2018 Thanks KJ! Here is the completed lower chassis, dusted with Vallejo sand pigments: I also completed assembly, black priming and white highlights of the upper chassis and turret: Next will be brown basing of the skirts for my first ever attempt at the hairspray technique to replicate scratches. Let's see how it goes! Thanks, Arnaud 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Israel Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 Great work so far! The road wheels with the holes are in the wrong place though. They tougher (and more expensive) than the solid ones, therefore when they're were used, they're were always mounted right after the drive-wheel where stress on the road wheels is the biggest. You can see the location of the special road wheels on these Merkava 2Bs, one of which was painted in an experimental three-tone camouflage... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackMax12 Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 Looking really good so far Arnaud. Lloyd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnobiz Posted January 16, 2018 Author Share Posted January 16, 2018 Sooo helpful Israel, thanks a lot. Fortunately I had not glued the wheels and tracks too much so I was able to correct it without damage I wrongly assumed these wheels were just a different type, similar to russian tanks wich can sport different wheels in any position, and thus wanted to deviate from the instructions to make something different. Bad idea, but caught in time and fixed thanks to you Arnaud Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackMax12 Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 You had me going too. Thought I'd put my wheels in the wrong location. Whew, as they are glued. Lloyd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrancisGL Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 Looks nice with anti-slip surfaces..., cheers mate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnobiz Posted January 17, 2018 Author Share Posted January 17, 2018 Thanks guys. I have tried the hairspray technique for the first time ever, super cool techniquye! I would not say I master it but it definitely has a lot of potential. First, exposed areas were painted dark brown Then, Vallejo chipping fluid followed by IDF grey ( Actually Vallejo Model Air 71.138 US Sand). Then I created masks using the kit decals as templates so I could scratch the skirts markings later: And then, fun with a cocktail stick! Thanks for watching, Arnaud 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badger Posted January 19, 2018 Share Posted January 19, 2018 Scratches look good - well done!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Etienne Posted January 19, 2018 Share Posted January 19, 2018 (edited) Hello, great job with the anti-skid coating Looking forward to seeing the next steps !! E Edited January 19, 2018 by Etienne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackMax12 Posted January 20, 2018 Share Posted January 20, 2018 (edited) Hi Arnaud Picked up a Meng Merkava 3D today and some black embossing powder to give your idea a try. It's not as nice a kit as the Takom MK 1 Hybrid, the fits on some of the hull parts are just so so but it looks like a Merkava. Until I foul it up that is, LOL. Yours is sure looking good so far and the hairspray idea works well. Lloyd Edited January 20, 2018 by BlackMax12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arnobiz Posted January 20, 2018 Author Share Posted January 20, 2018 Thanks guys! Main painting is now done, next steps are decals, weathering and rear basket packing Cheers, Arnaud 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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