M1A1 & Challenger 2 non-slip coating.

Hi

Can anyone point me in the right direction for placement of non-slip coating on these two tanks; M1A1 & Challenger 2

Either books or web.

Seems to be rare on kits.

Cheers,

Lurkalot. snipped-for-privacy@btopenworld.com

Reply to
Lurkalot
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Here is a scan from the Abrams TM that shows where to put the nonslip coating:

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Rob Gronovius Modern US armor at

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Reply to
Rob Gronovius

Thanks, Rob

I was wondering the same thing for my M1A2

Reply to
Robert J. Bartolacci

Yes, the M1A2 has the same nonslip pattern except it has a more distinct application. Later M1A1s and M1A2s have a much rougher texture and the pattern is masked off around surface protrusions (like bolts, hinges, handles, etc.).

Early M1A1s looked like someone applied the nonslip with a paint brush, the later Abrams tanks look like someone cut out masks so the nonslip was not around those protrusions.

Rob Gronovius Modern US armor at

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Reply to
Rob Gronovius

Rob, in order to reproduce this, I was thinking of using either sand or very fine railroad ballast applied with Woodland Scenics scenery cement to match the patterns you had sent to the group earlier. Is this on the right track or would that be much too coarse for the scale? I haven't seen any actual photographs of it yet so don't really know... Thanks

Bob

Reply to
Robert J. Bartolacci

Click the link in my signature block and navigate to the Abrams album. There are several close up shots of the actual surface. Also somewhere on Armorama is an article done by someone on how to do the nonslip using an airbrush.

I've used baking powder with success. Rob Gronovius Modern US armor at

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Reply to
Rob Gronovius

Reply to
Robert J. Bartolacci

Thanks, Rob

Will give it a try shortly - those are some good shots!

Thanks again

Bob

Reply to
Robert J. Bartolacci

The article Rob mentioned is actually not on Armorama yet, but will be there soon. I only announced it on Armorama discussion forum, but right now you can find the article only on my web site in Features section (click on the link in my signature and select Features from menu).

Reply to
Vodnik

Mask off the area to texture, then spray with the base color coat. Sprinkle with microballons and blow off excess them respray with the base color to set it. Remove the masks and spray as you normally would.

Reply to
Scott A. Bregi AKA The Model Hobbit

I've used baking powder too for aircraft wing walks...but it seems to peel after a few years. I can't tell if it's the baking powder, or that I've been applying too heavy a coat of paint...probably the latter. My last repair job is holding fine.

But I've been considering trying another grit material - like micro-balloons. Haven't tried it yet, though.

Reply to
Rufus

Ahhhh...so micro-balloons DO work...thanx!

Reply to
Rufus

Yes they work great and it doesn't react with the paint over time like baking powder. Just use proper precautions when using them like apply over a box top and wear a dust mask and so on. After you blow off the excess you can carefully tamp it down into the paint with either your finger or a q-tip, just be careful about pushing too hard or it will smush to the side. You can also try adding some to a little bit of the base color and then brush it on. This is good for touch up..

Scott

Reply to
Scott A. Bregi AKA The Model Hobbit

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